Hungarian Chicken Paprikash with Potatoes

Tender chicken and potatoes simmered in a rich Hungarian paprika sauce

Hungarian cuisine is famous for its generous use of sweet paprika, onions, and slow-simmered sauces. This comforting Hungarian Chicken Paprikash with Potatoes is a hearty home-style dish featuring tender chicken pieces and potatoes cooked together in a rich, savory paprika sauce.

It is simple enough for a weeknight dinner but satisfying enough for a traditional family meal. Serve it with fresh bread, pickles, or a simple cucumber salad to soak up every drop of the delicious sauce.

🍗 Hungarian Chicken Paprikash with Potatoes

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time

50–60 minutes

Total Time

About 1 hour 15 minutes

Servings

4–6

Ingredients

• 1 kg chicken thighs, drumsticks, or mixed chicken pieces
• 700 g potatoes, peeled and cut into large chunks
• 2 medium onions, finely chopped
• 3 tablespoons Hungarian sweet paprika
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or lard
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large tomato, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 500–600 ml chicken stock or water
• 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon caraway seeds, optional
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 tablespoons sour cream, optional
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, for serving

Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken

Pat the chicken pieces dry and season lightly with salt and black pepper.

2. Cook the onions

Heat the oil or lard in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook for 6–8 minutes until soft and lightly golden.

3. Add the paprika

Remove the pot from the heat for a moment and stir in the Hungarian sweet paprika. This helps prevent the paprika from burning and becoming bitter.

4. Build the sauce

Return the pot to low heat and add the garlic, chopped tomato, and green pepper. Stir well and cook for 3–4 minutes.

5. Add the chicken

Place the chicken pieces into the pot and turn them several times so they become coated in the paprika and onion mixture.

Pour in enough chicken stock or water to partially cover the chicken. Add the bay leaf and caraway seeds if using.

Cover and simmer gently for about 25–30 minutes.

6. Add the potatoes

Add the potato chunks to the pot. Stir carefully and continue cooking for another 20–25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the chicken is completely cooked through.

If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little more stock or water.

7. Finish the dish

Taste and adjust the salt and pepper. For a creamier Hungarian-style sauce, stir a few tablespoons of sour cream into a small amount of the hot sauce first, then return the mixture to the pot.

Simmer gently for another 2–3 minutes without boiling vigorously.

8. Serve

Transfer the chicken and potatoes to a large serving dish and spoon the rich paprika sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Serve hot with crusty bread, pickled vegetables, or a fresh cucumber salad.

Tips for the Best Hungarian Chicken Paprikash

Use authentic Hungarian paprika: Sweet Hungarian paprika gives the dish its characteristic color, aroma, and mild pepper flavor.

Do not burn the paprika: Paprika can become bitter when exposed to very high heat, so add it after briefly removing the pot from the heat.

Choose bone-in chicken: Chicken thighs and drumsticks provide more flavor and remain tender during slow cooking.

Cut the potatoes evenly: Similar-sized pieces will cook at the same rate.

Keep the sauce rich: Avoid adding too much liquid at once. The potatoes and chicken should simmer in a flavorful paprika sauce rather than a thin broth.

What to Serve with Hungarian Chicken Paprikash

This hearty dish pairs beautifully with:

• Fresh crusty bread
• Hungarian pickles
• Cucumber salad
• Pickled peppers
• Simple green salad
• Homemade dumplings or egg noodles

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breast?

Yes. Chicken breast can be used, but it cooks faster and can become dry. For the most tender result, chicken thighs or drumsticks are recommended.

Can I make this dish spicy?

Absolutely. Add a small amount of Hungarian hot paprika or another mild chili pepper if you prefer some heat.

Can I prepare it ahead of time?

Yes. In fact, the flavors often become even better after resting. Store leftovers in the refrigerator and reheat gently.

Is sour cream traditional?

Sour cream is commonly associated with Hungarian paprikash and adds a wonderful creamy, slightly tangy finish. It can be added according to your preference.

Final Thoughts

This Hungarian Chicken Paprikash with Potatoes is the kind of comforting dish that brings together everything wonderful about traditional Hungarian home cooking: tender chicken, soft potatoes, sweet paprika, onions, and a deeply flavorful sauce.

It is filling, affordable, and easy to prepare, making it an excellent choice for a cozy family dinner. Serve it piping hot with plenty of fresh bread for dipping into the rich paprika sauce.