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The Recipe · No.297 · Chicken Paprikash

Chicken Paprikash, and where to source it

Chicken Paprikash — 5best2buy.com 5BEST2BUY.COM Chicken Paprikash Hungarian 5best2buy.com

Paprikash rides on fresh sweet Hungarian paprika and a lot of onion cooked to jam, so both matter more than the chicken. Temper the sour cream with hot sauce before it goes in, and never let it boil, or the finish splits.

By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026

Prep15 min
Cook45 min
Makes4 servings
CuisineHungarian
Cost$$
Gluten-free
Contains  dairy
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for 4 servings
Chicken thighs and legs
Bone-in dark meat stays juicy through the braise and flavors the sauce.
3 lb
Sweet Hungarian paprika
Fresh, fragrant paprika is the whole flavor; stale paprika makes a dull sauce.
3 tbsp
Sour cream
Stirred in at the end for the tangy, pale-orange finish; temper it first.
1 cup
Butter or lard
The fat that carries the paprika and softens the onions.
3 tbsp
Onions
A heavy load of onion cooked soft is the base of the sauce.
3

Using chicken thigh? It behaves the way it does for a reason — what this cut is for and how to cook it →

The Rundown
Greedometer ●●●● Squeaky clean
About as virtuous as dinner gets.
EffortSome doing
Cook it with
Instant PotSlow cookerOne-pot
The Method
  1. Brown chickenSear the seasoned chicken skin-side down until golden, then remove.
  2. Soften onionsCook onions in the fat until soft and golden, then pull off heat and stir in paprika.
  3. BraiseReturn the chicken, add a splash of broth, cover, and simmer until tender, about 35 minutes.
  4. FinishTemper sour cream with a ladle of hot sauce, stir it in off the heat, and warm gently without boiling.
The Toolkit

Dutch oven · Tongs · Ladle · Wooden spoon · Chef knife

Straight Answers
Can you make Chicken Paprikash in an air fryer? — Yes, with an insert

Not on its own — an air fryer can’t hold a pool of liquid. You can simmer it in an oven-safe dish or a silicone insert made to fit the basket, but the broth won’t reduce or brown the way it does on the stove, and that insert comes out scorching, so use oven mitts. For real depth, a pot on the stove wins.

Can you freeze Chicken Paprikash? — Yes

Yes — it freezes well. Cool it fully, portion into airtight containers, and it keeps a few months; thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.

Can you make Chicken Paprikash ahead of time? — Yes

Yes — it holds well and often tastes better the next day. Make it ahead and reheat gently before serving.

Is Chicken Paprikash gluten-free? — Yes

Yes — nothing in this recipe as written contains gluten. As always, glance at the labels on any packaged items (broth, sauces, chocolate), since brands vary.

Is Chicken Paprikash vegan? — No

No — it contains meat, so it isn’t vegetarian or vegan.

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© 2026 5best2buy.com · Recipe No.297

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