Hungarian Chicken Paprikás with Dumplings (Nokedli)
Hungarian Chicken Paprikás is one of Hungary’s most beloved comfort foods. Rich, creamy, and deeply flavorful, this traditional dish features tender chicken simmered in a paprika-infused sauce and served with soft, homemade dumplings called nokedli. It’s a hearty meal that brings warmth and tradition to the table and is perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Despite its bold flavor, Chicken Paprikás is made with simple, everyday ingredients. The key is high-quality paprika and patience, allowing the sauce to develop its signature color and taste.
What Is Chicken Paprikás?
Chicken Paprikás (Paprikás Csirke in Hungarian) is a classic stew that highlights Hungary’s most famous spice: paprika. Unlike spicy chili-based dishes, Hungarian paprika is sweet, fragrant, and earthy. It gives the dish its deep red color and distinctive flavor.
Traditionally, Chicken Paprikás is served with nokedli, small dumplings similar to German spaetzle. These dumplings soak up the creamy sauce beautifully, making every bite satisfying.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Paprikás
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2 pounds bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks
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2 tablespoons vegetable oil or lard
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2 medium onions, finely chopped
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2 tablespoons sweet Hungarian paprika
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1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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1 cup chicken broth
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1 cup sour cream
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1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
For the Dumplings (Nokedli)
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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2 large eggs
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¾–1 cup water
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1 teaspoon salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper. This helps the chicken brown evenly and adds flavor from the start.
2. Cook the Onions
Heat the oil or lard in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook slowly, stirring often, until they become soft and golden. This step is very important, as the onions form the base of the sauce.
Remove the pot from the heat briefly and stir in the sweet Hungarian paprika (and smoked paprika if using). Taking the pot off the heat prevents the paprika from burning, which can make it bitter.
3. Brown the Chicken
Return the pot to the stove and add the chicken pieces. Turn them gently to coat with the onion and paprika mixture. Add the garlic, salt, and pepper, then pour in the chicken broth.
Cover and simmer over low to medium heat for about 35–45 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
4. Finish the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix the sour cream with the flour until smooth. Slowly stir a few spoonfuls of the hot sauce into the sour cream mixture to temper it, then gently stir everything back into the pot.
Simmer for another 5–10 minutes until the sauce thickens. Do not boil, as this can cause the sour cream to separate.
How to Make Traditional Dumplings (Nokedli)
1. Prepare the Dough
In a medium bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the eggs and begin mixing. Slowly add water until you get a thick, sticky batter. The texture should be soft but not runny.
2. Cook the Dumplings
Bring a large pot of salted water to a gentle boil. Using a spoon or a dumpling grater, drop small pieces of dough into the water. When the dumplings float to the surface, they are done.
Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside. You can lightly toss them with a little oil or butter to prevent sticking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Chicken Paprikás hot over the dumplings, generously spooning the sauce on top. Traditionally, it is paired with:
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Simple cucumber salad
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Pickled vegetables
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Fresh parsley for garnish
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
Tips for Authentic Flavor
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Use real Hungarian paprika: This is the most important ingredient and makes a noticeable difference.
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Do not rush the onions: Slowly cooked onions create a rich, smooth sauce.
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Avoid boiling after adding sour cream: Gentle heat keeps the sauce creamy.
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Bone-in chicken works best: It adds more flavor to the sauce.
Why This Dish Is So Loved
Hungarian Chicken Paprikás is comforting, filling, and deeply rooted in tradition. It brings together simple ingredients to create something special, making it a favorite across generations. Whether you’re exploring Hungarian cuisine for the first time or recreating a family classic, this dish delivers warmth and satisfaction in every bite.