🇭🇺 Hungarian Chicken Paprikash (Csirkepaprikás)

One of the most beloved dishes of Hungary, Csirkepaprikás is tender chicken simmered in a rich paprika sauce and traditionally served with soft dumplings called nokedli.

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📝 Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 2 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks
• 2 tablespoons oil or lard
• 2 medium onions, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons Hungarian sweet paprika
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tomato, chopped (or ½ cup canned tomatoes)
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon flour
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Dumplings (Nokedli):

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• ½–¾ cup water
• 1 teaspoon salt

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Prepare the Chicken

1. Heat oil in a large pot. Add onions and cook until soft and golden.
2. Remove pot briefly from heat and stir in paprika (to prevent burning).
3. Add chicken pieces and garlic. Return to heat and lightly brown the chicken.
4. Stir in tomato, bell pepper, salt, and pepper.
5. Pour in chicken broth, cover, and simmer 35–45 minutes until chicken is tender.

2️⃣ Make the Creamy Sauce

1. In a small bowl, mix sour cream and flour until smooth.
2. Add a spoonful of hot sauce from the pot to temper it.
3. Stir mixture back into the pot and simmer gently 5–10 minutes until thickened.

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🥟 Nokedli (Hungarian Dumplings)

1. In a bowl, mix flour, eggs, salt, and enough water to make a soft, sticky batter.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil.
3. Drop small spoonfuls of batter into boiling water (or use a spaetzle maker).
4. Cook until dumplings float (2–3 minutes).
5. Drain and toss with a little butter or oil.

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🍽️ To Serve

Plate dumplings, top with creamy chicken paprikash, and spoon extra sauce over everything.

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💡 Tips

• Use high-quality Hungarian paprika for authentic flavor.
• The sauce should be creamy but not overly thick.
• Even better the next day!

A true Hungarian comfort classic 🇭🇺