Hungarian Chicken Paprikash with Dumplings (Nokedli)

Hungarian cuisine is celebrated for its rich flavors, comforting dishes, and the generous use of paprika. One of the country's most beloved recipes is Chicken Paprikash (Paprikás Csirke), a creamy and aromatic chicken stew traditionally served with soft homemade dumplings known as Nokedli. This classic meal is perfect for family dinners and showcases the authentic taste of Hungary.

What Is Chicken Paprikash?

Chicken Paprikash is a traditional Hungarian dish made with tender chicken simmered in a flavorful sauce of onions, sweet Hungarian paprika, tomatoes, and sour cream. The creamy sauce is the heart of this recipe, delivering a rich, smoky, and slightly tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with fluffy dumplings.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Paprikash

• 1 kg chicken thighs or breast, cut into pieces
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 medium onions, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons Hungarian sweet paprika
• 1 tomato, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 200 ml sour cream
• 1 tablespoon flour
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

For the Nokedli Dumplings

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs
• ½ cup water
• 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté the onions until soft and translucent. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.

Step 2: Add the Paprika

Remove the pot from the heat briefly and stir in the Hungarian paprika. Immediately add the tomatoes and bell pepper to prevent the paprika from burning.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Return the pot to the heat, add the chicken pieces, and season with salt and pepper. Pour in the chicken broth, cover, and simmer for 35–40 minutes until the chicken becomes tender.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

Mix the sour cream with the flour until smooth. Slowly stir the mixture into the stew and cook for another 5 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Step 5: Prepare the Dumplings

Combine the flour, eggs, water, and salt to form a soft dough. Drop small portions into boiling salted water using a spoon or dumpling maker. Cook for 2–3 minutes until they float, then drain.

Step 6: Serve

Place the warm dumplings on a serving plate and spoon the creamy chicken paprikash over the top. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and enjoy immediately.

Tips for the Best Chicken Paprikash

• Always use authentic Hungarian sweet paprika for the richest flavor.
• Avoid overheating the paprika, as it can become bitter.
• Chicken thighs produce a juicier and more flavorful dish than chicken breast.
• Freshly made dumplings provide the most authentic Hungarian experience.

Nutrition Information

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: Approximately 520 kcal per serving

Conclusion

Chicken Paprikash with Nokedli is a timeless Hungarian comfort food that combines tender chicken, a velvety paprika sauce, and soft homemade dumplings. Whether you're exploring traditional European cuisine or preparing a cozy family meal, this authentic recipe is guaranteed to impress with its rich flavors and satisfying texture.