Name: Creamy Chicken Paprikash Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: PT-491085H58M27S
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Hungarian
Ingredients: 3 lb bone-in, skin-on chicken drumsticks and thighs (can substitute with boneless, skinless chicken thighs); Salt & pepper, to taste; 1 tbsp olive oil; 3 tbsp butter; 1 large onion, diced; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 1 large tomato, diced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp tomato paste; 3 tbsp Hungarian sweet paprika; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1/2 tsp hot paprika or a pinch of cayenne pepper; 2 cups chicken broth; 3 tbsp all-purpose flour; 3/4 cup sour cream; 1 small lemon, juice of; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, minced (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 1 review

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If you are craving a dish that wraps you in comforting warmth with every bite, then this Creamy Chicken Paprikash Recipe is exactly the magic you need in your kitchen. Bursting with layers of rich Hungarian paprika, tender chicken, and a silky sour cream sauce, this dish is both soul-soothing and impressively simple to make. Every element—from the fragrant paprika blend to the creamy lemon-kissed finish—works together perfectly to deliver a meal that feels like a big, delicious hug on your plate.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A black plate with white dash patterns holds six raw chicken pieces, three thighs and three drumsticks, in the center of the image. Around the plate, on a white marbled surface, are small white and clear glass bowls with ingredients: diced red tomatoes, red bell peppers, chopped white onions, minced garlic, chopped fresh green herbs, a brown paste, yellow butter chunks, white flour, creamy white yogurt, brown broth in a clear glass measuring cup, and two small piles of red spices. The setup looks neat and organized for cooking preparation, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Simple, pantry-friendly ingredients come together in this recipe, each carefully selected to create a beautiful balance of flavors and textures. From the hearty chicken pieces to the blend of paprikas and tangy sour cream, every ingredient plays an essential role in making this dish shine.

3 lb bone-in, skin-on chicken drumsticks and thighs: These provide rich flavor and moisture, but boneless skinless thighs can also work for convenience.
Salt & pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the natural flavors of the chicken and sauce.
1 tbsp olive oil: Helps sear the chicken to a beautiful golden crust without burning.
3 tbsp butter: Adds richness and silkiness, deeply enhancing the sauce.
1 large onion, diced: Offers sweetness and depth as it softens down in the pan.
1 red bell pepper, diced: Brings a fresh, colorful sweetness and gentle crunch.
1 large tomato, diced: Adds acidity and a subtle fruity base to the sauce.
4 cloves of garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with a warm, aromatic punch.
1 tbsp tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor and enriches the sauce’s color.
3 tbsp Hungarian sweet paprika: The star spice, giving authentic smoky, sweet flavor and vibrant red hue.
1 tsp smoked paprika: Enhances the smoky depth without overpowering the dish.
1/2 tsp hot paprika or a pinch of cayenne pepper: Adds just a hint of heat to balance the creaminess.
2 cups chicken broth: Builds the flavorful liquid base to simmer the chicken gently and tenderize it.
3 tbsp all-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce to a luscious consistency without lumps.
3/4 cup sour cream: Creates that iconic creamy texture and tangy finish signature to paprikash.
1 small lemon, juice of: A splash of brightness that lifts the entire dish beautifully.
2 tbsp fresh parsley, minced (optional): Adds a fresh herbal note and pretty green garnish.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Paprikash Recipe

Step 1: Perfectly Brown the Chicken

Start by generously seasoning your chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil and butter in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat, then sear the chicken in batches so they don’t crowd the pan. This step is crucial to build rich, caramelized flavor—the golden crust seals in juices and adds that irresistible texture you crave.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

Once the chicken is browned and set aside, soften diced onions in the same pan. Then add red bell pepper, tomato, and garlic, cooking until fragrant and tender. Stir in tomato paste and the trio of paprikas—sweet, smoked, and hot—for about a minute. This awakens the spice’s aroma and ensures it infuses every bite with authentic Hungarian warmth.

Step 3: Simmer to Tender Perfection

Pour in chicken broth, scraping up the delicious browned bits from the pan’s bottom, then bring the mix to a gentle boil. Lower the heat and return the chicken and juices to the pot, covering them to simmer slowly. This stage tenderizes the chicken deeply and allows the flavors to marry beautifully over about 45 minutes.

Step 4: Creamify the Sauce

Remove the chicken temporarily. Whisk sour cream and flour together to form a smooth mixture, then temper it by stirring in a few spoonfuls of hot cooking liquid. Returning this to the pot and stirring continuously prevents lumps while thickening the sauce into a velvety, rich coating for the chicken.

Step 5: Final Touches to Elevate the Dish

Slide the chicken back in, letting it cook uncovered for 10 minutes to marry with the creamy sauce. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top for a lively pop of acidity. Adjust seasoning if necessary, and sprinkle with minced parsley for an inviting splash of color.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Paprikash Recipe

A white bowl contains three layers: the bottom layer is pale yellow egg noodles with a soft, curly texture filling most of the bowl; on top are two pieces of chicken covered fully in a thick, smooth, orange-red sauce that spreads slightly around the noodles; green chopped herbs are sprinkled on the chicken and sauce. The bowl is set on a light wooden board on a white marbled surface. In the background, there is a green plate with three lemon wedges and green herbs, and a larger pan of the orange-red sauce with pieces of chicken. A silver fork is placed at the bottom right corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh parsley is the classic garnish, adding a touch of herbal brightness and lovely green contrast to the rich sauce. A lemon wedge on the side is an optional but delightful way to invite guests to add extra zing if they like.

Side Dishes

Creamy Chicken Paprikash Recipe shines best served over soft, eggy noodles or traditional Hungarian dumplings, as they soak up every drop of the luscious sauce. Alternatively, a crusty artisan bread works wonders to mop up those delicious flavors, making the meal feel even more indulgent and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

For a family-style dinner, serve the chicken and sauce in a rustic cast iron skillet or a large ceramic dish. Garnish with parsley and place bowls of noodles alongside so everyone can plate themselves generously. For a dinner party, individual shallow bowls let you artfully arrange the chicken atop a nest of buttered noodles with a sprinkle of paprika and herbs for a restaurant-level experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Creamy Chicken Paprikash Recipe keeps exceptionally well in the refrigerator. Store leftovers in an airtight container, and it will stay fresh for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to deepen as it sits, making reheated servings even better than the first.

Freezing

You can freeze this dish to enjoy later, but to maintain the best texture, freeze the chicken and sauce separately from any noodles or bread. Seal the cooled paprikash sauce and chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

Reheat the paprikash slowly on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the sauce from splitting. If the sauce thickens too much, stir in a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it. Warm it thoroughly until steaming, then serve with fresh noodles or bread.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken instead of bone-in?

Absolutely! While bone-in pieces add more flavor and juiciness, boneless, skinless thighs can be used if you prefer convenience. Just reduce cooking time slightly to avoid drying out.

What if I don’t have Hungarian sweet paprika?

Using a good quality smoked paprika and a pinch of hot paprika can work as a substitute. However, the flavor won’t be quite as authentic or sweet. You can also try a mild sweet paprika from another source.

Is sour cream necessary for this recipe?

Sour cream is essential for the creamy texture and tangy taste characteristic of paprikash. Using Greek yogurt can be a substitute, but sour cream provides the exact balance of richness and acidity.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

For a dairy-free version, you could try substituting the butter with oil and using a coconut cream or a creamy dairy-free yogurt for the sour cream. The flavor will change slightly, but it can still be delicious.

What’s the best way to reheat without curdling the sauce?

Gentle reheating over low heat, stirring frequently, helps maintain the smooth texture. Avoid boiling or high heat, which can cause the sauce to separate.

Final Thoughts

There is something undeniably comforting about the way this Creamy Chicken Paprikash Recipe comes together, filling your kitchen with mouth-watering aromas and your heart with happy satisfaction. Whether it becomes your go-to weeknight dinner or a special treat you serve to friends, this recipe delivers warmth, flavor, and that perfect creamy finish every time. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite!

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