Chicken Paprikash

Chicken Paprikash Recipe from Hungary with Sour Cream and Egg Noodles

Region / culture: Hungary | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Chicken Paprikash is a classic Hungarian dish that features tender chicken simmered in a rich and creamy paprika sauce. This comforting and flavorful dish is perfect for a cozy dinner at home.

History

Chicken Paprikash has its origins in Hungary, where paprika is a staple spice in many traditional dishes. The dish is believed to have been created in the mid-19th century and has since become a beloved comfort food in Hungarian cuisine.

Ingredients

4 tsp paprika
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 tbsp butter
cooking spray
0.25 cup diced onion
0.25 cup dry white wine
0.25 cup chicken stock
8 oz (227 g) egg noodles
0.5 cup non-fat sour cream

How to prepare

Coat the chicken breasts generously on both sides with paprika.
Coat a non-stick skillet with cooking spray and heat it over medium-high heat. Add the butter.
Once the butter has melted, add the chicken breasts and sauté them until they are lightly browned on both sides, which should take about 4 minutes. Remove the chicken breasts from the skillet and place them on a serving platter. Cover the platter with foil to keep the chicken warm.
Add the onion to the skillet and sauté it for 1 minute. Then, add the wine to the skillet, stirring to scrape up any brown bits that may have formed. Increase the heat to high and let the wine reduce by half. Stir in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
Reduce the heat and return the chicken breasts to the skillet. Cover the skillet and let the chicken simmer until it becomes tender, which should take about 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, in a large saucepan of boiling salted water, cook the noodles until they are just tender, which should take about 3-5 minutes. Drain the noodles.
Transfer the cooked noodles to a serving platter. Remove the chicken breasts from the sauce in the skillet and arrange them on top of the noodles.
Whisk the sour cream into the sauce in the skillet until it becomes smooth. Cook and stir the sauce until it thickens slightly, which should take about 2-3 minutes. Spoon the sauce over the chicken breasts.

Variations

Substitute the chicken breasts with bone-in chicken pieces for a more traditional version of the dish.
Add diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the sauce for extra flavor and texture.
Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter version of the dish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to generously coat the chicken breasts with paprika for maximum flavor.

- Sauté the chicken until it is lightly browned on both sides to lock in the juices and create a delicious crust.

- Use a non-stick skillet to prevent the chicken from sticking.

- Let the wine reduce by half before adding the chicken broth to intensify the flavors of the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Chicken Paprikash with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Sauté the chicken breasts until they are lightly browned on both sides.

- Simmer the chicken in the sauce until it becomes tender and flavorful.

- Whisk the sour cream into the sauce until it becomes smooth and creamy.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use bone-in chicken pieces instead of boneless chicken breasts.

- Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a lighter version of the dish.

- Use whole wheat noodles instead of egg noodles for a healthier option.

Make Ahead Tips

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

Presentation Ideas

Serve Chicken Paprikash in a shallow bowl with the noodles on the bottom and the chicken breasts on top. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Chicken Paprikash with a glass of dry white wine or a cold beer for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Chicken Paprikash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the dish in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Chicken Paprikash contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Chicken Paprikash contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Chicken Paprikash contains approximately 12 grams of fats.

Proteins

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

Vitamins and minerals

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

Alergens

Chicken Paprikash contains dairy (sour cream) and gluten (noodles).

Summary

Chicken Paprikash is a balanced meal that provides a good amount of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious choice for dinner.

Summary

Chicken Paprikash is a classic Hungarian dish that features tender chicken simmered in a rich and creamy paprika sauce. This comforting and flavorful dish is perfect for a cozy dinner at home. With a balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, Chicken Paprikash is a nutritious and delicious meal option for any day of the week.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was captivated by its simplicity. It was a cold winter day, and I had just arrived at my friend's house for a cozy dinner. As soon as I walked in, the warm aroma of paprika and chicken filled the air, making my mouth water.

My friend's mother, Mrs. Kovacs, was busy in the kitchen, stirring a pot of bubbling chicken paprikash. She smiled warmly at me and beckoned me over to watch her cook. As she explained the recipe to me, I couldn't help but be amazed by how few ingredients were needed to create such a delicious dish.

Mrs. Kovacs told me that she had learned to make chicken paprikash from her own grandmother, who had passed down the recipe through generations. She spoke of how the dish had been a staple in their family for as long as she could remember, and how it always brought comfort and joy to those who ate it.

As I watched Mrs. Kovacs cook, I could see the love and care she put into each step. From browning the chicken to adding the perfect amount of paprika, she moved with a grace and confidence that only comes from years of practice.

After a few hours of simmering on the stove, the chicken paprikash was finally ready. Mrs. Kovacs served it over a bed of fluffy dumplings, and we all sat down to enjoy the meal together. With each bite, I could taste the rich flavors of the paprika-infused sauce, the tender chicken, and the soft dumplings.

As we ate, Mrs. Kovacs shared stories of her childhood in Hungary, where chicken paprikash was a dish that brought families together around the dinner table. She spoke of how her grandmother would spend hours in the kitchen, preparing the dish with care and love, and how each bite was a taste of home.

From that moment on, I knew that I had to learn how to make chicken paprikash for myself. I asked Mrs. Kovacs for the recipe, and she graciously wrote it down for me on a piece of paper. She explained each step in detail, from browning the chicken to simmering the sauce to perfection.

Over the years, I have made chicken paprikash countless times, each time adding my own touch to the recipe. I have shared it with friends and family, who always rave about how delicious it is. And every time I take a bite, I am transported back to that cold winter day in Mrs. Kovacs' kitchen, where I first fell in love with this simple yet extraordinary dish.

I am grateful for the wisdom and traditions that Mrs. Kovacs passed down to me that day. Through her guidance, I have learned not just how to make chicken paprikash, but also the importance of cooking with love and sharing meals with those you care about. And for that, I will always be thankful.