Bring the comforting flavors of Hungary right to your dinner table with this Slow Cooker Hungarian Chicken Paprikash. Tender chicken slowly simmers in a rich paprika-infused sauce with onions, garlic, and sweet peppers before being finished with a silky sour cream sauce. Served over buttery egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or traditional spaetzle, this easy crockpot dinner is the perfect family-friendly comfort meal.

This is part of Mom needs a night off series

Whether you’re introducing your family to Hungarian cuisine or looking for an easy weeknight dinner with international flair, this recipe delivers incredible flavor with very little hands-on work.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy slow cooker dinner
• Rich, authentic paprika flavor
• Family-friendly comfort food
• Made with simple pantry ingredients
• Perfect for meal prep
• Great served over noodles, rice, mashed potatoes, or spaetzle

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What is Chicken Paprikash?

Chicken Paprikash (Paprikás Csirke) is one of Hungary’s most beloved comfort foods. Traditionally made with chicken, onions, sweet Hungarian paprika, and finished with sour cream, it’s known for its rich, velvety sauce and deep paprika flavor.

This slow cooker version keeps those classic flavors while making preparation even easier for busy families.

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How To Make Slow Cooker Hungarian Chicken Paprikash

Step 1

Lightly grease the slow cooker.

Add the onions, bell pepper, and garlic to the bottom.

Place the chicken on top.

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Step 2

In a small bowl, mix together:

• Sweet Hungarian paprika
• Smoked paprika
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Thyme
• Salt
• Pepper

Sprinkle evenly over the chicken.

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Step 3

Whisk together the chicken broth and tomato paste.

Pour over the chicken.

Add the butter and bay leaf.

Cover and cook:

• LOW: 6–7 hours
• HIGH: 3–4 hours

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Step 4

Remove the chicken and shred it into large pieces using two forks.

Return it to the slow cooker.

Discard the bay leaf.

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Step 5

In a bowl, whisk together the sour cream and flour until smooth.

Slowly stir in a few spoonfuls of the hot cooking liquid to temper the sour cream.

Stir the mixture back into the slow cooker.

Add the heavy cream if using.

Cook for another 20–30 minutes on HIGH until the sauce is thick, smooth, and creamy.

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Step 6

Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

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What to Serve with Chicken Paprikash

• Buttered egg noodles
• Spaetzle
• Creamy mashed potatoes
• Steamed rice
• Crusty artisan bread
• Roasted green beans
• Buttered peas

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Tips for Success

• Sweet Hungarian paprika gives the most authentic flavor.
• Chicken thighs stay extra tender during slow cooking.
• Temper the sour cream before adding it to prevent curdling.
• Don’t let the sauce boil after adding the sour cream.
• Garnish with fresh parsley for color and freshness.

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Variations

Add Mushrooms

Sliced mushrooms pair beautifully with the creamy paprika sauce.

Make It Heartier

Add diced potatoes during the first few hours of cooking for a complete one-pot meal.

Extra Vegetables

Stir in spinach during the last 10 minutes for extra greens.

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Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stovetop.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breasts?

Yes! Chicken breasts work well, although chicken thighs stay juicier after long slow cooking.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely. Replace the flour with cornstarch or your favorite gluten-free thickener.

What makes Hungarian paprika different?

Hungarian sweet paprika has a richer, sweeter flavor than regular paprika and is the signature ingredient that gives Chicken Paprikash its distinctive taste.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble everything except the sour cream mixture the night before, refrigerate the slow cooker insert if your model allows, and start cooking the next day.

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More Easy Slow Cooker Recipes You’ll Love

• Slow Cooker Marry Me Meatballs
• Slow Cooker White Chicken Spinach Lasagna
• Slow Cooker Mississippi Pot Roast
• Creamy Lemon Dill Salmon Chowder
• Slow Cooker Swedish Meatballs
• Slow Cooker Greek Lemon Chicken & Potatoes