Chicken Paprikash Recipe With Sour Cream Sauce

Name: Chicken Paprikash Recipe with Sour Cream Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Hungarian
Ingredients: 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces (approx. 900g); 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped; 3-4 cloves garlic, minced; 3 tablespoons good quality Hungarian sweet paprika; 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (approx. 470ml); 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained (optional) (approx. 410g); 1 cup full-fat sour cream (approx. 240g); 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil; Salt, to taste; Pepper, to taste

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I know how challenging weeknight dinners can be, and that’s why this Chicken Paprikash Recipe with Sour Cream Sauce has become a true family favorite in my home. This classic dish offers rich, savory flavors and a creamy finish that truly comforts, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. Perfect for busy families, comfort food enthusiasts, or anyone craving a deeply satisfying and easy-to-make meal, it’s one of my go-to easy dinner ideas. Watch as simple ingredients transform into a heartwarming, flavorful dinner that feels gourmet but is totally approachable. This time-tested, beloved recipe brings a taste of tradition right to your family table.

What You’ll Need for Chicken Paprikash Recipe with Sour Cream Sauce

Chicken: 2 lbs (approx. 900g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces (for quick cooking and tender bites, chicken thighs offer more flavor).
Onion: 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped (the essential flavor base for the sauce). Always choose firm, unblemished onions.
Garlic: 3-4 cloves, minced (adds aromatic depth to our healthy recipe).
Sweet Paprika: 3 tablespoons good quality Hungarian sweet paprika (the star spice, gives color and authentic flavor; store in a cool, dark place).
Chicken Broth: 2 cups (470ml) low-sodium chicken broth (creates the luscious sauce; I often use homemade for extra depth).
Canned Tomatoes: 1 (14.5 oz / 410g) can diced tomatoes, undrained (optional, for extra body and tang).
Sour Cream: 1 cup (240g) full-fat sour cream (for that signature creamy, tangy finish; Greek yogurt works too if that’s what’s in the fridge, but expect a slightly tangier sauce).
Oil: 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil (for searing and sautéing the chicken and aromatics).
Salt & Pepper: To taste (essential for seasoning every layer).

For premium upgrades, use organic chicken and authentic Hungarian paprika for the richest flavor. To save money, swap chicken thighs for drumsticks, or use plain Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter option. Always use fresh onions and garlic for the best foundation.

Step-by-Step Method Made Simple

This easy Chicken Paprikash Recipe with Sour Cream Sauce comes together beautifully with these straightforward steps.

Prep & Sear Chicken (Approx. 15 min): Pat chicken pieces dry and season generously with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large 10-inch skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering. Sear chicken until lightly browned on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side; remove and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics (Approx. 5 min): Add chopped onion to the same pot; cook until softened and translucent, 5-7 minutes, smelling sweet. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
Build the Sauce (Approx. 25-30 min): Remove pot from heat. Stir in 3 tablespoons paprika (to prevent bitterness). Immediately add 2 cups chicken broth and diced tomatoes (if using), scraping up browned bits. Return chicken to pot. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook 15-20 minutes, or until chicken is fork-tender. If the sauce looks dry, splash in 1–2 Tbsp broth. Building the sauce is key to our amazing Chicken Paprikash Recipe with Sour Cream Sauce.
Finish with Sour Cream (Approx. 5 min): Remove pot from heat. Whisk a ladleful of hot sauce into 1 cup sour cream in a small bowl to temper it. Slowly stir tempered sour cream back into the pot until fully combined and creamy. Do not boil after adding sour cream to prevent curdling. Season with more salt and pepper to taste; your Chicken Paprikash Recipe with Sour Cream Sauce is almost ready!

Look/feel cues for doneness: Chicken will be fork-tender. The sauce will be rich, thick, and creamy, coating a spoon with a beautiful reddish-orange hue. For a quick weeknight meal, I often use pre-chopped onions and chicken already cut into pieces; it shaves off precious minutes without sacrificing flavor, making this an excellent easy dinner idea for busy families. To save time, use pre-chopped onions or pre-cut chicken. For a richer flavor, let the sauce simmer a bit longer before adding sour cream.

Troubleshooting common mistakes:
• Sauce too thin? Simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes, or mix 1 tsp cornstarch with 1 tbsp cold water and stir into the simmering sauce.
• Sour cream curdled? Ensure the pot is off the heat when adding sour cream, and temper it first. A slightly curdled Chicken Paprikash Recipe with Sour Cream Sauce is still delicious!
• Too bland? Add more salt, pepper, or a touch more paprika.

Perfect Occasions and Serving Inspiration

This Chicken Paprikash Recipe with Sour Cream Sauce is incredibly versatile for any family meal, offering comfort and speed for busy households.

When to serve: Weeknight dinners, comforting Sunday meals, casual gatherings, or school lunchboxes.
Serving pairings: Enjoy over egg noodles, white rice, mashed potatoes, or with crusty bread. A side of green salad works well.
Storage and reheating: Store refrigerated for 3-4 days. Freeze sauce (without sour cream) up to 3 months; add fresh sour cream after reheating. I often make a big batch on Sunday for easy, satisfying lunches.

Nutrition & Everyday Wellness Benefits

Our Chicken Paprikash Recipe with Sour Cream Sauce offers balanced protein, essential nutrients, and satisfying comfort, contributing positively to everyday wellness.

High-protein dinner: Supports muscle health and satiety, making it a great choice for healthy recipes for dinner.
Easy meal prep for busy families: Cook a batch and enjoy balanced meals throughout the week.
Can be made gluten-free: Serve with rice, potatoes, or gluten-free noodles.
Hearty and wholesome: Provides sustained energy from lean protein and healthy fats.

Why This Recipe Works for You

This Chicken Paprikash Recipe with Sour Cream Sauce helps achieve lifestyle goals like enjoying delicious family meals and saving time without sacrificing flavor.

Budget-friendly: Uses common, affordable ingredients for an economical, satisfying meal.
Speed & Simplicity: Quick to prepare, perfect as an easy dinner for busy weeknights.
Diet adaptable: Easily adjusted for low-carb or gluten-free preferences.
Family-approved comfort: A universally loved dish that brings everyone to the table.

Smart Upgrades and Adjustments

Elevate your Chicken Paprikash Recipe with Sour Cream Sauce with these simple tweaks.

Technique tips: Deglaze the pan with broth after searing for extra flavor. Gently toast paprika for enhanced aroma.
Flavor variations: Add smoked paprika for depth, fresh dill or parsley for brightness, or a splash of dry white wine for complexity.
Diet adaptations:
- Low-carb: Serve over cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or steamed vegetables.
- Dairy-free: Use a dairy-free sour cream alternative or cashew cream sauce.
- Vegetarian: Substitute chicken with hearty mushrooms or chickpeas.
- Kid-friendly: Reduce black pepper; serve with their favorite pasta or rice.

Reader Q&A

Can I prepare Chicken Paprikash Recipe with Sour Cream Sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you absolutely can! Cook the chicken and sauce base (before stirring in the sour cream) 1-2 days in advance. Gently reheat it on the stovetop and then stir in fresh sour cream just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Is Chicken Paprikash Recipe with Sour Cream Sauce good for meal prep?

Absolutely! This dish is an excellent choice for meal prep. Portion the cooked chicken and sauce into individual airtight containers for easy, flavorful lunches or dinners throughout the week. Remember to add sour cream when reheating if it was stored separately.

What’s the best way to store this dish?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you plan to freeze it, freeze the chicken and sauce without the sour cream. When ready to enjoy, thaw, reheat, and then stir in fresh sour cream for that signature creamy finish.

Are there healthier substitutes for this Chicken Paprikash Recipe with Sour Cream Sauce?

Indeed! For a lighter version, opt for boneless, skinless chicken breast instead of thighs, use light sour cream or plain Greek yogurt for the finish, and boost the vegetable content in the sauce. These specific swaps help make it a healthier meal.

Can I make this dish spicier?

Definitely! To add a kick, incorporate a small amount of hot Hungarian paprika alongside the sweet paprika, or a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper, adjusted to your preferred level of heat. Add sparingly and taste as you go.

What if my sauce separates or curdles?

This sometimes happens if sour cream is added to a rapidly boiling or too-hot sauce. To prevent it, ensure the pot is off the heat and temper the sour cream with a ladleful of hot sauce before stirring it in. I always make sure my pot is off the heat when I add the tempered sour cream, just to be safe. A slightly separated sauce is still perfectly safe and delicious!

This Chicken Paprikash Recipe with Sour Cream Sauce is your simple secret to a delicious, easy, and incredibly satisfying family dinner. I know your family will love this dish; save it to your Pinterest board for quick, easy family meals.