Get ready to transport your taste buds to the heart of Hungary with this mouthwatering Paprika Chicken and Dumplings recipe that will make your kitchen smell like a traditional European dream! Imagine tender, golden-brown chicken swimming in a rich, aromatic sauce, accompanied by pillowy dumplings that melt in your mouth – this isn't just a meal, it's a culinary adventure that will have your family begging for seconds. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or simply craving a hearty, soul-warming dish, this recipe is about to become your new comfort food obsession!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Hungarian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup flour
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by patting the thighs dry with paper towels and seasoning generously with salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon of paprika.
- Heat a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs skin-side down and cook until golden brown, about 5-6 minutes per side. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same pot, sauté the chopped onion until translucent and soft, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Sprinkle the remaining paprika over the onions and stir quickly to prevent burning, cooking for about 30 seconds to release the paprika's aromatic flavors.
- Return the chicken thighs to the pot and pour in the chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, cover, and reduce heat to low. Cook for 25-30 minutes until chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- While the chicken is cooking, prepare the dumplings. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, egg, milk, and a pinch of salt. Mix until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
- Once chicken is cooked, use two spoons to drop small dumpling portions directly into the simmering broth. Cover and cook for an additional 10-12 minutes until dumplings are fluffy and cooked through.
- Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. The sauce should be rich and slightly thickened.
- Serve hot, placing chicken thighs in shallow bowls and spooning the sauce and dumplings around them. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Tips
- Choose the Right Paprika: For authentic Hungarian flavor, use sweet Hungarian paprika for the best results. Fresh paprika makes a world of difference in the depth of flavor.
- Chicken Thigh Secret: Always pat your chicken thighs dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy, golden-brown exterior that seals in the juices.
- Dumpling Consistency: Don't overmix the dumpling dough – a slightly sticky texture is perfect. If the dough feels too wet, add a little extra flour.
- Simmering Technique: Keep the heat low when cooking chicken and dumplings to ensure the meat remains tender and the sauce develops rich flavors.
- Garnish Hack: A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only adds a pop of color but also brings a fresh brightness to the rich dish.Pro tip: This recipe is even better the next day, so don't be afraid to make extra and enjoy the leftovers!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 130mg
