Hungary's iconic paprikás csirke: Taste of tradition at home

Paprikás csirke is one of the most well-known and appreciated dishes in Hungarian cuisine. The aromatic, creamy sauce with an intense paprika flavour makes this dish a favourite worldwide. Best of all, its preparation is extremely straightforward, and the ingredients can be found at any grocery store. If you want to impress your loved ones, paprikás csirke is an excellent choice for a family dinner.

Paprikás csirke, or chicken in paprika sauce, is one of the most characteristic dishes of Hungarian cuisine. Its history dates back to the 19th century, when it became an integral part of Hungarian tables. The base of the dish is tender chicken, which is stewed in an aromatic sauce made from onions, paprika, and cream. A key ingredient is Hungarian ground paprika, which gives the dish its deep flavour and beautiful colour.

This dish pairs best with pasta, potatoes, or traditional Hungarian dumplings called zsemlegombóc. You can also diversify it by adding sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, or tomatoes, enhancing its flavour and adding more juiciness.

Despite its exotic name, paprikás csirke is a dish that can be easily prepared in any kitchen. Here is a list of ingredients needed to make this aromatic dish:

Ingredients:

• 450 grams (1 lb) of chicken breast,
• 4 tablespoons of oil or butter,
• 1 large onion,
• 60 mL (1/4 cup) Hungarian sweet paprika,
• 2 tablespoons of flour,
• 360 mL (1 and a half cups) of chicken broth,
• 240 mL (1 cup) of cream,
• 1 teaspoon of lemon juice,
• Salt and pepper to taste.

Preparation:

1. Cut the chicken into pieces and sauté it in 2 tablespoons of heated fat until it becomes white on the outside. Then transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels.
2. In the same pan, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of fat and add the onion sliced into thin half-moons. Sauté it on low heat until it becomes translucent.
3. Next, add the paprika and flour and sauté briefly, stirring constantly to avoid burning the spices.
4. Pour in the broth and mix thoroughly to eliminate any lumps. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. When the broth starts to boil, add the chicken, reduce the heat, and simmer covered for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. After this time, remove the chicken from the sauce and transfer it into a separate dish. Add the cream and lemon juice to the sauce, mix, and season to taste.
7. Place the chicken back into the sauce and heat for a few minutes.

Paprikás csirke tastes best when served fresh, while the sauce is still hot and aromatic. Combined with traditional Hungarian side dishes, it is a true feast for the senses.

Paprikás csirke is a dish that will delight any lover of Hungarian cuisine. Simple to prepare, aromatic, and full of flavour, it is perfect for a family dinner. If you haven't tried it yet, be sure to test this recipe and discover why Hungarians love paprika sauce so much!