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Hungarian Paprikash with Chicken & Spaetzle

Authentic Hungarian Chicken Paprikash (Paprikás Csirke) with Homemade Spaetzle (Nokedli)

  • Author: David Andersson
  • Total Time: 1 hr
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

Hungarian Chicken Paprikash is a traditional Hungarian dish made with chicken pieces simmered in a rich and creamy paprika sauce. The dish is typically served with spaetzle, a homemade egg noodle, which soaks up the flavorful sauce, making every bite a delightful experience. The key to an authentic Paprikás Csirke lies in the quality of paprika used, and Hungarian sweet paprika is an absolute must for its signature taste.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Paprikash

  • 2–3 tbsp oil, butter, or chicken fat (schmaltz)

  • 1 large onion, finely chopped

  • 2–3 lbs chicken pieces (bone-in thighs & drumsticks traditional; breasts optional but less flavorful)

  • 2–3 tbsp sweet Hungarian paprika (not smoked!)

  • 1 tsp hot Hungarian paprika or cayenne (optional)

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 tbsp flour (optional thickener)

  • 1 ½ cups chicken broth or water

  • 1 cup sour cream (full-fat, room temp)

  • Salt & black pepper to taste

Optional add-ins (regional variations)

  • 1 small tomato, grated or chopped or 1 tbsp tomato paste

  • 1 green pepper, sliced (Hungarian wax pepper traditionally)

Instructions

  • Brown the Chicken

    • Season chicken with salt & pepper.

    • Heat fat in a wide pot, sear chicken until lightly browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.

  • Cook Onions

    • In the same pot, add onions and cook slowly (10–12 mins) until soft and golden.
      (The sweetness of the onions is essential for flavor.)

  • Add Paprika

    • Remove pot from heat briefly, stir in paprika (sweet + hot).
      Important: don’t burn paprika — it turns bitter.

  • Simmer

    • Return pot to heat, add garlic, optional tomato/pepper, and flour if using.

    • Add broth, stir to make a smooth sauce, then return chicken pieces.

    • Cover and simmer 35–45 mins until chicken is very tender.

  • Finish with Sour Cream

    • Remove chicken to a plate.

    • In a bowl, stir sour cream with a spoonful of hot sauce from pot (tempers it).

    • Stir sour cream mixture back into pot until smooth. Do not boil.

    • Return chicken, warm through, adjust seasoning.

Notes

Hungarian Paprikash with Chicken & Spaetzle is a comforting, flavorful dish featuring tender chicken simmered in a rich paprika cream sauce. Serve it with soft spaetzle or crusty bread to soak up the sauce. For added freshness, garnish with chopped parsley or a dollop of sour cream before serving.

  • Prep Time: 20 mins
  • Cook Time: 40 mins
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Hungarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate
  • Calories: 520

Keywords: Paprikás Csirke, Hungarian Chicken Paprika, Chicken Paprikash Recipe

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Find it online: https://recipesmaria.com/authentic-hungarian-chicken-paprikash-with-spaetzle-recipe/