Are you craving a heartwarming, flavorful meal that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than Chicken Paprikash with Dumplings! This classic Hungarian dish is a perfect blend of tender chicken, rich paprika sauce, and fluffy dumplings, creating a symphony of tastes and textures guaranteed to become a family favorite. It's a delicious dish perfect for a cozy night in, and surprisingly quick to prepare, making it one of the best recipes for busy weeknights. Let's dive into this easy recipe!
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Paprikash:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp sweet Hungarian paprika (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp caraway seeds
- 1/2 tsp marjoram
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for a touch of heat)
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Dumplings:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tbsp melted butter
Instructions:
Making the Chicken Paprikash:
- Season the chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, sweet paprika, smoked paprika, caraway seeds, marjoram, and cayenne pepper (if using) and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes, ensuring no lumps form. Bring to a simmer.
- Stir in the tomato paste. Return the chicken to the pot, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
Making the Dumplings:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the milk and melted butter and stir until just combined. Do not overmix. The batter should be slightly lumpy.
- Drop spoonfuls of the batter onto the simmering paprikash.
- Cover the pot and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy.
Serving Your Delicious Chicken Paprikash:
Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of extra paprika. Serve hot with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. This healthy meal is perfect for a family dinner or a comforting weeknight meal.
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer flavor, use bone-in chicken thighs.
- Add a tablespoon of sour cream or crème fraîche to the paprikash at the end for extra creaminess.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your preferred spice level.
- Substitute chicken with beef or pork for a different twist on this hearty dish.
- Add other vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or bell peppers to the paprikash for a more substantial meal.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 450-500 Protein: 35-40g Fat: 20-25g Carbohydrates: 30-35g
This easy recipe for Chicken Paprikash with Dumplings provides a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy this homemade cooking experience! It's one of those quick dinner ideas that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen! This recipe is among the best recipes for its balance of flavor and ease. Try it today!