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Hungarian Chicken Paprikash, traditionally known as Csirkepaprikás, is one of Hungary's most beloved comfort foods! Tender, juicy chicken is slowly simmered in a rich, fragrant Hungarian paprika sauce, then finished with creamy sour cream for an irresistibly smooth and velvety texture.
Served with soft homemade Hungarian dumplings (nokedli), this classic dish is warm, hearty, and bursting with authentic homemade flavor.
It's the kind of comforting meal that fills the kitchen with wonderful aromas and brings the whole family together around the dinner table. Perfect for Sunday dinners, chilly evenings, or whenever you're craving a little taste of Hungarian tradition!
Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 50 minutes Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes Servings: 4–6
🍗 Ingredients
For the Traditional Hungarian Chicken Paprikash:
2½ pounds (1.1 kg) bone-in chicken thighs and drumsticks
2 tablespoons vegetable oil or pork lard
2 large onions, finely chopped
3 tablespoons authentic Hungarian sweet paprika
½ teaspoon Hungarian hot paprika (optional)
1 medium tomato, finely chopped
1 small Hungarian wax pepper or green bell pepper, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth or water
1 cup (240 g) full-fat sour cream
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Homemade Hungarian Dumplings (Nokedli):
2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
½–¾ cup (120–180 ml) water
½ teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon butter, for tossing
For Garnishing:
Fresh chopped parsley
A spoonful of sour cream
A light sprinkle of Hungarian sweet paprika
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken thighs and drumsticks dry with paper towels.
Season generously with salt and a little freshly ground black pepper.
For the most traditional flavor, keep the bones in the chicken, as they add richness to the sauce while simmering.
Step 2: Sauté the Onions
Heat the vegetable oil or pork lard in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
Add the finely chopped onions and cook for approximately 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft, translucent, and lightly golden.
Slowly cooking the onions creates the sweet, flavorful foundation of the traditional paprika sauce.
Step 3: Add the Hungarian Paprika
Remove the skillet briefly from the heat.
Stir in the Hungarian sweet paprika and optional hot paprika, coating the softened onions evenly.
Mix for about 20–30 seconds.
Grandma's Tip: Always remove the pot from direct heat before adding paprika. Burned paprika can taste bitter and spoil the flavor of the entire dish.
Step 4: Add the Fresh Vegetables
Return the skillet to low heat.
Add the chopped tomato, Hungarian wax pepper, and minced garlic if using.
Stir gently and cook for approximately 3–4 minutes, until the vegetables begin to soften.
Step 5: Add the Chicken
Place the seasoned chicken pieces into the fragrant paprika mixture.
Turn each piece carefully to coat it with the onions, paprika, and vegetables.
Allow the chicken to cook for approximately 3–4 minutes, turning once.
Step 6: Simmer Until Tender
Pour in the chicken broth or water.
The liquid should partially surround the chicken rather than completely cover it.
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Cover the skillet and cook over low heat for approximately 35–45 minutes, turning the chicken occasionally, until it is tender and cooked through.
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C).
Add a little additional broth or water if the sauce becomes too thick.
Step 7: Prepare the Creamy Sour Cream Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the sour cream and flour until completely smooth.
Add several tablespoons of the hot paprika cooking liquid, one spoonful at a time, whisking constantly.
This process, called tempering, helps prevent the sour cream from curdling when added to the hot sauce.
Step 8: Finish the Chicken Paprikash
Carefully remove the cooked chicken pieces from the skillet and keep them warm.
Slowly stir the tempered sour cream mixture into the paprika sauce.
Cook gently over low heat for approximately 3–5 minutes, stirring continuously, until the sauce thickens slightly and the flour is cooked through.
Avoid boiling vigorously after adding the sour cream.
Return the chicken pieces to the skillet and spoon the creamy sauce over them.
Taste and adjust the salt and pepper as needed.
🥟 How to Make Traditional Hungarian Nokedli Dumplings
Step 9: Prepare the Dumpling Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
Add the eggs and gradually pour in the water.
Stir until a thick, sticky batter forms.
The dough should be soft enough to push through a dumpling maker but thick enough to hold small shapes.
Do not overmix, as this can make the dumplings tough.
Step 10: Cook the Dumplings
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
Using a Hungarian nokedli maker, spaetzle press, or a large-holed colander suitable for hot food, press small pieces of batter into the boiling water.
Alternatively, cut tiny pieces of dough from a cutting board directly into the water.
Cook for approximately 2–3 minutes after the dumplings float to the surface, until fully cooked.
Step 11: Drain and Butter the Nokedli
Drain the cooked dumplings thoroughly.
Transfer them to a serving bowl and gently toss with melted butter to prevent sticking.
The finished nokedli should be soft, tender, and perfect for soaking up the delicious paprika sauce.
Step 12: Serve the Heavenly Hungarian Chicken Paprikash
Place a generous portion of warm homemade nokedli on each dinner plate.
Add one or two pieces of tender chicken alongside the dumplings.
Spoon plenty of creamy Hungarian paprika sauce over everything.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, a small dollop of sour cream, and a sprinkle of sweet paprika.
Serve immediately while warm and comforting!
❤️ Grandma’s Hungarian Cooking Secrets
Use authentic Hungarian sweet paprika: This is the most important ingredient. High-quality paprika gives Csirkepaprikás its beautiful reddish-orange color and distinctive flavor.
Choose bone-in chicken: Traditional versions often use bone-in chicken pieces, which create a richer and more flavorful sauce.
Cook the onions slowly: Softened onions add natural sweetness and help create a delicious, full-bodied sauce.
Never burn the paprika: Remove the skillet from direct heat before adding paprika to preserve its delicate flavor.
Use full-fat sour cream: Hungarian-style sour cream creates a beautifully creamy sauce with a pleasant tanginess.
Don't add too much liquid: Traditional Chicken Paprikash should have a rich sauce rather than a thin, watery broth.
Make fresh nokedli: These tiny Hungarian dumplings are one of the most traditional accompaniments to Chicken Paprikash.
🇭🇺 A Taste of Hungarian Tradition
Hungarian Chicken Paprikash is more than just a comforting chicken dinner. It's a beloved part of Hungary's culinary heritage, enjoyed by generations of families.
Known as Csirkepaprikás, this famous dish celebrates one of the most important ingredients in Hungarian cooking: sweet red paprika.
The combination of tender chicken, gently cooked onions, fragrant paprika, and creamy sour cream creates a wonderful balance of rich and comforting flavors.
In many Hungarian homes, Chicken Paprikash is traditionally served with freshly prepared nokedli, small homemade dumplings that absorb the delicious sauce.
Some families also enjoy it with boiled potatoes, homemade noodles, or thick slices of fresh bread.
Recipes vary from household to household. Some cooks add fresh tomatoes and Hungarian wax peppers, while others prefer a simpler version with onions, paprika, chicken, and sour cream.
What makes this dish truly special is the way a handful of simple ingredients come together to create something deeply satisfying.
The warm aroma of paprika filling the kitchen, the sound of chicken gently simmering, and the sight of freshly made dumplings on the dinner table are all part of the comforting Hungarian home-cooking experience.
Whether you're preparing a special Sunday meal, cooking for family and friends, or discovering Hungarian cuisine for the first time, this Heavenly Hungarian Chicken Paprikash is a wonderful recipe to make and share.
❤️ Did your grandmother make Hungarian Chicken Paprikash? 🇭🇺🍗 Do you prefer it with homemade nokedli dumplings, noodles, or potatoes? Share your family's favorite way to enjoy this traditional dish in the comments!