Authentic Chicken Paprikash

2 tablespoons pork lard , or butter (lard is traditionally used and we strongly recommend it for the best flavor)

  • 3 pounds chicken pieces, bone-in and skin-on (this is traditional and recommended because it creates the most flavor, but alternatively you can use boneless/skinless pieces of chicken)
  • 2 medium yellow onions, very finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 3-4 tablespoons quality, genuine imported sweet Hungarian paprika
  • 2 cups Aneto 100% All-Natural Chicken Broth (our most favorite chicken broth)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup full fat sour cream , room temperature (important to avoid lumps; be sure also to use full fat)
  • 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Heat the lard in a heavy pot and brown the chicken on all sides.  Transfer the chicken to a plate.  In the same oil, add the onions and fry until golden brown.  Add the garlic and tomatoes (and pepper if using) and fry another 2-3 minutes.  Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the paprika, salt and pepper (paprika becomes bitter if scorched).  
  2. Return the chicken to the pot and place it back over the heat.  Pour in the chicken broth. The chicken should be mostly covered. Bring it to a boil. Cover, reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 40 minutes. Remove the chicken and transfer to a plate.
  3. In a small bowl, stir the flour into the sour cream/cream mixture to form a smooth paste. Stir the cream mixture into the sauce, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Bring it to a simmer for a couple of minutes until the sauce is thickened. Add salt and pepper to taste. Return the chicken to the sauce and simmer to heat through.
  4. German Spaetzle
  5. 2 cups all-purpose flour (you can also use whole wheat flour)
  6. 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  7. 4 large eggs
  8. 1/2 cup milk or water + more as needed (milk produces a richer Spaetzle) (**add more flour if the dough is too runny, add more milk or water if it's too stiff)