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Hungarian Chicken Goulash

A Sunday stew made with Hungarian paprika, chicken stock, and sour cream
Course Main Course
Cuisine Hungarian
Keyword chicken recipes, Goulash
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Servings 4
Author theforkedring

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 lbs boneless + skinless chicken thighs
  • 1/2 cup AP flour
  • 6 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp Hungarian paprika
  • 2 cups chicken stock
  • 3/4 cup sour cream
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 425°F.
  • Place flour in a large ziplock bag. Add chicken and seal shut, shaking to coat chicken completely with flour.
  • Heat 2 tbsp butter and a drizzle of cooking oil in a large sauté pan over medium/high.
  • In 2 batches, cook chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Transfer to a plate to rest. When you make the second batch, add another 2 tbsp of butter and another drizzle of oil.
  • When chicken is done, deglaze the pan with 1-2 cups water. Reserve the liquid and carefully wipe pan clean.
  • Over medium heat, add remaining 2 tbsp of butter and melt.
  • Add your paprika and whisk to combine. It should be thick and clumpy.
  • Gradually add your chicken stock while stirring to combine the paprika roux with the liquid. You can use your liquid from deglazing the pan in place of some of the boxed chicken stock for added flavor. Make sure to strain it to remove any burnt clumps or chicken pieces.
  • Add your sour cream and season with salt and pepper to taste. Whisk to combine.
  • Turn heat up to medium/high until the sauce begins to bubble. Add your rested chicken to the sauce and arrange evenly so each piece is mostly submerged in sauce.
  • Cook for 23-25 minutes until chicken is tender and sauce is slightly thickened. Let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

  • It may be tempting to leave the flavor from searing the chicken in the pan when you add your chicken stock and sour cream, but it will make the sauce too dark (literally and flavor-wise). Make sure to wipe the pan clean. You can deglaze the pan with water or wine and reserve for another time if you want to save the flavor. 
  • Let the goulash rest after cooking for 5-10 minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken, which achieves a velvety texture. 
  • Serve with biscuits to sop up any extra sauce! It's the best part.