I stumbled upon this paprika chicken stew recipe during one of those endless recipe searches—probably while procrastinating on something more important. And let me tell you, it was like finding a hidden gem in a sea of mundane dishes. The aroma fills the kitchen, wrapping you in a warm, spicy hug. I’ve made it a ritual now, especially on those drizzly Sundays when the world seems a bit too gray.
Steps
- Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper to taste. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the chopped onions and bell peppers to the pot and cook for about 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become soft. Then, add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1 to 2 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and Hungarian paprika with chicken broth until well combined. Pour this mixture into the pot, along with the bay leaves, and gently stir in the chicken pieces.
- Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 45 to 50 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to cook through.
- Once done, discard the bay leaves from the stew. Serve warm, enjoying the tender chicken with the rich, flavorful sauce.
Ingredients
- 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 yellow or red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for a GF option)
- 2 teaspoons Hungarian paprika (non-smoked)
- 3 bay leaves
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed black pepper
- 4 chicken thighs, on the bone, trimmed and skinned
- 4 small chicken drumsticks, skinned
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1444 kcal | Carbohydrates: 56 g | Protein: 196 g | Fat: 44 g | Saturated Fat: 12 g | Cholesterol: 856 mg | Sodium: 3816 mg | Fiber: 12 g | Sugar: 16 g
FAQ
- What can I serve with Paprika Chicken Stew?
- Paprika Chicken Stew pairs well with dumplings, noodles, mashed potatoes, or roasted potatoes. For a low-carb option, consider serving it with roasted vegetables or shredded Brussels sprouts. It can also be enjoyed on its own, and some crusty bread is great for soaking up the flavorful broth.
- How do I safely thaw frozen chicken?
- The safest method is to thaw frozen chicken in the refrigerator, which takes one to two days. If you’re short on time, place the chicken in a sealed bag in a bowl of cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes. This method takes one to three hours. For a quick thaw, use the microwave, but cook the chicken immediately after as microwaving can cause uneven heating.
- Can I make this stew creamy?
- Yes, while the recipe doesn’t include sour cream, you can add it at the end of cooking to make the stew creamy, similar to traditional Chicken Paprikash.
- What is the cooking process for Paprika Chicken Stew?
- Start by sautéing onions and peppers until soft, then add garlic. Mix flour and paprika with broth and add to the pot with bay leaves. Add the chicken, bring to a boil, then simmer covered for 45 to 50 minutes. Remove the bay leaves before serving.
- Are there variations to this Paprika Chicken Stew recipe?
- Yes, variations exist including adding tomatoes, using extra paprika, or incorporating sour cream. The recipe here omits sour cream, offering a lighter version of the traditional Hungarian Chicken Paprika.
Tips
- Thaw Chicken Safely: Ensure your chicken is fully thawed before cooking. The safest method is to defrost it in the refrigerator, which might take a day or two. For quicker results, submerge the chicken in a sealed bag in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes. Avoid using the microwave, as it can cause uneven heating.
- Cooking Tip for Even Flavor: When sautéing the onions and peppers, make sure they are soft before adding the garlic. This helps to enhance the flavors and ensures a more uniform taste throughout the stew.
- Add a Creamy Twist: If you desire a creamier texture for your stew, consider stirring in some sour cream at the end of cooking. This will give it a richer, more traditional Hungarian flavor reminiscent of Chicken Paprikash.
- Pairing Suggestions: Serve the stew over your choice of side, such as noodles, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables, to complement its flavors. For a low-carb option, try pairing it with roasted veggies or shredded Brussels sprouts.
Equipment
- Dutch oven or a large pot
- Whisk
