A Creamy, Comforting Classic Made Easy
Hungarian Chicken Paprikash—Paprikás Csirke—is one of the most iconic dishes in Hungarian cuisine. It’s known for its velvety paprika-infused sauce, tender chicken that falls right off the bone, and the perfect harmony between tangy sour cream and aromatic spices.
This recipe brings all the traditional comfort of Hungarian home cooking while keeping things simple enough for a busy weeknight. With a handful of pantry staples, a generous spoonful of paprika, and just under an hour, you’ll have a dish that tastes like it simmered for hours.
🥘 Ingredients
For the Chicken Paprikash
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 chicken thighs (bone-in and skin-on preferred, about 2.5 lbs total)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons Hungarian paprika (sweet paprika)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (more to taste)
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 1 tablespoon flour
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions (Extended & Enhanced)
1️⃣ Season and Brown the Chicken
Start by patting your chicken thighs dry—this ensures they brown beautifully.
Generously season both sides with salt and black pepper.
Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
When the butter begins to foam, add the chicken thighs skin-side down.
Brown for 3–4 minutes per side until a deep golden crust forms.
This caramelization builds the base flavor of your entire dish.
Remove the chicken to a plate and set aside—don’t worry if it isn’t cooked through yet.
2️⃣ Build the Flavor Base
In the same pot (do not rinse it), melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter.
Add the diced onion and sauté for about 2–3 minutes, letting it soften and turn translucent.
Next, add:
- diced red bell pepper
- minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
Cook everything for another 2–3 minutes, stirring continuously.
This step caramelizes the tomato paste and peppers, strengthening the sweetness and depth of the sauce.
3️⃣ Add the Paprika and Bloom the Spices
Sprinkle in the 2 tablespoons of paprika.
Stir quickly so the paprika warms in the butter—but be careful not to burn it.
Blooming paprika gently releases its smoky aroma and turns the base into a beautiful red color.
Season with:
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
4️⃣ Add Liquids and Simmer
Pour in the 1 cup of chicken stock, scraping the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon to release all those browned bits.
Return the chicken thighs (and any juices on the plate) back to the pot.
Reduce the heat to medium and let everything simmer gently for 20–25 minutes.
Flip the chicken halfway through to ensure even cooking.
During this simmer, the chicken becomes juicy and tender, while the sauce deepens into a warm reddish-orange color.
5️⃣ Thicken the Sauce with Sour Cream
In a small bowl, whisk together:
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon flour
This creates a smooth, lump-free thickener.
Slowly ladle ½ cup of the hot cooking liquid from the pot into the sour cream mixture while whisking constantly.
This step tempers the sour cream and prevents it from curdling.
Pour the tempered mixture back into the pot and stir gently.
Let the dish simmer for another 5 minutes, thickening into a velvety, rich sauce that beautifully coats the chicken.
6️⃣ Garnish and Serve
Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color and herbal brightness.
Your Chicken Paprikash is now ready to enjoy—creamy, aromatic, and bursting with Hungary’s signature flavors.
🍽️ What to Serve With Chicken Paprikash
Traditionally, this dish is served with nokedli (Hungarian dumplings), but it’s equally delicious with:
- Buttered egg noodles
- Homemade spaetzle
- Steamed rice
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Crusty bread to soak up the sauce
⭐ Chef Tips for Perfect Chicken Paprikash
✔ Use sweet Hungarian paprika—it makes a big difference in authenticity and flavor.
✔ For extra depth, add ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional).
✔ Bone-in thighs are juicier and more flavorful than chicken breast.
✔ Don’t boil after adding sour cream—only gentle simmering.
✔ Add a splash of lemon juice at the end for brightness if desired.
⏱️ Recipe Summary
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories: ~420 kcal per serving