Chicken Paprikash

Let me share my grandmother's treasured chicken paprikash recipe that's been warming hearts in our family for generations! After years of watching her make this dish I finally learned all her little secrets for getting that perfectly rich paprika sauce. The first time I got it exactly right that beautiful red-orange sauce coating tender pieces of chicken my kitchen smelled just like hers and I could almost hear her saying 'Now that's how it should look!'

Why This Recipe Is Pure Magic

This isn't your average chicken dish! That combination of sweet Hungarian paprika and sour cream creates this incredibly rich sauce that makes everyone ask for extra bread to soak up every last drop. Last Sunday when I made this for our family dinner my brother who lives across the country said it tasted just like being back in Grandma's kitchen. Even my kids who usually prefer plain chicken clean their plates!

What You'll Need

• For The Chicken:
  • Good quality chicken pieces
  • Sweet Hungarian paprika the real stuff
  • Regular flour
  • Real butter
• For That Amazing Sauce:
  • More butter yes really!
  • Sweet yellow onion
  • Fresh garlic
  • More of that beautiful paprika
  • Rich chicken broth
  • Full-fat sour cream
  • Fresh parsley for the finish

Let's Start Cooking

Getting That Chicken Just Right

First coat those chicken pieces with flour and paprika like you're giving them a warm blanket! Then into the hot butter they go watching them turn golden brown is like kitchen meditation. The smell starts bringing everyone to the kitchen already!

Building Our Sauce Base

Now comes Grandma's secret to flavor those onions need to cook slow and low until they're soft and sweet. When we add the paprika to the butter and flour the whole kitchen fills with this amazing aroma that takes me right back to her house.

Making It Creamy

That moment when we stir in the sour cream and watch the sauce turn into this beautiful pale orange color pure kitchen magic! Then returning our chicken to this velvety bath it's like everything comes together in perfect harmony.

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Making It Perfect

Want my grandmother's secrets for the best paprikash? Never skimp on the paprika it must be Hungarian and sweet! Keep the heat low when you add that sour cream or it might split. And here's her most important tip always serve it over homemade dumplings or nokedli if you want to be really traditional!

Serving It Up

This needs to be served piping hot with plenty of sauce! I love ladling it over egg noodles or those little dumplings watching the sauce coat every bite. Don't forget fresh parsley on top brings color and freshness. Always have extra bread for soaking up that incredible sauce nobody wants to leave a drop behind!

Keeping The Tradition

While this tastes best fresh you can store leftovers carefully. Just reheat gently to keep that sauce smooth and creamy. Sometimes I'll make extra sauce because everyone always wants more. My daughter already wants to learn how to make it carrying on our family tradition to the next generation!

Mix It Up

Don't be afraid to adapt while keeping the essence! Sometimes I'll add mushrooms my daughter loves them. My mother always added a little tomato paste to her version. The fun part is keeping the tradition while making it your own just like my grandmother would say 'Every cook adds their own touch!'

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Why This Recipe Matters

This chicken paprikash has become more than just dinner in our house it's our connection to family history! There's something so special about making a dish that's been passed down through generations. My kids are learning about their heritage through these flavors and techniques.

The best part isn't just how delicious it is it's seeing everyone's faces light up with that first bite knowing we're keeping Grandma's legacy alive! Whether you're making it for family dinner or sharing it with friends who've never tried Hungarian food this recipe never disappoints. And watching people discover the magic of paprikash? That's what makes family recipes so precious!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of paprika should I use?

Hungarian sweet paprika is essential for authentic flavor. Regular paprika can work but won't give the same rich, sweet depth of flavor that makes this dish special.

→ Can I use different cuts of chicken?

Yes, both boneless and bone-in chicken work well. Thighs will give more flavor, while breasts stay leaner. Just adjust cooking time based on the cut you choose.

→ Why did my sauce break?

To prevent the sauce from curdling, make sure the heat is very low when adding sour cream. Use full-fat sour cream and stir it in gradually for the best results.

→ What should I serve with it?

Traditional sides include Hungarian dumplings (nokedli) or egg noodles. Mashed potatoes or rice also work well to soak up the delicious sauce.

→ Can I make this ahead?

You can make the dish up to 3 days ahead and store in the fridge. Reheat gently to prevent the sauce from breaking. Avoid freezing due to the cream sauce.

Conclusion

This Hungarian classic features chicken pieces lightly coated in paprika and flour, then simmered in a rich sauce made creamy with sour cream. The sweet paprika creates a distinctive flavor that's both comforting and elegant.