Are you ready to transform an ordinary weeknight dinner into a flavor explosion that will transport you straight to the heart of Hungary? This Easy Smokey Chicken Paprikash is not just a recipe—it's a culinary adventure that combines rich, smoky flavors with creamy, tender chicken that practically melts in your mouth. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you'll create a restaurant-worthy dish that will have your family and friends begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Hungarian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken thighs
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup sour cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Egg noodles for serving
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Chop the onion and set it aside. Measure out the smoked paprika, chicken broth, and sour cream. Have the chicken thighs ready and ensure they are trimmed of excess fat.
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken thighs, skin-side down, and season with salt and pepper. Sear the chicken for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown. Flip the chicken and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion. Sauté the onion for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent and fragrant. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
- Once the onion is softened, add the smoked paprika to the skillet. Stir it into the onions and cook for about 1 minute to release the flavor of the paprika.
- Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to deglaze and incorporate any browned bits. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Return the seared chicken thighs to the skillet, ensuring they are submerged in the broth. Cover the skillet and let it simmer on low heat for about 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- After 30 minutes, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. Stir in the sour cream into the sauce, mixing well until it is fully incorporated. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- If desired, shred the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and return them to the skillet, mixing them with the sauce. Alternatively, you can serve the chicken whole.
- While the chicken is simmering, cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- To serve, place a generous portion of egg noodles on each plate and ladle the smokey chicken paprikash over the top. Garnish with additional smoked paprika or fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- Choose the Right Paprika: Use high-quality smoked paprika for an authentic, deep flavor profile. Hungarian paprika is ideal if you can find it.
- Sear for Maximum Flavor: Take your time when browning the chicken. Those golden-brown edges develop incredible depth and richness in the final dish.
- Low and Slow is the Way to Go: Simmering the chicken on low heat ensures tender, juicy meat that absorbs all the delicious sauce.
- Don't Rush the Sour Cream: Add sour cream at the end and stir gently to prevent curdling. This creates a smooth, luxurious sauce.
- Make It Your Own: Feel free to experiment with adding bell peppers or using chicken breasts if you prefer. The recipe is versatile!Pro Tip: This dish tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make it in advance for meal prep or entertaining.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 421kcal
Carbohydrates: 19g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 80mg
