Hungarian Chicken Ragout with Peas and Mushrooms

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

Cook the macaroni according to the package directions until tender. Drain well and toss with butter.

Set aside while preparing the ragout.

2. Brown the Chicken

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.

Season the chicken with salt and black pepper, then add it to the pan.

Cook for several minutes, turning occasionally, until lightly browned on the outside.

Remove the chicken and set aside.

3. Build the Sauce

Add the chopped onion to the same pan and cook until softened.

Add the garlic and sliced mushrooms. Cook until the mushrooms release their moisture and begin to brown.

Reduce the heat slightly and stir in the Hungarian paprika and tomato paste.

Cook briefly, being careful not to burn the paprika.

4. Simmer

Return the chicken to the pan.

Pour in the chicken broth and add the marjoram and caraway seeds if using.

Bring everything to a gentle simmer.

Cover and cook for about 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

5. Add the Peas

Stir in the green peas and continue cooking for another 5–7 minutes.

The peas should remain tender and bright while the sauce thickens slightly.

6. Finish with Sour Cream

In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream and flour.

Add a few spoonfuls of the hot sauce to the sour cream mixture and whisk well. This helps prevent the sour cream from curdling.

Slowly stir the mixture back into the skillet.

Cook gently for another 2–3 minutes until the sauce becomes creamy and thick.

Avoid boiling vigorously after adding the sour cream.

7. Serve

Spoon the creamy chicken ragout beside or over the buttered macaroni.

Finish with fresh parsley and a few tomato slices if desired.

🇭🇺 Why This Dish Feels So Hungarian

Hungarian cooking is famous for building deep flavor from simple ingredients, particularly onions, paprika, garlic, and slow-cooked sauces.

This chicken ragout brings those comforting flavors together with mushrooms and peas, creating a dish that is hearty without requiring complicated preparation.

The macaroni is perfect for soaking up the rich sauce, making every bite warm, savory, and satisfying.