Prepare to embark on a mouthwatering journey through the heart of Hungarian cuisine with this irresistible Paprikas Csirke Maries recipe! Imagine tender chicken legs bathed in a rich, creamy paprika sauce that will transport your taste buds straight to the charming streets of Budapest. This isn't just a meal - it's a culinary experience that combines centuries-old cooking traditions with bold, comforting flavors that will make your family beg for seconds!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 50 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: Hungarian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken legs
- 3 tablespoons paprika
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup sour cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients by thoroughly washing chicken legs and patting them dry with paper towels. Season chicken generously with salt and pepper.
- Dice the onion finely and mince garlic cloves. Set aside ingredients for easy access during cooking.
- Heat olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. The pan should be large enough to accommodate all chicken pieces comfortably.
- Add diced onions to the hot oil and sauté until they become translucent and slightly golden, approximately 4-5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, being careful not to burn.
- Reduce heat to medium and sprinkle paprika over the onion and garlic mixture. Stir quickly to prevent paprika from burning, which can create a bitter taste.
- Carefully place chicken legs into the skillet, ensuring they are well-coated with the paprika-onion mixture. Brown chicken on all sides for about 5-6 minutes to develop a rich color and seal in juices.
- Pour chicken broth into the skillet, covering chicken pieces about halfway. Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for approximately 35-40 minutes until chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- Once chicken is cooked through, remove pieces and set aside. Increase heat and reduce sauce slightly if needed.
- Turn off heat and slowly stir in sour cream, creating a smooth, creamy sauce. Be careful not to let the sauce boil after adding sour cream to prevent curdling.
- Return chicken to the skillet, coating each piece with the creamy paprika sauce. Let sit for 2-3 minutes to reheat and allow flavors to meld.
- Serve hot, traditionally accompanied by egg noodles or Hungarian-style dumplings. Garnish with additional paprika or fresh parsley if desired.
Tips
- Choose High-Quality Paprika: The secret to an authentic Hungarian dish is using fresh, high-quality paprika. Hungarian sweet paprika works best for this recipe.
- Don't Rush the Onions: Take your time caramelizing the onions - they're the flavor foundation of this dish.
- Be Careful with Paprika: Sprinkle paprika quickly and stir immediately to prevent burning, which can create a bitter taste.
- Low and Slow Cooking: Simmer the chicken on low heat to ensure it becomes incredibly tender and absorbs all the delicious flavors.
- Sour Cream Technique: When adding sour cream, remove the pan from heat and stir gently to prevent curdling.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve over egg noodles or traditional Hungarian dumplings for an authentic experience.Pro Tip: This dish tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make it in advance!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 455kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 23g
Fat: 39g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 86mg
