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Chicken Paprikash and Dumplings

Published on March 1, 2024 by Raveaboutfood

This was my favorite meal while growing up and my grandmother 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.

Chicken Paprikash and Dumplings

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 Recipe

What’s needed?

  • 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.
Chicken Paprikash
  • 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.

Homemade Dumpling Recipe

What’s needed?

  • 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

How to make dumplings?

  • 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!
Chicken Paprikash and Dumplings

This is a family favorite and reminds me of my childhood. I can remember my grandmother standing at the stove and can smell the amazing aroma of her Chicken Paprikash. Such great memories.

For more savory chicken recipes, check out these comforting dishes:

Chicken Paprikash and Dumplings

Chicken with paprika and onions is slow cooked until tender and delicious. Serve Chicken Paprikash with homemade dumplings for a winning combination.
Servings: 6 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

Ingredients 

  • 4 chicken thighs , or white meat if you prefer, cut into 4 ounce pieces
  • 4 chicken legs
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour, enough to coat the chicken
  • 1 yellow onion, sliced (about 1 cup)
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 2 tablespoons canola oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/3 cup sour cream or heavy cream

Instructions 

  • 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.
    Chicken Paprikash
  • 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. Recipe makes 6 servings.
    Chicken Paprikash

Equipment

  • 1 large skillet

Notes

How to make homemade dumplings?
What’s needed?
    • 1 egg for each person PLUS one (If you are cooking for 4 people, you will need 5 eggs.)
    • all-purpose 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.

Nutrition

Calories: 474kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 29gFat: 31gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 7gMonounsaturated Fat: 14gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 154mgSodium: 519mgPotassium: 380mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 139IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 22mgIron: 2mg