Bosanski Paprikaš od Piletine
A comforting and flavorful chicken stew, rich with paprika and tender vegetables, often served with a side of dumplings, pasta, or potatoes. This dish highlights the Balkan adaptation of a classic European stew.
🧂 Ingredients
- 800 g Chicken thighs or legs (bone-in)(cut into pieces)
- 2 medium Onions(sliced)
- 4 cloves Garlic cloves(minced)
- 2 tbsp Sweet paprika
- 0.5 tsp Hot paprika (optional)(or to taste)
- 3 tbsp Vegetable oil or lard
- 1 tbsp All-purpose flour(optional, for thickening)
- 1 can (400g) Diced tomatoes(or tomato passata)
- 3 cups Chicken broth(about 750ml)
- 1 Bay leaf
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 0.5 cup Sour cream(for serving)
- for garnish Fresh parsley
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Heat oil or lard in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown chicken pieces on all sides, then remove and set aside.
- 2
Add sliced onions to the same pot and sauté until softened and translucent, about 8-10 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 3
Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the sweet and hot paprika, cooking for about 30 seconds, being careful not to burn the paprika. If using flour, stir it in now and cook for another minute.
- 4
Return the pot to medium heat. Add the diced tomatoes (or passata) and stir to combine. Add the chicken broth, bay leaf, and return the browned chicken pieces to the pot. Bring to a simmer.
- 5
Cover the pot and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. Stir occasionally.
- 6
Remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. If the sauce is too thin, you can simmer uncovered for a few more minutes to thicken, or mix a tablespoon of flour with a little cold water to make a slurry and stir it in.
- 7
Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley, and with a dollop of sour cream on the side.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Using bone-in chicken pieces adds more flavor to the stew.
- ✓Don't skip blooming the paprika off the heat to prevent bitterness.
- ✓This dish pairs wonderfully with noklice (small dumplings), egg noodles, or mashed potatoes.
🔄 Variations
- Add diced potatoes or carrots along with the onions for a heartier stew.
- For a richer flavor, use chicken stock instead of broth.