Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, chopped into large bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons sweet paprika
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Kosher salt and pepper, to taste
Sauce and Aromatics
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 3/4 cups chicken broth/stock
- 1/2 cup full-fat creamy yogurt or sour cream
- Freshly chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chopped chicken thighs, sweet paprika, cornstarch, kosher salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Mix well to coat all the pieces evenly with the seasoning.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a deep pan over medium heat. Cook the chicken in two batches, placing the pieces in a single layer. Allow them to cook undisturbed for 5-6 minutes to develop a golden crust, then stir and cook for another 3-4 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside. If the pan starts to stick or the second batch begins to catch, deglaze with a few tablespoons of chicken broth.
- Sauté Onions: Using the same pan, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they soften and become translucent.
- Add Garlic and Paprika: Stir in the minced garlic and smoked paprika. Cook and constantly stir for about 1 minute over medium heat to release the aromas without burning the spices.
- Incorporate Tomato Paste and Deglaze: Add the tomato paste to the pan and stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom for extra flavor. This helps deepen the sauce.
- Simmer the Chicken: Return the cooked chicken to the pan and pour in the chicken broth. Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for around 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This ensures the chicken cooks through and becomes tender.
- Finish with Yogurt: Remove the pan from heat and allow the dish to rest for 5-10 minutes. This step is important to prevent the yogurt from curdling when added. Then, stir in the creamy yogurt or sour cream until well combined.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a bright, fresh finish, if desired. Serve hot with your choice of noodles, dumplings, or rice.
Notes
- Allowing the yogurt to be added off the heat and letting the dish rest helps prevent curdling.
- Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for the best texture and flavor.
- Adjust the amount of garlic according to your preference.
- The recipe works well with sour cream as a substitute for yogurt.
- Serve with egg noodles, rice, or spaetzle for an authentic experience.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Hungarian