Serbian Chicken Stew with Paprika and Sour Cream (Piletina sa Paprikom i Pavlakom)
A comforting and flavorful Serbian chicken stew, characterized by its rich paprika-infused sauce and the creamy finish of sour cream. This dish is a staple in many Serbian homes, often served with mashed potatoes or crusty bread.
🧂 Ingredients
- 800 g Chicken thighs(boneless, skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 medium Onions(chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 large Red bell pepper(chopped)
- 2 tbsp Sweet paprika
- 1 tsp Hot paprika(optional, adjust to taste)
- 2 tbsp All-purpose flour
- 500 ml Chicken broth
- 200 g Sour cream
- 3 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 1 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground, or to taste)
- 2 tbsp Fresh parsley(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- 2
Add the chicken pieces to the pot and brown them on all sides. This should take about 5-8 minutes.
- 3
Stir in the minced garlic and chopped red bell pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- 4
Sprinkle the sweet and hot paprika (if using) and flour over the chicken and vegetables. Stir well to coat everything and cook for 1 minute, allowing the flour to toast slightly.
- 5
Gradually pour in the chicken broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- 6
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. Stir occasionally.
- 7
In a small bowl, whisk the sour cream until smooth. Temper the sour cream by gradually adding a ladleful of the hot stew liquid to it while whisking continuously. This prevents the sour cream from curdling when added to the hot stew.
- 8
Stir the tempered sour cream mixture back into the pot. Heat gently for a few more minutes, but do not boil, as this can cause the sour cream to separate.
- 9
Season the stew with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer flavor, use chicken thighs instead of breast meat.
- ✓Don't skip the tempering step for the sour cream; it's crucial for a smooth sauce.
- ✓Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
🔄 Variations
- Add a bay leaf during simmering for extra aroma.
- Include other vegetables like carrots or peas.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper along with the paprika.