Hungarian Chicken Paprikas & Dumplings

Here’s a classic Hungarian Chicken Paprikás with Dumplings recipe — rich, comforting, and full of authentic paprika flavor 🍗🥘

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🍗 Hungarian Chicken Paprikás with Dumplings

🧾 Ingredients

For the Chicken Paprikás:

• 2–3 lbs chicken pieces (thighs, drumsticks, or a mix)

• 2 Tbsp vegetable oil or butter

• 1 large onion, finely chopped

• 2–3 cloves garlic, minced

• 2–3 Tbsp sweet Hungarian paprika

• 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for depth)

• 1 cup chicken broth

• 1 cup sour cream

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Optional: 1 green bell pepper, sliced

For the Dumplings (Nokedli/Spätzle):

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 2 large eggs

• ½ cup water (adjust as needed)

• ½ tsp salt

• 1 Tbsp butter, for tossing

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🔪 Instructions

1️⃣ Make the Chicken Paprikás

1. Heat oil/butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.

2. Add chopped onion; sauté until translucent (~5–7 minutes).

3. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds more.

4. Remove from heat and stir in paprika quickly (to avoid burning).

5. Return to heat, add chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and sear lightly on all sides.

6. Add chicken broth (and bell pepper if using). Cover and simmer 30–40 minutes, until chicken is cooked through and tender.

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2️⃣ Make the Dumplings (Nokedli)

1. In a bowl, mix flour, eggs, water, and salt until a sticky batter forms.

2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

3. Using a spaetzle maker, colander, or a knife, drop batter into boiling water.

4. Cook 2–3 minutes, until dumplings float to the top.

5. Remove with a slotted spoon and toss with butter.

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3️⃣ Finish the Paprikás

1. Remove chicken from pan temporarily.

2. Stir sour cream into the pan sauce off heat (to prevent curdling).

3. Return chicken to the sauce and heat gently until warmed through.

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4️⃣ Serve

• Plate chicken with dumplings on the side.

• Spoon plenty of the creamy paprika sauce over both.

• Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

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🟢 Tips

• Paprika choice: Sweet Hungarian paprika is traditional; smoked adds depth.

• Sour cream: Always stir in off heat to avoid curdling.

• Dumplings: Nokedli are light and tender; don’t overcook.

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🔁 Variations

• Vegetable version: add sliced mushrooms and bell peppers for a hearty vegetarian version.

• Spicy twist: add ½ tsp hot paprika or a pinch of cayenne.

• One-pot method: cook dumplings directly in the chicken sauce for a rustic dish.

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If you want, I can make a “quick 40-minute Hungarian Chicken Paprikás” recipe that still has creamy sauce and dumplings but uses shortcuts for faster weeknight cooking.