👨‍🍳 Instrucțiuni

1. 1

   Pat the chicken thighs dry and season generously with salt and pepper. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken pieces on all sides until golden. Remove chicken and set aside.

   💡 Sfaturi Profesioniste: Browning the chicken well adds depth of flavor to the final dish.
2. 2

   Add the chopped onions to the same pot and cook over medium heat until softened and lightly golden, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the sweet paprika and hot paprika (if using), and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

   💡 Sfaturi Profesioniste: Be careful not to burn the paprika, as it can become bitter.
3. 3

   Sprinkle the flour over the onions and paprika, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, ensuring no lumps form.

   💡 Sfaturi Profesioniste: Gradually adding the broth helps create a smooth sauce.
4. 4

   Return the browned chicken thighs to the pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 45-60 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.

   💡 Sfaturi Profesioniste: Simmering gently ensures the chicken stays moist and tender.
5. 5

   While the chicken is cooking, prepare the dumplings. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, eggs, and salt. Gradually add water until a thick, but pourable batter forms. It should be similar to a thick pancake batter.

   💡 Sfaturi Profesioniste: The consistency of the batter is key for good halušky. Adjust water as needed.
6. 6

   Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Hold a colander with small holes over the boiling water and pour the batter into it. Use a spatula to push the batter through the holes, creating small dumplings that fall into the water. Cook for 2-3 minutes until they float to the surface. Drain.

   💡 Sfaturi Profesioniste: Alternatively, use a specialized halušky maker or a grater with large holes.
7. 7

   Once the chicken is tender, stir the sour cream into the paprikash. Heat gently, but do not boil, to prevent the sour cream from curdling. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

   💡 Sfaturi Profesioniste: Warming the sour cream slightly before adding can help prevent curdling.
8. 8

   Serve the chicken paprikash hot, spooned over the cooked dumplings. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

   💡 Sfaturi Profesioniste: This dish is often served with a side of pickled cucumbers or a simple green salad.