If you're searching for a comforting dish that warms the soul and tantalizes the taste buds, look no further than Mum's Paprika Chicken Stew. This delightful Hungarian recipe combines tender chicken thighs with a rich, flavorful sauce that is simply irresistible. With just a handful of ingredients and a little bit of love, you can create a hearty meal that will have your family coming back for seconds. Ready to unlock the secrets of this mouthwatering stew? Let’s dive into the recipe and discover how to bring this classic dish to your dinner table!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: Hungarian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs, bone-in
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp paprika
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup bell peppers, chopped
- 1 cup tomatoes, diced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Heat a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of oil and brown the chicken thighs skin-side down until golden and crispy, about 5-6 minutes. Flip and cook the other side for 3-4 minutes.
- Remove the chicken thighs and set aside. In the same pot, reduce heat to medium and add chopped onions. Sauté until translucent and soft, approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Sprinkle paprika over the onions and garlic, stirring quickly to prevent burning and to release the paprika's rich flavor.
- Return the chicken thighs to the pot, then add chicken broth, chopped bell peppers, and diced tomatoes. Ensure the chicken is mostly covered by the liquid.
- Bring the stew to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and let cook for 45-50 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and easily falls off the bone.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley. Recommend serving with crusty bread or over egg noodles to soak up the delicious sauce.
Tips
- Choose the Right Chicken: For the best flavor and texture, opt for bone-in chicken thighs. They stay juicy and tender during the cooking process, making for a richer stew.
- Don’t Rush the Browning: Take your time when browning the chicken. This step adds depth to the flavor of your stew, so aim for that perfect golden crust!
- Quality Paprika Matters: Use high-quality Hungarian paprika for an authentic taste. The flavor of the paprika is key to this dish, so don’t skimp on it!
- Adjust the Seasoning: After simmering, taste the stew and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. Sometimes, a little extra seasoning can elevate the dish to new heights.
- Serve with Style: This stew pairs beautifully with crusty bread or over egg noodles. Consider serving it with a side of pickles or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Make it Ahead: This stew tastes even better the next day! Make it ahead of time and let the flavors meld in the fridge overnight for a delicious meal that's ready to go.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 120mg
