Discover the rich flavours of paprikás csirke at home

Paprikás csirke is among the most renowned and appreciated dishes in Hungarian cuisine. The aromatic, creamy sauce with its intense paprika flavour makes this dish a favourite worldwide. Best of all, it is extremely easy to prepare, and the ingredients can be found at any grocery store. If you're looking 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 quintessential dishes of Hungarian cuisine. Its history dates back to the 19th century when it became a staple of Hungarian dining. The dish is based on tender chicken meat, which is stewed in an aromatic sauce made from onions, paprika, and cream. A key ingredient is Hungarian ground paprika, which imparts a deep flavour and vibrant colour to the dish.

This dish pairs best with pasta, potatoes, or traditional Hungarian dumplings called zsemlegombóc. You can also vary it by adding sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, or tomatoes to enhance its flavour and add 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 g chicken breast,
• 4 tablespoons of oil or butter,
• 1 large onion,
• 60 ml Hungarian sweet paprika (about 4 tablespoons),
• 2 tablespoons of flour,
• 350 ml of chicken broth,
• 250 ml of cream,
• 1 teaspoon of lemon juice,
• Salt and pepper to taste.

Preparation:

1. Cut the chicken into pieces and sauté in 2 tablespoons of heated fat until it is 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 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 is best served fresh, while the sauce is still hot and aromatic. Paired with traditional Hungarian side dishes, it offers 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 have such a fondness for paprika sauce!