A fast and simple Hungarian meal, this chicken paprikash recipe is one of Hungary’s national dishes, although every family seems to have its own way of making it. Expat Living’s Production Manager JUDIT GÁL shares her version of this comforting classic, featuring tender chicken in a paprika sauce that’s perfect served with cucumber salad, Hungarian dumplings, elbow pasta, penne, rice or mashed potato.
Learn how to make this chicken paprikash recipe at home
Ingredients (serves 2)
- 2 chicken thighs or breasts cut into pieces
- 2-3 tablespoons oil or lard
- 1 medium onion, peeled and chopped into small pieces
- 1 tablespoon Hungarian paprika
- 300ml water
- 2 tablespoons sour cream (2-3 tablespoons of milk works perfectly well too)
- 1 tablespoon plain flour
- 3-4 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon salt
- A sprinkle of marjoram (optional)
Method for chicken paprikash
#1 Heat the oil in a pan, add the chopped onions, sprinkle with half the salt, and sauté over low heat until the onions are glossy. Don’t let them brown.
#2 Remove the pan from the heat (this prevents the paprika from burning and becoming bitter) and stir in the paprika.
#3 Add the chicken, stir briefly, then return the pan to low heat and continue stirring for about a minute.
#4 Add the water, remaining salt, bay leaves and marjoram.
#5 Cover the pan and cook for 15-20 minutes. Check every 5-7 minutes to see if it needs more water, and add a little if needed.
#6 Once the chicken is fully cooked, prepare the roux: in a small bowl, take 3-4 tablespoons of the paprika sauce. Let it cool slightly, then mix with the flour until smooth. Add the milk or sour cream and mix again until well combined.
#7 With continuous stirring, add the roux to the pan and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. (Keeping the heat low and stirring continuously are crucial for this final step.)
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This recipe for chicken paprikash first appeared in the May 2026 issue of Expat Living magazine. You can buy the latest mag or an annual subscription, or read the digital version for free now.
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