Description
Delight your taste buds with this comforting and flavorful Hungarian classic! Savory Hungarian Chicken Thighs in a Rich Sauce features tender chicken simmered in a creamy paprika-infused sauce that’s perfect for pairing with rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread. This one-skillet recipe is a celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create an unforgettable meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Sauce:
- 6 chicken thighs
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tomato, chopped
- 1 cup tomato puree
- 1 cup water
- 4–5 tablespoons sour cream
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 2 tablespoons wheat flour
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Olive oil (as needed)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Garnish:
- Chopped parsley
Instructions
1. Season the Chicken
- Rub the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Allow them to sit for about 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
2. Sear the Chicken
- Heat a generous amount of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Sear the chicken thighs for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Prepare the Sauce Base
- In the same skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the chopped tomato and cook until it softens, about 3 minutes.
4. Make the Sauce
- Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of wheat flour over the onion, garlic, and tomato mixture. Stir well to coat evenly.
- Gradually pour in 1 cup of tomato puree and 1 cup of water while stirring to avoid lumps.
- Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
5. Combine the Chicken and Sauce
- Return the seared chicken thighs to the skillet, ensuring they are fully submerged in the sauce.
- Cover the skillet and let it simmer on low heat for 30 minutes, turning the chicken occasionally.
6. Add Sour Cream
- Stir in 4-5 tablespoons of sour cream and blend it into the sauce.
- Simmer for an additional 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
7. Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the chicken for garnish.
- Serve hot with white rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the rich sauce.
Notes
- Paprika Matters: Use high-quality Hungarian paprika for the best flavor and color.
- Adjust Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few minutes. If it’s too thick, add a splash of water or broth.
- Substitute for Sour Cream: If you’re out of sour cream, Greek yogurt works as a great substitute.
- Make it Spicier: Add chili flakes or hot paprika if you prefer a spicy kick.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sauté and Simmer
- Cuisine: Hungarian