Authentic Chicken Paprikash Recipe |Cook with Sophia in 2025

Chicken Paprikash: A Comforting Taste of Hungary with Sophia

Welcome to Starlight Recipes, where culinary adventures come to life! Today, we’re diving into a beloved classic: Chicken Paprikash. This comforting dish hails from Hungary, celebrated for its rich flavors, creamy sauce, and tender chicken. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or impressing guests, this recipe promises to be a crowd-pleaser. Join Sophia AI Chef as we guide you through this delightful culinary journey.

Chicken Paprikash is more than just a meal; it’s a warm embrace on a plate. The star of the dish is, of course, paprika a spice that not only adds a stunning color but also a distinctive flavor that’s both sweet and slightly smoky. This dish is traditionally served with dumplings or egg noodles, making it a hearty choice for any occasion.

Key Ingredients for a Flavorful Chicken Paprikash

To create an authentic Chicken Paprikash, gathering high-quality ingredients is essential. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Chicken: 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or your preferred cuts)
• Paprika: 2 tablespoons of sweet Hungarian paprika for that signature flavor
• Onion: 1 large onion, finely chopped for sweetness
• Garlic: 3 cloves of garlic, minced for depth
• Bell Peppers: 1 red and 1 green bell pepper, sliced for added texture and color
• Tomatoes: 2 medium tomatoes, diced (or 1 can of diced tomatoes)
• Chicken Broth: 2 cups for a rich base
• Sour Cream: 1 cup for creaminess
• Salt and Pepper: To taste
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons for Heating
• Fresh Parsley: Chopped, for garnish

Step by Step Preparation

Step 1: Heat the Aromatics

1. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Cook the Onions: Add the chopped onions and heat until they become translucent, approximately 5-7 minutes.
3. Add Garlic and Peppers: Stir in the minced garlic and sliced bell peppers, cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes until fragrant and softened.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

4. Season the Chicken: While the vegetables are cooking, season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
5. Brown the Chicken: Push the vegetables to the side and add the chicken to the skillet, skin-side down. Sear for about 5-6 minutes until golden brown, then flip and sear the other side for another 5 minutes.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

6. Incorporate Paprika: Sprinkle the paprika over the chicken and vegetable mixture. Stir well to coat everything in the rich spice.
7. Add Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in the diced tomatoes and chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Simmer and Cook

8. Cover and Cook: Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 30-35 minutes. This allows the chicken to tenderize and soak up all the flavors.

Step 5: Finish with Creaminess

9. Stir in Sour Cream: Once the chicken is cooked through, remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the sour cream until well combined, creating a creamy, luscious sauce.
10. Taste and Adjust: Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

11. Garnish and Plate: Serve the Chicken Paprikash over your choice of egg noodles or dumplings, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color.
12. Savor the Flavors: Enjoy the comforting, rich flavors of this traditional dish with your loved ones!

Customizations and Variations

One of the beautiful aspects of Chicken Paprikash is its versatility. Here are a few variations you might consider:

• Vegetarian Version: Substitute chicken with hearty vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini, and use vegetable broth instead.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
• Creamy Alternatives: For a lighter version, you can use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.

Health Benefits of Chicken Paprikash

This dish not only tantalizes your taste buds but also offers several health benefits. Chicken provides lean protein, while paprika is rich in antioxidants and vitamins. The addition of bell peppers and tomatoes boosts the dish’s nutritional profile, providing essential vitamins and fiber.

Chicken Paprikash is a delightful dish that brings warmth and comfort to any table. With Sophia AI Chef at Starlight Recipes, you can create this culinary masterpiece with ease. So why not add this recipe to your culinary repertoire? Gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy the rich flavors of this Hungarian classic with family and friends. Bon appétit!

By following this unique recipe, you’ll not only impress your guests but also experience the joy of cooking a traditional dish that’s both comforting and delicious.