Quick and easy Chicken Paprikash
Quick and easy Chicken Paprikash is a medium Hungarian recipe that serves 4. 510 calories per serving. Recipe by munchin mash on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 1 hr 1 min | Total: 1 hr 31 min
Cost: $11.00 total, $2.75 per serving
Ingredients
- 6 pieces Chicken Thighs and Drumsticks (bone-in, skin-on)
- 1 medium Onion (diced)
- 2 medium Tomato (diced)
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons Sweet Hungarian Paprika (preferably smoked sweet paprika)
- 1 teaspoon Salt (to taste)
- 0.5 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 2 cups Chicken Stock (low‑sodium)
- 0.5 cup Sour Cream (full‑fat)
- 2 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour (for thickening)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Coriander Leaves (chopped for garnish)
- 2 cups Rice (cooked, optional side)
Instructions
Prep Vegetables
Dice the onion and tomatoes, and mince the garlic. Set aside.
Time: PT10M
Season Chicken
Pat the chicken pieces dry and season with salt and pepper.
Time: PT2M
Sear Chicken
Heat a couple of tablespoons of oil in the skillet over medium‑high heat. Place the chicken skin‑side down and sear until golden, about 5 minutes per side, then remove and set aside.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: 375°F
Remove Chicken
Transfer the browned chicken to a plate and keep warm.
Time: PT2M
Sauté Aromatics
In the same pan, add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and tomatoes and cook another 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Time: PT6M
Temperature: Medium
Add Paprika
Sprinkle the sweet Hungarian paprika over the vegetables, stir quickly for 30 seconds to release its aroma, then add a pinch of salt and pepper.
Time: PT1M
Temperature: Medium
Return Chicken & Add Stock
Place the seared chicken back into the pan, pour in the chicken stock, and bring to a gentle simmer.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: Medium‑Low (simmer ~190°F)
Simmer
Cover the skillet and let the stew simmer gently for 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Time: PT30M
Temperature: Low simmer (~190°F)
Prepare Thickener
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the sour cream and flour until smooth.
Time: PT3M
Thicken Sauce
Reduce the heat to low and slowly stir the sour‑cream mixture into the stew. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: Low (~180°F)
Final Seasoning
Taste the stew and adjust salt or pepper if needed.
Time: PT2M
Serve
Serve the chicken paprika over cooked rice (or spaetzle) and garnish with chopped fresh coriander.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 510
- Protein
- 35 g
- Carbohydrates
- 60 g
- Fat
- 20 g
- Fiber
- 3 g
Dietary info: Contains meat, Contains gluten, Contains dairy, Not vegan, Not vegetarian
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Chicken Thighs and Drumsticks: Boneless chicken thighs
- Instead of Onion: Shallot
- Instead of Tomato: Canned diced tomatoes
- Instead of Garlic: Garlic paste
- Instead of Sweet Hungarian Paprika: Regular sweet paprika
- Instead of Salt: Sea salt
- Instead of Black Pepper: White pepper
- Instead of Chicken Stock: Vegetable stock
- Instead of Sour Cream: Greek yogurt
- Instead of All-Purpose Flour: Cornstarch (half amount)
- Instead of Fresh Coriander Leaves: Parsley
- Instead of Rice: Spaetzle, Egg noodles
Equipment Needed
- Large Skillet or Dutch Oven
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
- Measuring Spoons
- Measuring Cups
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
- Serving Bowl (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Searing the chicken to develop flavor and color
- Adding paprika without burning it to preserve its sweet aroma
- Thickening the stew with the sour‑cream and flour mixture on low heat to prevent curdling
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use authentic Hungarian sweet paprika for the characteristic flavor and color
- Deglaze the pan with a splash of stock after sautéing the vegetables to capture all browned bits
- For extra richness, finish with a drizzle of a tablespoon of butter just before serving
Troubleshooting
Sauce is too thin
Whisk an additional tablespoon of flour with a little cold water or more sour‑cream mixture, then stir into the stew and simmer until thickened.
Sour cream curdles
Reduce the heat to low immediately, add a splash of cold stock, and whisk vigorously. If curdling persists, blend in a small amount of cream to stabilize.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for 3‑4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in a freezer‑safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature; cool to refrigerator within 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- The stew can be fully cooked a day ahead; reheat gently on low heat and add a fresh spoonful of sour cream if it looks thickened
- Separate the sour‑cream‑flour mixture until just before reheating to maintain a smooth texture
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Chicken Paprika in Hungarian cuisine?
Chicken Paprika (Paprikás Csirke) is a beloved Hungarian comfort dish that showcases the country's signature spice—sweet paprika. Historically, paprika became a staple in Hungary after its introduction from the New World in the 16th century, and it transformed everyday stews into vibrant, aromatic meals that are now central to Hungarian home cooking.
What are the traditional regional variations of Chicken Paprika in Hungary?
In northern Hungary, the dish is often enriched with sour cream and served over nokedli (small dumplings). In the Great Plain region, cooks may add carrots or bell peppers for extra sweetness, while some families prefer a spicier version using hot paprika blends.
How is authentic Chicken Paprika traditionally served in Hungary?
Traditionally, Chicken Paprika is served hot over nokedli or thick egg noodles, and garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or dill. It is commonly accompanied by a simple cucumber salad and a glass of dry Hungarian white wine.
During which occasions is Chicken Paprika traditionally prepared in Hungarian culture?
Chicken Paprika is a go‑to dish for family gatherings, Sunday lunches, and festive occasions such as name days and holidays. Its comforting flavor makes it popular during the colder months and at celebrations where a hearty main is desired.
What makes Chicken Paprika special or unique in Hungarian cuisine?
The dish’s signature is the generous use of sweet Hungarian paprika, which imparts a deep red hue and a sweet‑smoky flavor. Combined with the richness of sour cream, it creates a velvety sauce that distinguishes it from other European chicken stews.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Chicken Paprika at home?
Common pitfalls include burning the paprika, which turns bitter, and boiling the sour‑cream mixture, which causes curdling. Also, over‑cooking the chicken can make it dry; sear it just until browned and finish cooking in the simmering sauce.
Why does this Chicken Paprika recipe use a sour‑cream and flour mixture instead of a roux?
The sour‑cream and flour slurry thickens the stew while adding a tangy richness that a traditional butter roux cannot provide. It also keeps the dish lighter and preserves the bright paprika flavor.
Can I make Chicken Paprika ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, the stew improves after a few hours as the flavors meld. Cool it quickly, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently on low heat and stir in a fresh spoonful of sour cream if needed.
What texture and appearance should I look for when making Chicken Paprika?
The sauce should be smooth, glossy, and coat the back of a spoon without being grainy. The chicken pieces should be tender but still hold their shape, and the stew should have a deep reddish‑orange color from the paprika.
What does the YouTube channel Munchin Mash specialize in?
The YouTube channel Munchin Mash focuses on approachable, home‑cooked comfort food recipes, often highlighting classic dishes from various world cuisines with clear step‑by‑step instructions and practical cooking tips for everyday cooks.
How does the YouTube channel Munchin Mash's approach to Hungarian cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Munchin Mash emphasizes simplicity and ingredient accessibility, breaking down traditional Hungarian techniques—like using paprika and sour cream—into easy‑to‑follow steps without requiring specialty equipment, making authentic flavors reachable for a broad audience.
Last updated: August 31, 2026
