Chicken Paprikash Soup Recipe

Chicken Paprikash Soup is the cozy, soul-warming dish that combines the comfort of a classic chicken soup with the vibrant, bold flavors of Hungarian paprika. Originating from Hungary, Chicken Paprikash is traditionally a chicken stew cooked with paprika, onions, and sour cream, but when transformed into a soup, it takes on a whole new level of richness and depth. This comforting soup is the perfect balance of creamy, savory, and spicy, with each spoonful offering a velvety smooth texture and an explosion of flavor.

When you’re looking for something hearty but not too heavy, this Chicken Paprikash Soup delivers exactly what you need. Whether you’re cooking on a chilly autumn day or just craving something comforting, this dish has a way of making you feel warm inside.

In this article, we’ll guide you through the entire process of making Chicken Paprikash Soup, from the ingredients to the cooking instructions, and everything in between. Along the way, we’ll share some helpful tips and variations to suit different tastes. Let’s dive in and make this comforting Hungarian-inspired soup!

Chicken Paprikash Soup Recipe

Here’s a step-by-step guide to making your own Chicken Paprikash Soup that serves 4-6 people. It’s easy to follow, and you’ll have a delightful meal in just about 45 minutes.

Ingredients Needed

For the Chicken Paprikash Soup, here’s a list of ingredients you’ll need:

Main Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (or vegetable oil)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon sweet paprika (this is the key ingredient)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, but gives a lovely depth)
• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs, if you prefer)
• 4 cups chicken broth (preferably low-sodium for better control over seasoning)
• 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
• 1 large potato, peeled and diced (optional, but adds a great texture)
• 1 bell pepper, diced (any color, though red adds extra sweetness)
• 1 cup sour cream (full-fat for the best texture)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Optional Ingredients

• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (for a bit of heat)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 bay leaf (for added flavor complexity)

Cooking Instructions

Here’s how you’ll create your Chicken Paprikash Soup, step by step:

1. Prepare The Chicken

   • Begin by cutting the chicken breasts (or thighs) into bite-sized chunks. This allows the meat to cook faster and absorb more of the rich flavors of the soup.
   • Season the chicken lightly with salt and pepper.

2. Sauté The Aromatics

   • In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
   • Add the diced onion and cook until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.
   • Add the minced garlic, sweet paprika, and smoked paprika (if using). Stir to coat the onions and garlic with the spices, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

3. Brown The Chicken

   • Increase the heat slightly, then add the chicken to the pot. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on all sides. This step adds a lot of flavor to the dish.

4. Add The Vegetables And Broth

   • Toss in the diced tomatoes, diced potato (if using), and bell pepper. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
   • Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes or until the potatoes are tender and the chicken is fully cooked.

5. Make It Creamy

   • Once the soup is ready, it’s time to add the creamy goodness. Take a small bowl and whisk the sour cream with a bit of hot broth from the soup to temper it (this helps prevent curdling). Slowly pour the mixture into the soup, stirring continuously.
   • Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. If you like a bit of heat, now’s the time to add cayenne pepper.

6. Serve And Garnish

   • Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately, and enjoy the comforting warmth!

Ingredient Insights

Now that we’ve walked through the recipe, let’s take a deeper dive into some of the key ingredients and why they’re essential:

• Paprika: The cornerstone of this dish. Paprika comes in various types, but for Chicken Paprikash, the sweet variety is most common. It’s what gives the soup its beautiful color and deep, earthy flavor. The smoked paprika adds an extra layer of complexity, providing that signature smokiness that makes the soup even more robust.
• Sour Cream: Sour cream isn’t just a topping here – it’s an essential component of the soup’s creamy base. It balances the heat of the paprika, giving the soup a rich and smooth texture. You can substitute with Greek yogurt for a lighter option, though it will slightly alter the taste.
• Chicken Broth: The foundation of any good soup, chicken broth gives depth and a savory, umami-rich flavor. Opting for low-sodium ensures you have more control over the final seasoning.
• Potatoes: Adding potatoes to the soup gives it a hearty, comforting quality. They soak up the flavors of the broth and make the soup feel more filling, turning it into a complete meal.

Expert Tips

Want to elevate your Chicken Paprikash Soup? Here are some expert tips to make this dish even better:

• Use Bone-In Chicken: If you have the time, try using bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks for even more flavor. The bones add a richness to the broth as they simmer.
• Balance the Heat: If you’re not a fan of spicy foods, stick to the sweet paprika. For those who enjoy a kick, the cayenne pepper is an easy way to adjust the heat level to your liking.
• Cook it Slowly: If you have time, let the soup simmer on low for longer. The longer it cooks, the more the flavors meld together, making the soup even tastier.
• Add Fresh Herbs: Besides parsley, you can also experiment with fresh dill, thyme, or even chives to garnish the soup. Each herb will add a unique, fresh twist to the dish.
• Make it a Day Ahead: Like many soups, Chicken Paprikash Soup actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. This makes it a great option for meal prep or a make-ahead dinner.

Recipe Variations

Feel like switching things up? Here are some variations to tailor the Chicken Paprikash Soup to your tastes:

• Vegetarian Version: Swap the chicken for chickpeas or tofu to make a hearty, plant-based version. You can also add extra vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or peas to fill it out.
• Spicy Chicken Paprikash Soup: For those who love a little more heat, increase the amount of cayenne pepper, or add fresh chili peppers, like jalapeños or serranos, to the mix.
• Creamy and Cheesy: Stir in a handful of shredded cheese (like cheddar or a sharp cheese) when you add the sour cream for a cheesy twist that makes the soup even more indulgent.
• Smoked Chicken: If you enjoy smoky flavors, consider using smoked chicken (or smoked sausage) in place of regular chicken. This will enhance the flavor profile and give your soup a smoky edge.

Final Words

Chicken Paprikash Soup is a comforting and satisfying dish that brings the best of Hungarian cuisine to your kitchen. Whether you enjoy it on a cold day or simply crave something hearty and rich, this recipe is sure to please everyone. It’s an easy-to-make dish with just the right balance of flavors, and with a few simple tweaks, you can customize it to your liking.