
Meta Title: Authentic Chicken Paprikash Recipe (Csirkepaprikás) – Traditional Hungarian Comfort Food
Meta Description: Learn how to make Authentic Hungarian Chicken Paprikash (Csirkepaprikás), featuring tender chicken simmered in a rich paprika sauce with onions and sour cream. Serve it over homemade Nokedli dumplings for a classic Hungarian family meal.
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authentic-chicken-paprikash-recipe
Authentic Chicken Paprikash (Hungarian Csirkepaprikás)
Chicken Paprikash, or Csirkepaprikás, is one of Hungary’s most iconic and cherished dishes. This comforting meal features tender chicken slowly simmered in a silky sauce made with onions, authentic Hungarian sweet paprika, broth, and sour cream. Traditionally served over Nokedli (Hungarian egg dumplings), it’s a hearty, satisfying recipe that has been passed down through generations.
The key to authentic Chicken Paprikash is the generous use of high-quality Hungarian paprika, which gives the dish its signature deep red color and rich, slightly sweet flavor. Combined with creamy sour cream and juicy chicken, it creates a comforting meal that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Whether you’re discovering Hungarian cuisine for the first time or recreating a beloved family favorite, this authentic recipe brings the flavors of Hungary right to your kitchen.
Table of Contents
- What Is Chicken Paprikash?
- The History of Csirkepaprikás
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients
- Kitchen Equipment
- Step-by-Step Instructions
- How to Make Nokedli
- Traditional Variations
- Serving Suggestions
- Expert Tips
- Storage & Reheating
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Thoughts
What Is Chicken Paprikash?
Csirkepaprikás is a traditional Hungarian dish made with:
- Bone-in chicken pieces
- Onions
- Hungarian sweet paprika
- Garlic
- Chicken broth
- Sour cream
Unlike spicy dishes, Chicken Paprikash is known for its rich, mild paprika flavor and creamy sauce rather than heat.
The History of Csirkepaprikás
Chicken Paprikash became popular in Hungary during the 19th century as paprika became a staple ingredient in Hungarian cooking. Affordable, nourishing, and easy to prepare, it quickly became a favorite family meal across the country.
Today, it remains one of Hungary’s national dishes and is commonly served in homes, traditional restaurants, and countryside inns. Every family has its own version, but authentic recipes always highlight the flavor of premium Hungarian paprika.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Authentic Hungarian family recipe
- Rich, creamy paprika sauce
- Tender, juicy chicken
- Perfect with homemade dumplings
- Easy one-pot meal
- Comfort food at its finest
- Even more flavorful the next day
Ingredients
For the Chicken Paprikash
- 2 tablespoons lard or vegetable oil
- 2 large onions, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons Hungarian sweet paprika
- ½ teaspoon hot Hungarian paprika (optional)
- 2½ lbs (1.1 kg) bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and drumsticks
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cups (475 ml) chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried marjoram (optional)
- 1 bay leaf
For the Sour Cream Sauce
- 1 cup (240 g) full-fat sour cream
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Garnish
- Fresh chopped parsley
- Extra sour cream (optional)
Kitchen Equipment
- Large Dutch oven or deep skillet
- Wooden spoon
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife









