Csirke Paprikas (Chicken In Paprika Sauce) Recipe

Clean, rinse and pat dry the chicken, and cut into pieces. Dice bacon and place in Dutch oven. Cook slowly, stirring and turning frequently, until bacon is slightly crisped. Add the chopped onion and cook until transparent, stirring occasionally.

Meanwhile, coat chicken evenly by shaking 2 or 3 pieces at a time in a plastic bag containing 3/4 cup flour, 1-1/2 tsp. salt and 1-1/2 tsp. paprika.

With slotted spoon, remove bacon and onion from pan, leaving bacon fat in pan and set aside. Save 2 Tbs. bacon fat and set aside.

Slightly increase the heat under the pan. Lightly and evenly brown the chicken, starting with meatier pieces, and browning skin sides first.

When chicken is browned, reduce heat. Cover pan tightly and cook chicken slowly for about 25-40 minutes or until thick pieces are tender when pierced with a fork.

Meanwhile, dissolve chicken bouillon in 1 cup hot water and set aside. Melt saved bacon fat again in a small saucepan over low heat. Blend into the fat 2 Tbs. flour. Heat until the mixture bubbles, stirring constantly.

Remove from heat and gradually add chicken broth, stirring all the while. Return to heat and bring to rapid boil. Keep stirring! Cook 1-2 minutes longer. Gradually add (still stirring of course) milk and 1-1/2 Tbs. paprika.

When thoroughly heated, remove saucepan from heat. Stirring vigorously with a whisk or fork, add the sour cream to the sauce in small amounts. Mix in the bacon and onion.

Pour the sauce into the skillet over each piece of chicken. Cook over low heat, stirring sauce and turning chicken frequently for 3-5 minutes or until thoroughly heated; do not boil.

Cover pan tightly; turn off heat under chicken and let stand about 1 hour. About twice during hour, spoon sauce over chicken.

Reheat just before serving. Sprinkle lightly with paprika and serve over Spaetzle.

NOTE: If possible, try to get Hungarian paprika, because it is much fresher and the flavor is stronger than the typical American variety. The Hungarian paprika is normally sold in small tings. You can buy it at most grocery stores.