As I stood in my kitchen one chilly evening, the scent of smokey Hungarian paprika wafted through the air, instantly transporting me to a cozy home in Budapest. This Easy Hungarian Chicken Paprikash is a delightful fusion of tender chicken simmered in a creamy, zesty sauce, served over buttery egg noodles that soak it all in. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this dish marries comfort food with simplicity, making it an ideal choice for those busy evenings when you long for something heartwarming yet quick. Every bite feels like a warm hug, and trust me, your family will appreciate the hearty flavors and soothing textures. Ready to explore this delicious slice of Hungarian cuisine?

Why is Hungarian Chicken Paprikash a Must-Try?

Comforting flavors: This dish offers a cozy hug for your taste buds, with creamy, zesty sauces and tender chicken pieces that promise satisfaction.

Quick and Easy: It’s perfect for busy weeknights, coming together in under an hour without sacrificing taste.

Versatile options: Swap chicken for pork or top it with fresh herbs to customize your meal! You can also serve it over dumplings or try it with Street Corn Chicken for a twist.

Crowd-pleaser: Guaranteed to become a family favorite, everyone will love the rich sauce soaking into the buttery noodles.

Get ready for everyone to ask for seconds!

Hungarian Chicken Paprikash Ingredients

Discover everything you need for this cozy dish!

For the Chicken

Boneless Chicken Breasts and Thighs – Diced into bite-sized chunks for even cooking; substitute with bone-in chicken for extra flavor.
Kosher Salt – Enhances the overall flavor of the dish; use in both the chicken and sauce for maximum impact.
All-Purpose Flour – Coats the chicken and thickens the sauce; cornstarch is a great gluten-free alternative.

For the Sauce

Unsalted Butter – Adds richness while sautéing vegetables; can be replaced with lard for a more authentic taste.
Medium Onion – Adds aromatic depth; shallots or green onions can be used in a pinch.
Hungarian Sweet Paprika – The key flavoring agent providing its signature taste; high-quality brands ensure the best flavor.
Ground Black Pepper – Adds a touch of heat and enhances overall seasoning.
Chicken Stock – Forms the flavorful base of the sauce; vegetable stock is a lighter option for a vegetarian twist.

For Serving

Egg Noodles – These tender noodles soak up the sauce beautifully; alternatives include spaetzle or dumplings.
Salted Butter (for noodles) – Elevates the flavor of the noodles for a richer taste.
Sour Cream – Introduces creaminess to the sauce; Greek yogurt works well as a lighter substitute.

Enjoy creating a memorable Hungarian Chicken Paprikash that your family will adore!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Easy Hungarian Chicken Paprikash Over Buttered Egg Noodles

Step 1: Season and Coat the Chicken
Begin by cutting boneless chicken breasts and thighs into bite-sized chunks, ensuring even cooking. Sprinkle with kosher salt, ground black pepper, and all-purpose flour, mixing well to coat each piece. Set aside for a few minutes while you prepare the sautéing ingredients.

Step 2: Sauté the Onions
In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add a medium onion, finely chopped, and sauté for about 10 minutes until it’s soft and translucent. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent burning, allowing the sweet aroma of the onions to fill your kitchen.

Step 3: Brown the Chicken
Add the coated chicken chunks to the skillet with the sautéed onions. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until the chicken is browned all over. Aim for a nice golden color on each side, creating a flavorful base for your Easy Hungarian Chicken Paprikash sauce.

Step 4: Deglaze the Pan
Pour half of the chicken stock into the skillet, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom. This step takes about 2 minutes and captures all the flavor, setting the stage for the sauce. Ensure all those delicious morsels are released from the pan.

Step 5: Create the Sauce
Add the remaining chicken stock, along with 2 tablespoons of Hungarian sweet paprika and extra salt. Cover the skillet and let it simmer gently for approximately 25 minutes, stirring occasionally. The chicken should be tender, and the flavors will meld together beautifully, creating a rich sauce.

Step 6: Cook the Egg Noodles
While the chicken is simmering, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions, usually around 7-10 minutes. Once done, drain the noodles and return them to the pot. Toss with 1 tablespoon of salted butter, ensuring each noodle is coated and flavorful.

Step 7: Prepare the Creamy Sauce
Carefully remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining flour and sour cream until smooth. Gradually add a few spoonfuls of the hot broth from the skillet to temper the mixture, preventing curdling.

Step 8: Finish the Sauce
Stir the tempered sour cream mixture into the skillet, mixing well until the sauce is creamy and smooth. Return the chicken to the skillet, allowing it to simmer uncovered for about 5 minutes. This step thickens the sauce, ensuring each bite of your Hungarian Chicken Paprikash is decadently rich.

Step 9: Serve
Set the table with plates of buttered egg noodles waiting to be topped. Spoon generous amounts of the creamy chicken paprikash over the noodles, inviting everyone to dig in. Garnish with a sprinkle of paprika and a dollop of sour cream on top as desired, enhancing both flavor and presentation.

Make Ahead Options

These Easy Hungarian Chicken Paprikash dishes are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can season and coat the chicken up to 24 hours in advance, then store it covered in the refrigerator to keep it fresh. The creamy sauce can also be prepared a day ahead, stored in an airtight container, and simply reheated before serving to maintain its rich flavor. When you’re ready to finish cooking, just sauté the onions and brown the premixed chicken before adding the sauce. This strategy saves time on busy weeknights while ensuring that each bite of your Hungarian Chicken Paprikash is just as delightful as if made fresh!

Hungarian Chicken Paprikash Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to let your creativity shine and make this dish your own with these delightful variations!

Pork Swap: Use pork shoulder or tenderloin instead of chicken for a unique flavor twist, offering another warm option for your family dinners.
Spice it Up: For heat, add cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the sauce, elevating the flavor profile and giving your dish a delightful zing!
Creamy Alternatives: Try dairy-free options like cashew cream instead of sour cream or Greek yogurt for a lighter, yet creamy finish that everyone can enjoy.
Colorful Bell Peppers: Add diced bell peppers for a pop of color and crunch; they not only brighten the dish but also add a fresh, sweet flavor.
Vegetable Boost: Enhance nutrition by tossing in vegetables like carrots or peas during the simmering stage, allowing them to absorb the sauce’s rich flavors.
Saucy Substitutes: Swap out conventional egg noodles for spaetzle or even gluten-free pasta to make the dish more inclusive, all while soaking up that creamy sauce beautifully.
Herb Infusion: Fresh herbs like parsley or dill can be sprinkled on top before serving, refreshing each bite with bright aromatic notes reminiscent of a sunny Hungarian day.

Feeling adventurous? Try serving this over a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes or alongside a robust Sticky Garlic Chicken for a fusion feast! Each choice is an opportunity to create a memorable meal that your loved ones will cherish.

What to Serve with Easy Hungarian Chicken Paprikash

Add a cozy touch to your weeknight dinner by pairing this warm, creamy delight with complementary sides that elevate the experience.

Crispy Green Beans: Lightly sautéed green beans offer a fresh contrast to the richness of the chicken paprikash, adding vibrant color and crunch to your plate.
Garlic Bread: A warm, buttery loaf of garlic bread makes it easy to scoop up every last bit of that delectable sauce, ensuring no flavor is left behind.
Cucumber Salad: This cool, refreshing salad brings acidity and crunch, balancing the creamy chicken with its tangy dressing—a perfect palate cleanser.
Buttered Noodles: While egg noodles are traditional, serving alongside simple buttered noodles enhances the comforting bedding for the sauce, inviting an extra layer of texture.
Roasted Potatoes: Crispy, seasoned roasted potatoes provide a rustic touch, soaking up any sauce while delivering hearty starchy goodness with every bite.
Chardonnay Wine: A glass of chilled Chardonnay is perfect to complement the flavors in the dish, enhancing the meal with its crisp acidity that cuts through the creaminess.
Chocolate Mousse: For dessert, a light, airy chocolate mousse finalizes your meal on a sweet note, balancing the savory flavor of the chicken with luscious chocolate richness.

Storage Tips for Hungarian Chicken Paprikash

Room Temperature: Do not leave Hungarian Chicken Paprikash at room temperature for more than 2 hours to prevent bacterial growth.
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Allow the dish to cool before sealing to maintain freshness.
Freezer: You can freeze Hungarian Chicken Paprikash for up to 3 months. Use a freezer-safe container and let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Gently reheat on low heat in a saucepan, stirring frequently. If the sauce appears too thick, add a splash of chicken stock to restore its creamy texture.

Expert Tips for Hungarian Chicken Paprikash

• Quality Paprika: Choose high-quality Hungarian sweet paprika for the best flavor; it truly enhances the dish’s authenticity.

• Cooking Chicken: Avoid overcrowding the skillet when browning the chicken. Cook in batches if necessary for even cooking and a nice sear.

• Thickening Sauce: To achieve a thicker sauce, simmer the mixture longer before adding the sour cream, allowing the flavors to deepen.

• Balancing Flavor: Taste the sauce as you cook! Adjust seasoning gradually to achieve the perfect balance for your Hungarian Chicken Paprikash.

• Sauce Curdling Tip: When incorporating sour cream, always temper it with hot broth first to prevent curdling in the sauce.

Easy Hungarian Chicken Paprikash Recipe FAQs

How do I select the best chicken for Hungarian Chicken Paprikash?
Absolutely! When selecting chicken, look for boneless breasts and thighs that are plump and firm to the touch. Avoid packages with excessive liquid or any discoloration. If you can, choose organic or free-range options for added flavor. Bone-in chicken can also be a fantastic choice for a richer taste!

How should I store leftovers of Hungarian Chicken Paprikash?
For optimal freshness, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, where they can last for up to 4 days. Make sure to cool the dish completely before sealing it, as this prevents moisture buildup.

Can I freeze Hungarian Chicken Paprikash for later?
Certainly! To freeze, transfer the cooled chicken paprikash into a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. It can be stored for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stove to maintain its creamy texture.

What do I do if the sauce becomes too thick?
Very! If you find your sauce thickening too much, there’s an easy fix. Add a splash of chicken stock or water while gently stirring over low heat. This will bring back the desired consistency. Always taste and adjust the seasoning afterward to keep the flavors well-balanced.

Are there any dietary considerations for Hungarian Chicken Paprikash?
Yes! If you or someone is lactose intolerant, you can substitute the sour cream with Greek yogurt or a lactose-free alternative. Additionally, if you’re cooking for pets, ensure they don’t eat the dish as it contains spices and ingredients that could be harmful to them. Always double-check ingredients for any food allergies.

What if I can’t find Hungarian sweet paprika?
Great question! If Hungarian sweet paprika isn’t available, you can use regular paprika but consider adding a bit of cayenne pepper for the heat and depth of flavor. Alternatively, look for half-sharp paprika for a similar taste profile, giving you that beautiful, rich color while still being flavorful.