Hungarian Chicken Paprikás (Paprikash) ~ Keto Style
A warm, hearty Hungarian comfort food made keto-friendly, with tender chicken simmered in a creamy, paprika-infused sauce. This Chicken Paprikás brings the flavors of Hungary to our family table without all the carbs.
Comfort food with old-world flavor. ❤️
"A szeretet az asztalnál kezdődik."
"Love begins at the table." – Hungarian Proverb
In Hungarian homes, the dinner table is more than a place to eat. It's where laughter is shared, memories are made, and family comes together.
Chicken Paprikás is one of those dishes that feels like home. My husband is Hungarian, and bringing traditional Hungarian flavors into our low-carb kitchen has become a special part of our family's food journey.
This keto-friendly version keeps the comforting flavors of classic Chicken Paprikás while making it easier to enjoy as part of a low-carb lifestyle. The combination of tender chicken, Hungarian paprika, onion, garlic, and a creamy sauce creates a satisfying dinner the whole family can enjoy.
🍗 Ingredients
For the Chicken
2 tbsp olive oil or lard
2 lbs chicken thighs or drumsticks (skin-on, bone-in for best flavor)
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2–3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tsp Hungarian sweet paprika
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
1 cup chicken broth
½ cup heavy cream or sour cream
1 ripe tomato, chopped
1 Hungarian pepper, sliced
For Serving
Keto-friendly noodles (shirataki, zucchini noodles, or cabbage ribbons work great)
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Optional: Extra dollop of sour cream on top
🍳 Instructions
1. Sear the Chicken
Heat oil or lard in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Brown the chicken pieces on both sides for about 5–6 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
2. Cook the Base
In the same pan, reduce the heat to medium and sauté the onions until soft and golden. Add the garlic and cook for about 1 minute more.
3. Simmer the Chicken
Return the chicken to the pan. Pour in the chicken broth. Stir in the paprika, chopped tomato, and sliced Hungarian pepper. Cover and simmer for 30–35 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
4. Add the Creaminess
Lower the heat. Stir in the heavy cream or sour cream until fully incorporated and the sauce becomes beautifully orange and velvety. Simmer uncovered for 5–10 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
5. Serve
Serve the chicken over your favorite keto-friendly noodles or vegetable ribbons. Add an optional dollop of sour cream and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serve hot and enjoy a little taste of Hungary at your own family table!
🇭🇺 More Low-Carb Hungarian Favorites
If you love Hungarian flavors as much as our family does, be sure to try some of these other Low Carb Anya favorites:
Keto Rakott Karfiol – Hungarian Cauliflower Casserole
Keto Pogácsa – Hungarian Cheese Biscuits
Körözött – Hungarian Paprika Cheese Spread
These recipes are part of what makes our kitchen so special—bringing together low-carb cooking, Hungarian traditions, family, and the flavors we love.
❤️ Why We Love Chicken Paprikás
This dish is a wonderful example of how traditional comfort food can be adapted to fit a low-carb lifestyle. The Hungarian paprika gives the sauce its signature flavor and beautiful color, while the tender chicken and creamy sauce make this a warm and satisfying meal. Whether you have Hungarian roots, love European-inspired cooking, or simply want a comforting keto dinner, I hope this Chicken Paprikás brings a little warmth and old-world flavor to your table.
Low-carb living doesn't mean giving up the foods and traditions you love. Sometimes, it simply means finding a new way to enjoy them.
📊 Nutrition Information
Per serving, approximately, assuming the recipe serves 4 and is served with a keto-friendly noodle such as zucchini noodles:
Calories: 420
Fat: 28g
Protein: 32g
Total Carbohydrates: 6g
Please note: Nutrition values are approximate and may vary depending on the exact ingredients used, including whether you use heavy cream or sour cream, the amount of tomato and onion, and your choice of keto-friendly noodles.
#LowCarbAnya.
