Hungarian Chicken Recipe

Hungarian Chicken is an incredibly flavorful recipe from Central Europe. It is warm, rustic, and so easy to make. All it takes is a one-pan to cook the tender chicken, later simmered in a velvety, smoky paprika sauce. And when served over the bed of pasta, it is an absolute must-try.

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We were inspired to develop this recipe in order to deliver the genuine flavour of a Hungarian kitchen to your home without requiring any difficult steps. The chicken legs' flawless sear and the base of onions and a mixture of hot and sweet paprika, which produce a rich, smooth, and completely irresistible sauce, are what work their magic. Perfectly clinging to each piece of chicken and the bed of buttery pasta underneath, this creamy sauce is finished with a hint of sour cream. 

You'll want to make this family dinner again and again because it's a complete, delicious meal that only requires one pan. It is also a perfect choice for large gatherings since it is easy to make and handle. It also offers the ideal balance of comforting tradition and simple, contemporary cooking.

Ingredients Breakdown for the Hungarian Chicken

For the Chicken

• Full Chicken legs: We are using chicken thighs and leg sets for this recipe. We love how the juicy meat of thighs and legs absorbs all the creamy paprika sauce.
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper: We are seasoning the chicken legs with salt and pepper. The freshly ground pepper has more pappery flavor in general.
• Olive oil: Olive oil will help in browning the chicken and making it super delicious.

For the Sauce

• Olive oil: Olive oil will help in cooking everything in the sauce. It also adds a mild olive flavor.
• Butter: We are using the salted butter for extra savory buttery richness. If you are using the unsalted one, it's ok too. Just adjust the seasoning accordingly.
• Onion: Onion will add a touch of sweetness to balance out the rest of the ingredients, like tomato puree and sour cream.
• Garlic: Garlic is a must to add since it gives the sauce a spicy, garlicky flavor.
• Hungarian paprika: The authentic Hungarian paprika comes in three flavors: sweet, hot, or a mix. You can use any, depending on your preference.
• Flour: Flour works as a thickening agent for the sauce.
• Tomato puree: The tomato puree has a deep, savory, and slightly sweet flavor. It also gives the sauce a vibrant color.
• Chicken broth: We are using low-sodium broth to avoid the dish from getting too salty.
• Sour cream: Sour cream is what makes this dish unique. It balances out the savory and sweet flavors with a touch of sourness.

For the Pasta

• Pasta: Pasta will act as a vehicle for the sauce and chicken. You can use any pasta of your choice.
• Butter: We are adding butter to the pasta to prevent it from clumping up.

Instructions

Reading the recipe’s instructions thoroughly before starting is crucial. Ensure you have all the ingredients measured out for every step in advance to make the recipe easier.

See the full preparation in the recipe card below, which includes complete instructions on how to prepare your kitchen, as well as the ingredients, to make this creamy and succulent Hungarian Chicken.