The rich aroma of onions, garlic, and paprika simmering with tender chicken is the heart and soul of this authentic Hungarian dish. Chicken Paprikash is a cozy, comforting meal that’s been passed down through generations, warming family tables with its creamy, paprika-laden sauce and pillowy nokedli dumplings.
Whether you’re seeking a nostalgic comfort food or simply exploring Eastern European flavors, this recipe delivers every time. It’s a beautiful combination of simplicity and depth—each bite rich with silky sauce and melt-in-your-mouth chicken. Paired with easy homemade dumplings, this is a dish that turns an ordinary evening into something extraordinary.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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2 tbsp olive oil
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1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tbsp Hungarian sweet paprika
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1 tbsp smoked paprika
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1 tbsp flour
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1 ½ cups chicken broth
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½ cup sour cream
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Nokedli (Hungarian Dumplings):
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1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
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2 large eggs
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½ cup water (more as needed)
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1 tsp salt
Directions:
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Sear on both sides until browned (about 3–4 minutes per side). Remove chicken and set aside.
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In the same skillet, add chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 6–8 minutes. Add garlic and stir for another minute.
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Sprinkle in both paprikas and flour. Stir constantly for 1 minute to form a roux.
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Slowly pour in chicken broth while whisking to avoid lumps. Return chicken to the pan. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 30 minutes until chicken is tender.
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While chicken cooks, make the nokedli: In a bowl, mix flour, eggs, salt, and water until a sticky dough forms. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and press dough through a nokedli grater or colander. Boil dumplings for 2–3 minutes, or until they float. Drain and set aside.
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Once chicken is done, remove it briefly and stir sour cream into the sauce until fully incorporated. Return chicken to the pan and let simmer another 2–3 minutes.
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Serve chicken and sauce over nokedli. Garnish with parsley.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 45 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour
Kcal: 520 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Introduction to Chicken Paprikash
Chicken Paprikash is a beloved traditional Hungarian dish that is known for its rich, creamy sauce infused with the sweet, smoky flavor of paprika. This dish is a cornerstone of Hungarian cuisine and is often considered comfort food by many. Its roots run deep in Eastern European culinary traditions, where paprika — Hungary’s signature spice — plays a starring role in numerous recipes. What makes Chicken Paprikash stand out is the perfect balance between its tender, slow-cooked chicken and the luscious, silky sauce that envelops it. Paired with nokedli, Hungarian-style dumplings, this meal offers a complete and satisfying dining experience.
The History and Cultural Significance
Paprika was introduced to Hungary in the 16th century and quickly became an essential ingredient in the country’s cooking. Chicken Paprikash likely evolved from peasant food traditions, where inexpensive ingredients were transformed into hearty, flavorful meals. Over time, it became a national favorite, symbolizing home-cooked warmth and family gatherings.
In Hungary, Paprikash is more than just food — it’s a cultural touchstone that connects generations. Families often pass down their unique twists on the recipe, whether that means tweaking the paprika blend or perfecting the nokedli dough. It is traditionally served at Sunday lunches and special occasions, representing hospitality and the joy of sharing a lovingly prepared meal.
Why Paprika Is the Heart of This Dish
The defining ingredient, Hungarian paprika, gives the dish its signature color and flavor. There are many varieties of paprika, but the sweet Hungarian variety is essential here for its vibrant, slightly sweet and smoky taste. Unlike hotter chili powders, this paprika adds depth without overpowering the dish, allowing the creamy sauce and tender chicken to shine.
The paprika is typically sautéed with onions and garlic at the start of cooking to release its aromatic oils, infusing the entire dish with its warm spice. This method of cooking paprika ensures the flavor is mellow and rich rather than sharp or bitter.
The Role of Sour Cream in Paprikash
Sour cream is what gives Chicken Paprikash its velvety texture and mild tang. Adding it at the end of cooking helps create a smooth, creamy sauce that balances the paprika’s sweetness perfectly. This richness is what elevates the dish from a simple stew to a comforting classic.
In traditional Hungarian kitchens, sour cream is almost always homemade and fresh, which contributes to the dish’s luxurious mouthfeel. However, quality store-bought sour cream works wonderfully too. The key is to stir it in gently and avoid boiling after adding it, to prevent curdling and maintain that silky consistency.
The Importance of Nokedli Dumplings
Chicken Paprikash is incomplete without nokedli, small, tender Hungarian dumplings that soak up the sauce perfectly. These dumplings are somewhat similar to German spaetzle but tend to be a bit lighter and smaller. Made from a simple batter of flour, eggs, water, and salt, they are boiled and then tossed in butter or served straight beneath the chicken and sauce.
Nokedli is essential not just for texture but also for making the dish more filling and balanced. The dumplings provide a neutral base that absorbs the flavorful sauce, allowing every bite to be a harmonious blend of creamy, spicy, and soft textures.
Variations of Chicken Paprikash
While the traditional recipe is straightforward, many home cooks add their personal touches. Some prefer using chicken breasts instead of thighs for a leaner option, though thighs offer more flavor and juiciness. Others might add bell peppers or tomatoes for additional texture and color.
Some modern adaptations use Greek yogurt or crème fraîche instead of sour cream for a different tang and creaminess, and occasionally, a splash of white wine is added for complexity. But regardless of variation, the heart of the dish remains paprika, chicken, and creamy sauce.
Tips for Perfect Chicken Paprikash
For the best results, choose high-quality Hungarian paprika — it makes a noticeable difference in flavor and color. Patience in browning the chicken and sautéing the onions will also build a more complex flavor base.
Don’t rush adding the sour cream; temper it by mixing with a little warm sauce first before stirring into the pan to avoid curdling. Cooking the nokedli fresh and serving immediately ensures the best texture.
Health Considerations
Chicken Paprikash can be a balanced meal when enjoyed with nokedli and a side of vegetables or salad. Chicken thighs provide protein and are more flavorful, though slightly higher in fat than breasts. The sour cream adds fat and calories, so those mindful of dietary intake can opt for lighter sour cream alternatives or Greek yogurt.
Despite its richness, it’s a wholesome dish packed with protein and made mostly from fresh ingredients, making it a better comfort food option compared to heavily processed meals.
Why You Should Try Making Chicken Paprikash at Home
Cooking Chicken Paprikash at home is rewarding because it fills your kitchen with a wonderful aroma that sets a comforting mood. It’s a dish that’s simple in its ingredients but profound in taste and texture.
The process itself is approachable even for novice cooks, with steps that build confidence — browning the chicken, making the sauce, preparing nokedli. Plus, it offers a beautiful opportunity to connect with Hungarian culinary heritage and bring a taste of Europe to your dining table.
Conclusion
Chicken Paprikash is a timeless dish that embodies comfort, tradition, and rich flavors. Its iconic paprika-infused creamy sauce and tender chicken paired with fluffy nokedli dumplings create a satisfying and heartwarming meal that has stood the test of time. Whether you’re cooking for family or looking to explore international dishes, this recipe offers a delicious, approachable way to dive into Hungarian cuisine.
By mastering this classic, you embrace not just a recipe but a culinary tradition that celebrates simple ingredients elevated by love, technique, and the magic of paprika. Give it a try, and you might find yourself adding Chicken Paprikash to your regular rotation of comforting home-cooked meals.