Chicken Paprikas

Authentic Chicken Paprikas Recipe from Hungary

Region / culture: Hungary | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 6

Introduction

Chicken Paprikas is a traditional Hungarian dish that features tender chicken simmered in a rich and creamy paprika sauce. This comforting and flavorful dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion.

History

Chicken Paprikas has its origins in Hungary, where paprika is a staple spice in many dishes. The dish is believed to have been created in the 18th century and has since become a beloved classic in Hungarian cuisine.

Ingredients

2 chopped onions
4 tbsp shortening, corn oil, or lard
3 tbsp hungarian paprika
0.13 tsp black pepper or whole peppercorns
2 tsp salt
4 to 5 lb (2.27 kg) disjointed chicken (use legs, thighs, breast, and back for best flavor)
1.5 cups water
0.5 pt (237 ml) sour cream

How to prepare

In a pan, brown the onions in shortening.
Add the seasonings and chicken, and brown for 10 minutes.
Pour in water, cover the pan, and let it simmer slowly until the chicken is tender.
Remove the chicken from the pan, and add sour cream to the drippings. Mix well.
To thicken the gravy, make a paste by mixing 1 tbsp of soft butter with 1 tbsp of flour. Stir the paste into the drippings.
Add dumplings to the pan and arrange the chicken on top.
Heat the dish through, but do not boil, and serve.

Variations

Use boneless chicken for a quicker cooking time.
Add vegetables such as bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor.
Substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter version of the dish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use Hungarian paprika for an authentic flavor.

- Browning the chicken before simmering helps to develop a rich flavor.

- Adjust the amount of paprika to suit your taste preferences.

- Serve the dish with dumplings or noodles for a traditional touch.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Chicken Paprikas with dumplings, noodles, or rice for a hearty and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Browning the chicken before simmering helps to develop a rich flavor.

- Thicken the gravy with a butter and flour paste for a creamy texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use vegetable oil instead of lard for a lighter dish.

- Substitute chicken broth for water for added flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

Chicken Paprikas can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Chicken Paprikas in a large serving dish garnished with fresh parsley for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Chicken Paprikas with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Chicken Paprikas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan over low heat until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Chicken Paprikas contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Chicken Paprikas contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Chicken Paprikas contains approximately 20 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Chicken Paprikas contains approximately 30 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Chicken Paprikas is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

Chicken Paprikas contains dairy (sour cream) and gluten (flour in the gravy thickener).

Summary

Chicken Paprikas is a balanced meal that provides a good amount of proteins and fats, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Chicken Paprikas is a classic Hungarian dish that is rich in flavor and perfect for a comforting meal. With tender chicken simmered in a creamy paprika sauce, this dish is sure to become a favorite at your dinner table.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the thrill of stumbling upon this recipe for the first time. It was a cold winter day, and I was visiting my friend Anna in the small village of Transylvania. As soon as I walked into her cozy kitchen, I was hit with the most amazing aroma - a rich, spicy scent that made my mouth water.

"What are you cooking, Anna?" I asked, my curiosity piqued.

"Ah, my dear friend," she replied with a twinkle in her eye, "I am making Chicken Paprikas. It is a traditional Hungarian dish that my grandmother used to make for me when I was a girl. Would you like to learn how to make it?"

I eagerly nodded, and Anna began to show me the ingredients and the steps involved in making this delicious dish. She explained that Chicken Paprikas is a stew made with chicken, onions, bell peppers, and plenty of paprika - both sweet and hot. The key to a good Chicken Paprikas, she said, is to cook it slowly, allowing the flavors to meld together and the chicken to become tender and juicy.

As we cooked together, Anna shared stories of her grandmother and the many recipes she had passed down through the generations. I was enchanted by the idea of preserving family traditions through food, and I knew that I wanted to do the same for my own family.

After a few hours of simmering on the stove, the Chicken Paprikas was ready. Anna served it over a bed of fluffy dumplings, and we sat down to enjoy our meal together. The flavors were incredible - smoky, spicy, and comforting all at once. I knew that this recipe would become a favorite in my own kitchen.

Over the years, I made Chicken Paprikas countless times for my family and friends. Each time, I added my own little twist to the recipe - a dash of garlic here, a splash of white wine there. I even experimented with different types of paprika, trying to find the perfect balance of heat and sweetness.

One day, while I was visiting my aunt in Budapest, she gave me a handwritten recipe for Chicken Paprikas that had been passed down through our family for generations. It was a treasure trove of culinary secrets, with detailed instructions and helpful tips for making the perfect stew.

I was overjoyed to have this piece of my family history in my hands, and I immediately set to work making Chicken Paprikas using the traditional recipe. As I stirred the pot and breathed in the familiar scents of paprika and chicken, I felt a deep connection to my ancestors and the culinary traditions that had shaped me.

As I sat down to enjoy my meal, I thought about all the people who had contributed to my love of cooking - Anna, my grandmother, my aunt. Each one had taught me something valuable about food and family, and I was grateful for their influence in my life.

Now, whenever I make Chicken Paprikas, I think of those who came before me and the joy that sharing a meal can bring. It is more than just a recipe - it is a connection to my past, a celebration of my heritage, and a way to bring my loved ones together around the table.

And as I take the first bite of tender chicken and flavorful sauce, I am transported back to that cold winter day in Transylvania, when I first discovered the magic of Chicken Paprikas. It is a memory I will cherish forever, a reminder of the power of food to nourish not just our bodies, but our souls as well.