I keep sneaking tastes of this sauce right from the pot!

Hello, fellow food adventurers! Today, I want to share with you a classic comfort dish with deep roots in Hungarian gastronomy – Chicken Paprikash, also known as Paprikás Csirke. This soul-warming stew combines tender chicken, a creamy sauce, and the quintessential spice of Hungary: paprika. Not only does this dish offer a symphony of flavors, but it’s also a gateway to understanding the complexities of Hungarian cuisine. Whether you’re looking to expand your culinary repertoire or simply in the mood for a hearty meal that feels like a warm hug, Chicken Paprikash will not disappoint. Get ready to take your taste buds on a journey to the heart of Central Europe!

To complement Chicken Paprikash, I recommend serving it with egg noodles or a generous helping of Hungarian nokedli (spätzle), which wonderfully absorb the rich sauce. Fluffy dumplings or a simple side of steamed rice work nicely as well. Pair this with a crisp cucumber salad dressed with vinegar for a refreshing counterbalance to the creamy stew.

Servings: Serves 4 to 6

Ingredients:

- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons of authentic Hungarian sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika (optional for some depth)
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 red bell peppers, sliced
- 1 large tomato, diced, or 1 cup of canned tomatoes (with juices)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- 3/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- Chopped parsley, for garnishing

Directions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over a medium flame. Add the onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.

2. Stir in the garlic, and when it becomes fragrant (about 1 minute), sprinkle in the sweet and smoked paprika. Make sure to keep stirring – the goal is to awaken the paprika's flavors without burning it.

3. Add the chicken thighs to the pot and brown them on each side for about 3-4 minutes. Don't worry about cooking them through just yet. They should have a nice paprika-infused color to them.

4. Over the chicken, lay the slices of bell pepper and diced tomato. Pour in the chicken broth, then season with salt and pepper, and add the bay leaf.

5. Bring everything to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it stew for about 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.

6. In a bowl, whisk together the sour cream and flour until smooth. Gradually ladle some of the cooking liquid into the sour cream mixture to temper it, then stir this mixture into the pot. Cook for an additional 5-10 minutes on low heat until the sauce thickens.

7. Taste for seasoning, adjust if necessary, and remove the bay leaf before serving.

8. Garnish with chopped parsley, and serve hot with your chosen accompaniments.

Variations & Tips:

- For an even more authentic touch, use Hungarian half-sharp paprika alongside the sweet variety for a bit more kick.

- If you’re seeking a dairy-free version, omit the sour cream and thicken the sauce with a roux made from oil and flour or use a plant-based cream substitute.

- Chicken Paprikash can also be adapted using skinless, boneless chicken cuts to shorten the cooking time. However, the bone-in, skin-on variety does add more flavor.

- Feel free to incorporate a splash of dry white wine into the broth for an added layer of complexity. Just make sure to let it simmer and reduce a little to cook off the alcohol.

- Leftovers reheat beautifully, and some say the flavors are even better the next day once they've had time to meld together.