2️⃣ Golden Onion Magic
In a large heavy pot or Dutch oven, heat lard + oil over medium heat.
Add chopped onions and cook them low & slow for 10–12 minutes until golden and soft. 🧅✨
(This is the flavor base—be patient, it’s worth it!)
3️⃣ Add Garlic, Pepper & Tomato
Toss in garlic, chopped pepper, and tomato. Let it all cook down until soft and fragrant—around 5–6 minutes. 🍅🫑
4️⃣ Paprika Moment! 🌶️🔥
Take the pot off the heat for a sec (so the paprika doesn’t burn). Stir in the sweet paprika until it coats everything with that rich red color. ✨ This is when your kitchen starts smelling AMAZING!
5️⃣ Simmer the Chicken
Put the chicken pieces into the pot and coat them well in the paprika mix.
Pour in broth or water just enough to cover the meat 🥣.
Cover and simmer on low heat for about 40–50 minutes, until chicken is super tender and flavorful. 🍗💦
6️⃣ Creamy Dreamy Sauce Time
In a small bowl, mix the sour cream with the flour (if using) until smooth and creamy. 🍶🥄
Carefully remove the chicken from the pot. Stir in the sour cream mixture and let the sauce simmer for another 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened and luscious.
Gently return the chicken to the pot so it soaks up all that creamy paprika sauce. 😍
7️⃣ Serve & Devour! 🍽️
Ladle over:
- 🥚 Egg noodles
- 🥔 Mashed potatoes
- 🍚 Rice
- 🇭🇺 Nokedli (Hungarian dumplings—authentic & amazing!)
Top with fresh parsley and another dollop of sour cream if you’re feelin’ fancy! 🌿💕
🧠✨ Tips for Authentic Flavor:
✅ Use real Hungarian sweet paprika (Szeged or Kalocsa brands are amazing)
✅ Don’t rush the onion step—it’s key to deep flavor
✅ Bone-in chicken = richer sauce
✅ Sour cream at room temp blends better & avoids curdling
💬 A Little Story…
In Hungary, this dish isn’t just dinner—it’s tradition. It’s grandma’s recipe, it’s Sunday lunch, it’s the smell that fills the kitchen when family is gathered, laughing, talking, living. 🇭🇺❤️
📸 Share Your Plate!
If you make this recipe, snap a pic and tag it with #PaprikashLove so we can see your beautiful creation! 📷🍛
Would you like the homemade nokedli dumpling recipe to go with it? Or a slow cooker version for extra convenience? I got you, girl! 😊