My Grandmother’s Hungarian Chicken Paprikash Recipe

🇭🇺 My Grandmother’s Hungarian Chicken Paprikash (Paprikás Csirke)

🧾 Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken (cut into pieces) or 800 g bone-in thighs
• 2 tbsp lard or oil
• 2 large onions (finely chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 tbsp Hungarian sweet paprika
• 1 tomato (chopped) or 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 green pepper (chopped)
• 250 ml chicken broth
• 200 ml sour cream
• 1 tbsp flour (optional, for thickening)
• Salt and black pepper (to taste)

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👩‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Cook the onions (the secret):
   Heat lard in a heavy pot and cook onions slowly until very soft and slightly golden. This builds the flavor base.
2. Add garlic and cook briefly.

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3. Add paprika:
   Remove from heat and stir in paprika (this keeps it sweet, not bitter).

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4. Cook the chicken:
   Add chicken pieces and coat well in the onion-paprika mixture.
5. Return to heat and cook for a few minutes.

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5. Add vegetables:
   Stir in tomato and green pepper. Season with salt and pepper.

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6. Simmer:
   Pour in broth, cover, and cook on low heat for 35–45 minutes until chicken is tender.

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7. Finish with cream:
   Mix sour cream with flour, then stir into the pot.
8. Simmer gently for a few minutes (do not boil).