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Traditional Hungarian Chicken Paprikash with Homemade Dumplings

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This traditional Hungarian recipe combines chicken cooked in a vibrant paprika sauce with homemade dumplings. The key is using authentic Hungarian paprika for the best flavor.

Clare Greco
Updated on Tue, 21 Jan 2025 13:27:03 GMT
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A black bowl filled with chicken thighs in a rich, orange sauce, garnished with parsley and accompanied by diced onions. Pin it
A black bowl filled with chicken thighs in a rich, orange sauce, garnished with parsley and accompanied by diced onions. | recipesim.com

Classic Hungarian Comfort Food

My grandmother shared this treasured Chicken Paprikash recipe with me and every bite brings back those cozy kitchen memories. The chicken becomes incredibly tender as it simmers in that rich paprika-spiced sauce creating something truly special. I love serving it over traditional fluffy nokedli dumplings just like they do in Hungary.

History in Every Bite

This dish tells a beautiful story of Hungarian cooking. What started as humble peasant food became a national treasure thanks to that magical spice paprika. The combination of sweet onions paprika and tangy sour cream creates a sauce so good you'll want to soak up every drop with those light pillowy dumplings.

Essential Ingredients

Would you like me to share the ingredient list for both the chicken paprikash and traditional Hungarian dumplings?

A bowl of chicken drumsticks smothered in a rich sauce, served alongside a portion of mashed potatoes. Pin it
A bowl of chicken drumsticks smothered in a rich sauce, served alongside a portion of mashed potatoes. | recipesim.com

Creating Your Paprikash

I can walk you through the steps for making this classic dish including how to achieve that perfect sauce consistency.

The Perfect Finish

Serve your paprikash piping hot with plenty of that gorgeous sauce ladled over the chicken and dumplings. A sprinkle of fresh parsley brightens everything up. Some tangy pickled vegetables on the side balance the richness perfectly.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of paprika should I use?

Use authentic Hungarian paprika for the best flavor and color. Regular paprika won't give the same rich taste.

→ Can I make the dumplings ahead?

Best made fresh, but you can make them slightly ahead and keep warm. Don't make too far in advance or they may become gummy.

→ What chicken pieces work best?

Bone-in pieces like thighs and legs give the best flavor, but boneless pieces work for convenience.

→ How do I prevent curdling the sour cream?

Remove pot from heat and gradually stir sour cream into sauce. Don't boil after adding sour cream.

→ Can I freeze this dish?

Freeze the chicken and sauce without dumplings. Make fresh dumplings when reheating.

Hungarian Chicken Paprikash

A classic Hungarian dish featuring tender chicken in a rich paprika cream sauce, served over soft, pillowy homemade dumplings.

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

Instructions

Step 01

Heat oil, cook onions and garlic until soft.

Step 02

Add paprika, salt, pepper.

Step 03

Brown chicken pieces.

Step 04

Add broth, simmer 45 minutes.

Step 05

Remove chicken, stir in sour cream.

Step 06

Return chicken to warm.

Step 07

Mix dumpling ingredients.

Step 08

Drop dough into boiling water.

Step 09

Cook until dumplings float.

Step 10

Serve chicken over dumplings.

Notes

  1. Use authentic Hungarian paprika.
  2. Bone-in chicken adds more flavor.
  3. Don't boil after adding sour cream.
  4. Dumplings should be sticky but manageable.
  5. Stores well for 3 days refrigerated.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large pot.
  • Mixing bowl.
  • Slotted spoon.
  • Measuring cups and spoons.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (sour cream).
  • Wheat (flour).
  • Eggs.

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: ~