Chicken stew (chicken paprikash)
Chicken stew or chicken paprikash is a savory dish, perfect for a family dinner or to impress friends at a festive meal. This simple and delicious recipe combines the rich flavors of spices with the juiciness of chicken and the crunchy textures of vegetables. Let's discover together how to prepare this chicken paprikash step by step, so that the result is always perfect.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken thighs (you can use either upper or lower thighs, depending on your preference)
- 2 bell peppers (fresh, for a sweeter taste)
- 2 medium onions
- 3 tablespoons of tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons of sweet paprika (preferably of good quality)
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon of dried basil (or a few fresh leaves, if you have them on hand)
- Salt, to taste
- Chicken seasoning (optional, but recommended for a more intense flavor)
- 1 tablespoon of flour
- 1/4 cup of fresh chopped parsley (for garnish and flavor)
Preparation:
1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by cutting the chicken thighs in half (if they are not already cut). This helps for even cooking. Season the meat well with salt and chicken seasoning to enhance the flavor.
2. Chopping the vegetables: Finely chop the onions and slice the bell peppers into thin rounds. These vegetables will add sweetness and texture to the stew.
3. Sautéing the meat and onion: In a large skillet or deep pot, add a little oil and let it heat up. Add the chicken thighs and sauté until golden brown on all sides (about 5-7 minutes). Then, add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent.
4. Adding the peppers: Once the onion has softened, add the sliced bell peppers and sauté everything together for 3-4 minutes.
5. Cooking with liquid: Add the two cups of water and let the mixture simmer on low heat, covered, for about 30 minutes. This step is essential to allow the meat to become tender.
6. Final seasoning: After the chicken has cooked, add the tomato paste, sweet paprika, oregano, and basil. Mix well and let it simmer for another 5-10 minutes to combine the flavors. Taste and adjust the salt if necessary.
7. Thickening the sauce: In a small bowl, mix the flour with 2 tablespoons of water to form a paste. Add this paste to the stew, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Let it simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens.
8. Finishing: Once the stew is ready, add the chopped parsley for an extra touch of freshness and flavor.
Serving suggestion: Chicken paprikash is perfect served with flour dumplings or sides of rice and couscous. However, if you want a lighter option, you can simply enjoy it with a fresh cabbage salad, which will add a crunchy and refreshing contrast.
Unique variation: If you want to add a twist to the recipe, you can try including fresh mushrooms or green olives for a distinct flavor. You can also use fresh tomatoes instead of paste for a more intense taste.
This chicken stew recipe is simple yet full of flavor, perfect for any occasion. Whether you're preparing it for a family dinner or a festive meal, it will surely be appreciated by everyone who tastes it. Enjoy your meal!
Ingredients: 2 chicken thighs, 2 bell peppers, 2 onions, 3 tablespoons of tomatoes in broth, 2 teaspoons of sweet paprika, oregano, basil, chicken spices, salt, 1 tablespoon of flour, parsley
