Chicken Paprikash is a hearty, family-friendly dish that’s absolutely packed with flavour. Chicken is simmered in a tomato and capsicum (bell pepper) gravy, seasoned with paprika and finished with a dollop of sour cream. A simple fresh cabbage salad makes the perfect side.
Prep Time10 minutesmins
Cook Time55 minutesmins
Total Time1 hourhr5 minutesmins
Ingredients
CABBAGE SALAD
300gshredded green cabbage
80mlextra-virgin olive oil
2tbspapple cider vinegar
1tspsea salt flakes
¼tspfreshly cracked black pepper
CHICKEN PAPRIKASH
1.2kgchicken drumsticks and bone-in chicken thigh cutlets
2tspsea salt flakes
1tspfreshly cracked black pepper
2tbspplain (all-purpose) flour
2tbspolive oil
40gunsalted butter
2large onions, finely diced
1red capsicum (bell pepper), finely sliced
1tspfreshly grated garlic
2tbsptomato paste
2tbspsweet paprika (or use hot if you prefer some spice)
To make the cabbage salad, combine the ingredients in a large bowl and toss well.
Season the chicken with half the salt and pepper and dust all over with the flour.
Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-based frying pan over medium–high heat and cook the chicken in batches for 2–3 minutes until browned all over.
Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside on a plate.
Add the butter to the same pan and, once melted, add the onion and cook, stirring, for 2–3 minutes until softened.
Add the capsicum and garlic and cook, stirring, for a further 2 minutes.
Add the tomato paste and paprika and stir them through, then immediately add the chicken stock, crushed tomatoes, the remaining salt and pepper and the sugar.
Return the chicken to the pan and bring to the boil before reducing the heat to medium–low. Cover and simmer for 40 minutes, stirring once halfway through cooking. The chicken should be soft enough to pull apart using two forks; if not, continue cooking in 15-minute intervals until it is tender. Add 125 ml (½ cup) of water as needed if the sauce starts sticking to the base of the pan.
Remove the chicken from the pan and place it in a shallow dish.
Mix the sour cream into the sauce, then pour it over the chicken. Sprinkle with the parsley (if using) and serve with the cabbage salad and pasta.
Notes
Note 1 – You can freeze leftover canned crushed tomatoes for up to 2 months in a reusable storage bag or airtight container. You can also choose to add the full tin of crushed tomatoes for a more tomato-based sauce.
Make Ahead
Chicken paprikash – Prepare as per the recipe. Refrigerate for up to 3 days, freeze for up to 3 months. Store in an airtight container. Thaw completely overnight in the fridge before reheating. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to loosen the sauce if needed. Cabbage salad – Shred the cabbage 4–5 days ahead of time. Ensure it is thoroughly dried. Store in an airtight container or reusable storage bag. Only add the dressing at the time of serving.
Leftovers
Chicken paprikash – Leftovers are even better the next day. Refrigerate freshly made leftovers for up to 3 days in an airtight container, or freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw completely in the fridge overnight before reheating for best results. Cabbage salad – Once dressed, this salad is best consumed immediately but leftovers can be stored up to 24 hours (the cabbage will soften). Try leftovers with chickenschnitzel and creamy potato salad – they are a match made in heaven! Or try with cevapi, sliced red onion and ajvar on a roll for the ultimate sandwich experience. Ajvar can be found at most major supermarkets or at continental delicatessens.
Nutrition Facts
Chicken Paprikash
Amount per Serving
Calories
813
% Daily Value*
Fat
59
g
91
%
Saturated Fat
15
g
94
%
Trans Fat
0.4
g
Polyunsaturated Fat
8
g
Monounsaturated Fat
31
g
Cholesterol
215
mg
72
%
Sodium
2337
mg
102
%
Potassium
1261
mg
36
%
Carbohydrates
30
g
10
%
Fiber
7
g
29
%
Sugar
13
g
14
%
Protein
43
g
86
%
Vitamin A
4124
IU
82
%
Vitamin C
79
mg
96
%
Calcium
120
mg
12
%
Iron
5
mg
28
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.