Tasty Hungarian Chicken Paprikash

Featured in Satisfying Main Dishes for Every Occasion.

Get ready for tender chicken smothered in a luscious paprika-filled sauce paired with homemade dumplings. Key tip? Opt for authentic paprika to boost flavor.

Barbara Chef
Updated on Wed, 09 Apr 2025 22:59:29 GMT
A dark bowl holding chicken pieces in a vibrant orange sauce, sprinkled with parsley and paired with onion chunks. Pin it
A dark bowl holding chicken pieces in a vibrant orange sauce, sprinkled with parsley and paired with onion chunks. | cookwithcarla.com

Traditional Hungarian Soul Dish

This Chicken Paprikash comes straight from my grandma's kitchen and takes me back to those warm family gatherings with every mouthful. The meat gets super soft while it cooks in that flavorful paprika sauce making something truly wonderful. I always pair it with soft nokedli - those puffy little dumplings they love in Hungary.

Flavor Through Generations

This meal showcases Hungarian cooking at its finest. What began as simple country food turned into beloved national cuisine thanks to paprika's amazing flavor. Sweet onions paired with paprika and tangy sour cream make a sauce so tasty you'll mop up every bit with those airy, tender dumplings.

Key Components

Want me to tell you what goes into authentic chicken paprikash and the Hungarian dumplings that go with it?

Chicken legs covered in thick sauce next to a helping of creamy mashed potatoes. Pin it
Chicken legs covered in thick sauce next to a helping of creamy mashed potatoes. | cookwithcarla.com

Crafting Your Masterpiece

I can guide you through making this beloved dish including tips for getting that sauce just right.

Final Touches

Dish up your paprikash steaming hot and don't skimp on that amazing sauce over both the chicken and dumplings. Add some chopped parsley on top for freshness. Try serving with tart pickled veggies on the side to cut through the richness.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Which paprika gives the best result?

Stick to true Hungarian paprika for vibrant taste and deep color. Avoid basic paprika, which lacks the full flavor.

→ Can I prepare dumplings early?

Fresh is best! You can make them slightly ahead and keep warm, but don't do it too early—gummy dumplings ain't fun.

→ What chicken cuts are ideal?

Bone-in drumsticks or thighs pack more flavor. Still, boneless bits work for an easier option!

→ How do I keep sour cream smooth?

Take the pot off the stove before mixing in sour cream. Heating it too much after can make it separate.

→ Is it possible to freeze it?

Sure! Store the sauce and chicken in the freezer, but whip up fresh dumplings when you're reheating.

Chicken Paprikash Dish

A rich and creamy Hungarian-style paprika chicken, served with light, homemade dumplings for a satisfying meal.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
60 Minutes
Total Time
80 Minutes

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Hungarian

Yield: 6 Servings (1 pot)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 4 eggs.
02 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
03 1/2 teaspoon salt.
04 2 cups chicken broth.
05 3 pounds chicken pieces (breast, thighs, or drumsticks).
06 1 cup sour cream.
07 2 cups all-purpose flour.
08 1/2 cup water.
09 2 onions, diced.
10 3 tablespoons Hungarian paprika.
11 2 tablespoons cooking oil.
12 1 teaspoon salt.
13 4 garlic cloves, chopped finely.

Instructions

Step 01

Warm up oil, then soften the garlic and onions in it.

Step 02

Mix in paprika, black pepper, and some salt.

Step 03

Fry the chicken until it's golden on all sides.

Step 04

Pour in the broth and simmer the chicken for 45 minutes.

Step 05

Set chicken aside, then stir sour cream into the pot.

Step 06

Put the chicken back to warm it through.

Step 07

Combine all dumpling ingredients together.

Step 08

Boil water, then spoon in the dough.

Step 09

When the dumplings float to the top, they’re done cooking.

Step 10

Plate dumplings with the chicken and sauce on top.

Notes

  1. Go for authentic Hungarian-style paprika if possible.
  2. Bone-in chicken delivers a richer taste.
  3. Don’t heat too much after mixing sour cream in.
  4. Dumplings should be sticky enough to handle but not too dry.
  5. Keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Tools You'll Need

  • A big pot.
  • A bowl for mixing.
  • Spoon with slots for draining.
  • Measuring tools for both liquids and solids.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Includes dairy (sour cream).
  • Contains wheat (flour).
  • Eggs are an ingredient.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 560
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~