This was my favorite meal when I was growing up. I asked for it often and when I was old enough, my grandmother Virginia taught me how to make it. The recipe comes from her Hungarian ancestors. There was something special about her…AND her Chicken Paprikash and Dumplings. It is amazing how much flavor comes from so few ingredients. Serve the chicken with homemade dumplings for a comforting meal.
Due to the Hungarian people who originally settled in the Midwest, many families have grown up eating Chicken Paprikash. It’s an old recipe that was brought to America by our ancestors. It’s based around staple foods that were available to make a hearty meal, like chicken, flour, onions and sour cream. After simmering on the stove, Chicken Paprikash is tender and so full of flavor from the onions and paprika added to the dish. It’s a peasant meal, fit for a king! And it’s one of our family’s favorite recipes.
Chicken Paprikash and Dumplings
Makes 6 servings.
- 4 chicken thighs and 4 drumsticks (or white meat if you prefer, cut into 4 ounce pieces)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour, enough to coat the chicken
- 1 large yellow onion, sliced (about 1 cup)
- 1 heaping tablespoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons canola oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/3 cup sour cream or heavy cream
How to make Chicken Paprikash?
- Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven to medium-high heat. Add the canola oil.
- Place the flour on a plate. Coat each piece of chicken with flour. Put the floured chicken in the skillet and cook until browned, turn and brown the other side. Repeat this process until all chicken pieces are browned.
- Sprinkle paprika and garlic salt over the chicken and add the onions. Add one inch of water to the skillet. Cover and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for about 35-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- When done, remove the chicken from the pan and add the sour cream or heavy cream. Stir and scrape the bottom of the pan with your spoon to release the onions and brown bits of flavor at the bottom. Stir until gravy is thickened and smooth, about 5 minutes. Salt and pepper to taste. Serve chicken with gravy and dumplings.
That’s right– it was good and now it gets better, homemade dumplings! And you only need two ingredients.
How to make Dumplings?
- 1 egg for each person PLUS one (If you are cooking for 4 people, you will need 5 eggs.)
- flour (I never measure this, you will just get a feel for it. But it is roughly 1/2 cup of flour per egg.)
- a pinch of salt
Instructions:
- In a medium bowl, crack the eggs and beat with a fork. Add a pinch of salt. Begin to add the flour, a few tablespoons at a time, until the dough is difficult to stir and has some elasticity.
- Using a teaspoon, drop small amounts of dough into salted, boiling water and cook until dumplings float to the top, about 5 minutes. The dumplings will triple in size. Drain the dumplings and serve immediately with the chicken and gravy. Heavenly!
This is a family favorite and reminds me of my childhood. I can see my grandmother standing at the stove and smell the amazing aroma of her Chicken Paprikash.