Indulge in the rich flavors of Hungary with our Chicken Paprikash (Csirkepaprikás) - tender chicken simmered in a creamy paprika sauce, served alongside fluffy dumplings or noodles.

Let the vibrant hues and aromatic spices transport you to the heart of Eastern European cuisine, where every bite is a journey through tradition and culinary bliss.

Here's a recipe for Hungary Chicken Paprikash:

Ingredients:

For the Chicken Paprikash:

• 1.5 kg (about 3 lbs) chicken, cut into pieces (you can use thighs, drumsticks, or a combination)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 large onions, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons Hungarian sweet paprika
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for added depth of flavor)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup sour cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

For the Dumplings or Noodles:

• 250g (about 2 cups) all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Water, as needed

Instructions:

1- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.

2- Push the onions and garlic to the side of the skillet and add the chicken pieces, skin side down. Cook until browned on both sides, about 5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

3- Sprinkle the sweet paprika and smoked paprika over the onions and garlic, stirring to coat evenly. Cook for another minute to toast the spices.

4- Return the chicken pieces to the skillet. Pour in the chicken broth, season with salt and pepper, and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook for about 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

5- While the chicken is cooking, prepare the dumplings or noodles. For dumplings, mix the flour, eggs, and salt in a bowl. Add water gradually, mixing until a thick dough forms. Drop spoonfuls of dough into boiling salted water and cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until the dumplings float to the surface. Drain and set aside.

6- Once the chicken is cooked, stir in the sour cream until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

7- Serve the Chicken Paprikash hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley, alongside the dumplings or noodles.

Enjoy your delicious Hungarian Chicken Paprikash!

Nutritional Values:

Here's an approximate nutritional breakdown for the main ingredients used in Hungarian Chicken Paprikash:

For the Chicken Paprikash:

Chicken (1.5 kg, about 3 lbs):

• Calories: 2100 kcal
• Protein: 252 g
• Fat: 111 g
• Carbohydrates: 0 g

benefits:Excellent source of protein, essential for muscle growth and repair.

Vegetable oil (2 tablespoons):

• Calories: 240 kcal
• Fat: 28 g

benefits:Provides healthy fats that support heart health and aid in nutrient absorption.

Onions (2 large):

• Calories: 100 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 3 g

benefits:Rich in antioxidants and vitamins, known to boost immunity and reduce inflammation.

Garlic (3 cloves):

• Calories: 15 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 3 g
• Protein: 1 g

benefits:Contains compounds with potential health benefits, including reducing blood pressure and improving cholesterol levels.

Hungarian sweet paprika (2 tablespoons):

• Calories: 40 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 9 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 2 g

benefits:Contains antioxidants and may have anti-inflammatory properties.

Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: 6 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 1 g

benefits:Adds depth of flavor and may provide similar benefits to sweet paprika.

Chicken broth (1 cup):

• Calories: 15 kcal
• Protein: 3 g
• Carbohydrates: 1 g

benefits:Hydrating and adds flavor without significant calories.

Sour cream (1 cup):

• Calories: 480 kcal
• Fat: 48 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Protein: 8 g

benefits:Contains calcium and probiotics, beneficial for bone health and gut health.

For the Dumplings or Noodles:

All-purpose flour (250g, about 2 cups):

• Calories: 900 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 180 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Fat: 2 g

benefits:Good source of carbohydrates for energy and contains some protein.

Eggs (2):

• Calories: 140 kcal
• Protein: 12 g
• Fat: 10 g

benefits:Excellent source of high-quality protein, essential for building and repairing tissues.

Salt (1/2 teaspoon):

• Calories: 0 kcal

benefits:Regulates fluid balance in the body and enhances flavor. However, excessive salt intake should be moderated for heart health.

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as specific brands of ingredients and portion sizes.