Chicken paprikash like at my home!

Chicken Paprikas like at home

The aroma and warmth of freshly prepared chicken paprikas can turn any meal into a celebration. This dish is more than just a simple recipe – it is a story, a tradition passed down through generations. In our area, chicken paprikas is a well-known and beloved dish, with each cook having their own version. Today, I will share my recipe with you, simple yet full of flavor, and without adding flour, to let the flavors shine.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Necessary ingredients:

- 1 chicken, cleaned and cut into pieces
- 2 medium onions, sliced
- 2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons of paprika (sweet pepper powder)
- 1 tablespoon of tomato paste
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 2 cups of water
- Optional: one potato, one carrot, a little hot paprika, sour cream for serving

Step by step:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by cleaning and cutting the chicken into pieces. Divide it into smaller portions for even cooking. Slice the onion thinly and finely chop the garlic. These ingredients will bring your dish to life.

2. Brown the chicken: In a large skillet or deep pot, heat a few tablespoons of oil. When the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces. Fry the chicken until golden and crispy on all sides. This step is essential as it will give the sauce a unique flavor.

3. Sauté the onion and garlic: Once the chicken is browned, remove it from the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, add the sliced onion. Sauté the onion until it becomes soft and golden, then add the garlic. Sauté for another minute, being careful not to burn it.

4. Add paprika and tomato paste: When the onion and garlic are ready, sprinkle paprika over them. This will give the dish a vibrant color and rich flavor. Also, add the tomato paste, mixing well to combine all the flavors.

5. Reintroduce the chicken: Put the browned chicken back into the skillet. Don’t forget to add the juices that have run from the chicken; this will enrich the sauce. Then add the 2 cups of water and mix everything. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Cook on low heat: Cover the skillet and let it simmer on low heat for about an hour. This cooking time will make the chicken tender and juicy, and the flavors will blend perfectly.

7. Vegetable option: If you want to add more color and nutrients, you can include a diced potato or a sliced carrot during the simmering stage. These vegetables will absorb the flavors and enrich the dish.

8. Serving: Once the chicken is ready, you can decide whether to add sour cream for a creamier sauce. This is a popular option, but the paprikas is delicious even without sour cream. Serve it alongside boiled pasta to complete the meal.

Practical tips:

- Choose quality chicken: A farm-raised or organic chicken will add flavor and juiciness to the dish.
- Quality paprika: Make sure to use good paprika, as this is the key ingredient that will flavor the entire dish.
- Variation attempts: If you like it spicy, you can add a teaspoon of hot paprika alongside the sweet paprika. This will turn the paprikas into a bolder dish.

Nutritional benefits:

Chicken paprikas is a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. Chicken provides essential proteins, while onion and garlic are rich in antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties. Adding vegetables will increase the fiber content of the dish.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs? Yes, but keep in mind that chicken breast cooks faster and can become dry if overcooked.
- Can it be frozen? Yes, chicken paprikas freezes very well. Make sure to let it cool completely before placing it in airtight containers.
- What other side dishes can I use? Besides pasta, this dish pairs excellently with rice, polenta, or even mashed potatoes.

Chicken paprikas is more than just a recipe – it is a way to bring family and friends together, to create unforgettable moments around the table. Try this recipe at home and enjoy every bite full of flavor and aroma! Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 1 chicken, cleaned and cut 2 onions, sliced 2 cloves of garlic, chopped 2 tablespoons paprika (sweet pepper) 1 tablespoon tomato paste salt pepper 2 cups of water Optional: one potato, one carrot, hot paprika, sour cream for serving

 Tags:  chicken transylvania paprika