Paprikás Csirke (Hungarian Chicken Paprikash)

Ingredients (serves 4):

• 1 whole chicken (about 1.5 kg / 3 lbs), cut into pieces
• 2 tbsp oil or lard
• 2 onions, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2–3 tbsp sweet Hungarian paprika
• 1 bell pepper, sliced (optional)
• 2 tomatoes, chopped or 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 200 ml (¾ cup) sour cream
• 1 tsp salt, pepper to taste
• 1 cup chicken broth or water
• Optional: 1 tsp flour for thickening
• Noodles, rice, or dumplings for serving

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Instructions:

1. Prepare the base:
   • Heat oil in a large pot. Sauté onions until golden, then add garlic and cook 1 minute.
   • Remove from heat briefly, stir in paprika to avoid burning.
2. Cook the chicken:
   • Add chicken pieces and brown lightly.
3. Add vegetables and liquid:
   • Add bell pepper, tomatoes, and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 30–40 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
4. Finish with sour cream:
   • In a small bowl, mix sour cream with a little hot sauce from the pot to temper it. Stir into the chicken and simmer 5 more minutes.
   • Optional: mix 1 tsp flour with sour cream for a thicker sauce.
5. Serve:
   • Serve hot over noodles, rice, or dumplings.