
Hungarian Chicken Paprikash, known as Paprikás Csirke, is one of Hungary’s most iconic comfort foods. Tender pieces of chicken are slowly simmered in a rich sauce made with onions, sweet Hungarian paprika, and sour cream, then served with soft, pillowy dumplings called nokedli.
Warm, creamy, savory, and deeply satisfying, this traditional Hungarian dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner and simple enough to become a regular favorite.
What Is Chicken Paprikash?
Paprikás Csirke is a classic Hungarian dish built around a few essential ingredients: chicken, onions, paprika, and sour cream.
The secret is to gently cook the onions and paprika before adding the chicken, allowing the paprika to release its distinctive flavor and color. Sour cream is then incorporated into the sauce, creating the creamy finish that makes chicken paprikash so special.
Traditionally, it is served with nokedli, Hungarian egg dumplings that are perfect for soaking up every drop of the sauce.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Paprikash
- 2½–3 pounds bone-in chicken thighs and drumsticks
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or lard
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons sweet Hungarian paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 large tomato, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- ¾ cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
For the Nokedli Dumplings
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½–¾ cup water









