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Homemade Hungarian Chicken Paprikash (Chicken and Dumplings): Authentic Recipe Guide

Discover the authentic Hungarian Chicken Paprikash recipe! This comforting dish features tender chicken, rich paprika-infused sauce, and homemade dumplings (nokedli) for the ultimate traditional meal.
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Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

  • For the Chicken Paprikash:
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or lard
  • 2 pounds chicken pieces thighs, drumsticks, or a mix
  • 1 large onion finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons Hungarian sweet paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika optional
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
  • 1 medium tomato chopped
  • 1 medium green bell pepper chopped
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • For the Dumplings Nokedli:
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup water adjust as needed
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Equipment

  • Large skillet or Dutch oven
  • Wooden spoon
  • Large pot for boiling dumplings
  • Cheese grater (optional, for dumpling-making)
  • Mixing bowls

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Paprikash
  2. Heat the oil or lard in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and sear on both sides until golden brown. Remove the chicken and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, sauté the onions until soft and translucent (about 5 minutes). Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
  4. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the sweet paprika and smoked paprika to avoid burning the spices. Return the skillet to low heat.
  5. Add the chopped tomato and bell pepper, then stir. Return the chicken pieces to the skillet. Pour in the chicken broth, cover, and simmer for 35–40 minutes, or until the chicken is tender.
  6. Step 2: Thicken the Sauce
  7. In a small bowl, whisk the sour cream with the flour until smooth.
  8. Gradually stir the sour cream mixture into the simmering sauce. Let it cook for another 5–7 minutes until the sauce thickens. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary.
  9. Step 3: Make the Dumplings (Nokedli)
  10. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, eggs, water, and salt to create a thick, sticky batter.
  11. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Using a dumpling maker or a cheese grater, drop small portions of batter into the boiling water.
  12. Cook the dumplings until they float to the surface (about 2–3 minutes). Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
  13. Step 4: Serve
  14. Serve the chicken paprikash over the dumplings, generously drizzling the sauce over both. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.