Classic Chicken Paprikash
Chicken paprikash is one of those dishes that feels both deeply comforting and surprisingly simple. Built around good sweet paprika, onions, and sour cream, it’s a dish where technique matters more than complexity. This is the version I come back to when I want something familiar, warming, and reliably good.
Ingredients
• 1 whole chicken, cut up (about 3 pounds)
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 large tomatoes, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, smashed
• ½ bunch fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon sweet Hungarian paprika
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 6 cups water or chicken stock
• 2 cups rice
• Neutral oil for searing
Instructions
1. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika. Dust lightly so it coats without clumping.
2. Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat and sear the chicken until lightly browned. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same pot, add the onion, celery, and bell pepper. Cook gently until softened.
4. Add the garlic and remaining paprika, stirring briefly to bloom the spice without burning.
5. Return the chicken to the pot and cover with water or chicken stock. Add the tomatoes and parsley.
6. Cover and simmer gently over low heat for about 40 minutes.
7. Pour the cooking liquid into a pitcher and let it sit for a minute. Skim off most of the fat from the top.
8. Measure the remaining liquid and add water or stock as needed to make 4 cups total. Reserve 2 cups separately.
9. Return the pot to the stove, add the rice, and cook for another 20 minutes until tender.
Optional Step
At this point, you can remove the chicken from the pot, let it cool slightly, and pull the meat from the bones. Add it back to the pot when the rice is nearly finished. Alternatively, leave the chicken on the bone and cook it together with the rice.
To Serve
Simmer the reserved gravy separately and spoon it over the chicken and rice just before serving.
Yield
Serves 8
Total cooking time: about 1 hour
Related Recipes
If you enjoy this dish, you may also like my Chicken Portofino or Immune-Boosting Mushroom Soup.
