Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Central Europe! This legendary Chicken Paprikash is more than just a meal—it's a symphony of flavors that promises to revolutionize your dinner routine. With its rich, creamy sauce, tender chicken, and the bold warmth of paprika, this dish is about to become your new obsession. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or a curious food adventurer, get ready to unlock a recipe that has been delighting families for generations!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 60 mins
Cuisine: Central European
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Chicken pieces
- Onion, chopped
- Paprika
- Tomato, diced
- Bell pepper, sliced
- Garlic, minced
- Chicken broth
- Sour cream
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by washing and chopping vegetables. Cut chicken pieces into uniform sizes for even cooking.
- Heat a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of oil to prevent sticking.
- Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Carefully place chicken in the hot skillet and brown on all sides until golden, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add chopped onions and sauté until translucent and slightly caramelized, approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Sprinkle generous amounts of paprika over the onions, stirring quickly to coat and release the spice's rich flavor.
- Return chicken pieces to the skillet, adding diced tomatoes and sliced bell peppers.
- Pour chicken broth into the skillet, ensuring the liquid covers approximately two-thirds of the chicken pieces.
- Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 30-35 minutes, or until chicken is thoroughly cooked and tender.
- In the final 5 minutes of cooking, remove the lid and allow the sauce to slightly reduce and concentrate.
- Remove skillet from heat and stir in sour cream, creating a creamy, rich sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve hot, traditionally accompanied by egg noodles, spätzle, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Tips
- Choose the Right Paprika: Use high-quality, authentic Hungarian paprika for the most authentic flavor. Sweet paprika works best, but you can add a touch of hot paprika for extra kick.
- Brown the Chicken Properly: Take your time when browning the chicken. A golden-brown exterior seals in flavor and creates a delicious base for your sauce.
- Don't Rush the Onions: Caramelize the onions slowly to develop a deep, sweet flavor that forms the foundation of the dish.
- Low and Slow is the Way to Go: Simmer the chicken on low heat to ensure it becomes incredibly tender and absorbs all the delicious spices.
- Sour Cream Secret: Add sour cream at the very end and off the heat to prevent curdling. This ensures a smooth, creamy sauce every time.
- Serving Suggestion: While egg noodles or spätzle are traditional, this dish also pairs wonderfully with rice or crusty bread to soak up the amazing sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
