Sizzling Hungarian Paprika Chicken Recipe: Family Favorite

Crafting a delightful hungarian paprika chicken brings warmth and comfort to any kitchen adventure.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this classic dish with simple, hearty ingredients.

Tender chicken pieces dance with rich, vibrant spices that tell stories of traditional hungarian cuisine.

Seasoned with sweet and smoky paprika, this recipe creates a meal that connects you to central european culinary traditions.

Fragrant onions and peppers mingle with succulent meat, creating layers of complex flavor.

Subtle spice and creamy sauce promise a satisfying dining experience that will transport you straight to hungary.

Prepare to savor every remarkable bite of this soul-warming classic.

Why Hungarian Paprika Chicken Packs Bold, Cozy Flavor

• Conquer Comfort Cooking: A hearty Hungarian classic that transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering meal with minimal kitchen skills required.
• Customize Your Culinary Adventure: Easily adaptable recipe that welcomes personal touches like adjusting spice levels or swapping protein types to suit individual tastes.
• Family Feast Champion: Perfect one-pot wonder that brings everyone together around the table, delivering rich flavors and satisfying hunger with minimal cleanup.
• Quick and Nutritious Dinner Solution: Packed with protein and vibrant spices, this chicken dish provides a balanced meal that comes together faster than ordering takeout, making weeknight dinners a breeze.

Ingredients Needed For Hungarian Paprika Chicken

• Chicken Legs: A flavorful and tender cut of meat that forms the main protein of the dish.

• Onion, Garlic: Provide a rich, savory foundation and depth of flavor to the sauce.

• Tomato, Tomato Puree: Add natural sweetness and create a robust base for the sauce.
• Sour Cream: Brings a creamy, tangy element that softens the paprika's intensity.
• Wheat Flour: Helps thicken the sauce and create a smooth, consistent texture.
• Water: Helps develop the sauce's consistency and blend the ingredients.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential for enhancing the overall flavor of the chicken.
• Olive Oil, Butter: Provide a rich cooking medium and add depth to the browning process.
• Paprika: The signature Hungarian spice that gives the dish its distinctive red color and warm flavor.

• Parsley: Adds a fresh, bright finish to the dish and provides a visual contrast.

How To Cook Hungarian Paprika Chicken With Ease

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Pieces

Pat the chicken legs dry and generously season with salt and pepper, ensuring each piece gets an even coating.

Step 2: Create Golden Crust

Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.

Carefully place chicken legs into the pan and brown them until they develop a gorgeous golden color on all sides. Remove the chicken and set aside on a plate.

Step 3: Awaken Aromatic Base

• Chopped onions
• Minced garlic

Cook until onions become soft and translucent, releasing their sweet fragrance.

Step 4: Build Flavor Foundation

• Chopped tomatoes
• Tomato puree
• Paprika

Stir thoroughly to blend all ingredients and develop deep, complex flavors.

Step 5: Thicken Sauce Beautifully

Sprinkle wheat flour over the mixture and stir continuously. Slowly pour water while mixing to prevent lumps, creating a smooth, velvety sauce.

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 6: Slow Simmer Magic

Return browned chicken legs back to the skillet.

Cover and let simmer on low heat for 30-40 minutes, allowing chicken to become tender and absorb all the incredible Hungarian-inspired flavors.

Step 7: Creamy Finish

Once chicken is perfectly cooked, gently stir in sour cream.

Warm through for a couple minutes, being careful not to let the sauce boil.

Step 8: Serve with Flair

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish.

Plate and serve immediately while piping hot.

Smart Tips For Hungarian Paprika Chicken Success

• Select bone-in chicken legs for richer flavor and more tender meat.
• Toast paprika briefly in the pan before adding liquid to enhance its smoky depth.
• Control sauce thickness by adjusting flour quantity – less flour creates lighter sauce, more flour makes it thicker.
• Substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for lower-fat version without losing creamy texture.
• Use sweet Hungarian paprika for authentic taste, but add smoked paprika for extra complexity if desired.

Tasty Twists For Hungarian Paprika Chicken

• Vegetarian Paprika Stew: Replace chicken legs with firm tofu or tempeh, cut into cubes. Marinate protein in paprika and salt before cooking, maintaining the original sauce and cooking method.
• Spicy Mediterranean Variant: Add chopped red bell peppers and replace sour cream with Greek yogurt. Incorporate additional chili flakes for extra heat and depth of flavor.
• Lighter Chicken Version: Use chicken breast instead of legs, reduce butter quantity, and substitute full-fat sour cream with low-fat Greek yogurt. Reduce cooking time to prevent drying out the leaner meat.
• One-Pot Rustic Style: Include diced potatoes and carrots directly in the sauce during simmering. Create a complete meal by cooking vegetables alongside the chicken, enhancing the overall heartiness of the dish.

What To Serve With Hungarian Paprika Chicken

• Savor the Perfect Pairings for Hungarian Paprika Chicken
• Complement the Spicy Sauce: Choose a crisp, medium-bodied white wine like Tokaji Furmint from Hungary, which balances the dish's rich, paprika-infused flavors with its bright acidity.
• Match the Hearty Protein: Serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles to soak up the delicious sauce and provide a smooth texture contrast to the tender chicken.
• Brighten with Fresh Sides: Add a tangy cucumber salad dressed with dill and vinegar to cut through the richness and provide a refreshing counterpoint to the warm, spicy main course.
• Enhance with Crusty Bread: Include a slice of rustic sourdough or traditional Hungarian pogácsa to help soak up every last drop of the delectable paprika sauce.

Best Way To Store Hungarian Paprika Chicken

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freeze: Transfer chicken to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Maintains quality for up to 3 months when properly sealed.
• Microwave Reheating: Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
• Stovetop Reheating: Warm chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to prevent drying. Stir gently and heat until internal temperature reaches 165°F, which takes about 5-7 minutes.

Your Questions On Hungarian Paprika Chicken Answered

• What is the key ingredient that defines Hungarian Paprika Chicken?

Paprika is the signature spice that gives this dish its authentic Hungarian flavor, providing a rich, slightly sweet, and warm red pepper taste that distinguishes it from other chicken recipes.

• Can I use different cuts of chicken for this recipe?

While the recipe uses chicken legs, you can easily substitute with chicken thighs or chicken breasts. Just adjust cooking time to ensure the meat is fully cooked and remains tender.

• Why is browning the chicken important before simmering?

Browning creates a delicious caramelized exterior that locks in flavor and adds depth to the overall taste of the dish. This technique helps develop a rich, complex flavor profile before the chicken simmers in the sauce.

• Is Hungarian Paprika different from regular paprika?

Hungarian Paprika is more flavorful and complex compared to standard paprika.

Hungarian Paprika Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty Hungarian Paprika Chicken delights with rich, velvety sauce that whispers stories of Budapest’s culinary traditions. Warm spices and tender meat create a comforting meal you’ll crave on chilly evenings, inviting authentic Central European flavors to your table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 6 chicken legs

Vegetables:

• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tomato, chopped

Sauce and Seasoning:

• 1 cup tomato puree
• 1 cup water
• 4–5 tablespoons sour cream
• 2 tablespoons paprika
• 2 tablespoons wheat flour
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• Butter (2 tablespoons)
• Olive oil (2 tablespoons)

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Generously season chicken legs with salt and pepper, ensuring even coating for robust flavor profile.
2. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium temperature, creating a golden searing environment for chicken legs.
3. Brown chicken pieces thoroughly on all surfaces until golden-rich color develops, then transfer to a separate plate.
4. Using identical skillet, sauté chopped onions and minced garlic until onions become translucent and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes.
5. Incorporate chopped tomatoes, tomato puree, and vibrant Hungarian paprika into the skillet, stirring meticulously to distribute spices evenly.
6. Dust wheat flour across mixture, whisking continuously to prevent clumping, then gradually introduce water while maintaining smooth consistency.
7. Allow sauce to reach gentle simmer, creating rich foundational flavor base.
8. Reintroduce browned chicken legs into skillet, nestling them within sauce.
9. Cover and reduce heat, allowing chicken to braise for 35-40 minutes until meat becomes tender and fully cooked through.
10. During final cooking moments, fold in sour cream, gently warming without permitting sauce to boil.
11. Remove from heat, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for visual appeal and herbaceous notes.
12. Serve immediately while sauce remains warm and chicken retains succulent texture.

Notes

• Choose high-quality sweet Hungarian paprika for an authentic, rich flavor that transforms the entire dish’s taste profile.
• Ensure chicken legs are patted dry before browning to achieve a beautiful golden-brown exterior with maximum flavor development.
• Consider using bone-in chicken thighs as an alternative for more tender meat and enhanced richness if legs are unavailable.
• Modify for gluten-free diets by replacing wheat flour with cornstarch or arrowroot powder, maintaining the sauce’s creamy consistency without gluten.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Hungarian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg