Looking for a hearty, comforting meal that’s full of flavor? This Hairy Bikers Chicken Paprika recipe is the perfect choice. With tender chicken cooked in a rich, smoky paprika sauce, this dish is an excellent option for a cozy dinner that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. The warmth from the paprika combined with creamy textures makes it a family favorite.
What is Hairy Bikers Chicken Paprika?
Hairy Bikers Chicken Paprika is a traditional Hungarian-inspired dish made with chicken thighs or breasts, simmered in a flavorful sauce of smoked paprika, onions, garlic, and tomatoes. The addition of sour cream at the end adds richness and a smooth finish. It’s a simple yet impressive dish that combines earthy spices and tender chicken for a delicious meal.

Other Popular Recipes
- Mary Berry Chicken and Broccoli Bake
- Hairy Bikers Sweet and Sour Chicken
- Jamie Oliver Leftover Chicken Curry
Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Rich in flavor: The paprika, garlic, and tomatoes create a deeply flavorful sauce.
- Simple and quick: Minimal ingredients and a straightforward cooking process make this an easy weeknight dinner.
- Hearty and filling: Perfect for a satisfying meal that will leave everyone full and happy.
- Versatile: Serve it with various sides like rice, potatoes, or crusty bread.
- Comfort food: A warm, comforting dish that’s perfect for any season.
Ingredients Needed to Make Hairy Bikers Chicken Paprika
- 6 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin on) – for moist, flavorful chicken.
- 2 large onions – finely chopped, adding sweetness to the sauce.
- 2 garlic cloves – minced for extra flavor.
- 2 tbsp smoked paprika – the star of the dish, giving it a rich, smoky taste.
- 400g (14oz) canned tomatoes – to create the base of the sauce.
- 150ml (5 fl oz) chicken stock – for added depth of flavor.
- 2 tbsp olive oil – to cook the chicken and onions.
- 150ml (5 fl oz) sour cream – adds creaminess to the sauce.
- 1 tsp dried thyme – brings a subtle herbal note to the dish.
- Salt and pepper – to taste, for seasoning.
- Fresh parsley (optional) – for garnish.
Equipment
- Large frying pan or skillet – for browning the chicken and simmering the sauce.
- Wooden spoon – for stirring.
- Tongs – for turning the chicken.
- Knife and chopping board – to prepare the ingredients.
Instructions to Make Hairy Bikers Chicken Paprika
Step 1: Brown the chicken thighs
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Place the chicken skin-side down in the pan and brown for 5-7 minutes on each side, until golden. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the onions and garlic
- In the same pan, add the remaining olive oil. Sauté the chopped onions for 5-6 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Add the paprika and tomatoes
- Stir in the smoked paprika and cook for 1-2 minutes to release its flavor. Pour in the canned tomatoes and chicken stock, stirring well to combine. Season with thyme, salt, and pepper.
Step 4: Return the chicken to the pan
- Place the browned chicken thighs back into the pan, skin-side up. Cover the pan and simmer on low heat for 25-30 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender, and the sauce has thickened.
Step 5: Stir in the sour cream
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove the pan from heat. Stir in the sour cream to give the sauce a rich, creamy texture. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
Step 6: Serve
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve the Hairy Bikers Chicken Paprika over rice, mashed potatoes, or with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

What Goes Well With Hairy Bikers Chicken Paprika
- Rice: A fluffy bed of rice soaks up the rich sauce perfectly.
- Mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes make a great side to complement the sauce.
- Egg noodles: Traditional Hungarian egg noodles or pasta add a hearty touch.
- Crusty bread: Perfect for mopping up the delicious sauce.
- Steamed vegetables: Light, steamed greens such as broccoli or green beans balance the richness of the dish.
- Salad: A simple green salad adds freshness and cuts through the richness of the sauce.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Hairy Bikers Chicken Paprika
- Use smoked paprika: Smoked paprika gives this dish its signature flavor. Don’t substitute it with regular paprika if you can avoid it.
- Brown the chicken well: Proper browning gives the chicken a deeper flavor and helps build the base of the sauce.
- Simmer gently: Keep the heat low while the chicken is simmering to prevent the sauce from reducing too quickly and drying out.
- Add the sour cream off the heat: To prevent the sour cream from curdling, stir it in after removing the pan from the heat.
- Adjust thickness: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken stock or water. If it’s too thin, simmer for a few extra minutes without the lid to reduce it.
Easy Variations of Hairy Bikers Chicken Paprika
- Spicy version: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the sauce for an extra kick.
- Creamier version: Stir in extra sour cream or a dollop of double cream for a richer sauce.
- Vegetarian option: Replace the chicken with mushrooms or tofu for a vegetarian-friendly version.
- Different cuts of chicken: You can use chicken breasts or boneless thighs, though adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Paprika stew: Add diced potatoes or carrots to the sauce to turn this dish into a hearty stew.
Best Practices to Store Hairy Bikers Chicken Paprika
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: This dish freezes well. Place the cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Store separately: If serving with rice or noodles, store them separately to maintain texture when reheating.
- Mason jars: Store in individual portions in mason jars for easy grab-and-go lunches.
Best Practices to Reheat Hairy Bikers Chicken Paprika
- Stovetop: Reheat gently in a pan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is warmed through.
- Microwave: Reheat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
- Oven: For larger portions, reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 15 minutes, covered to prevent drying out.
How Can I Make Hairy Bikers Chicken Paprika Healthier?
- Use skinless chicken thighs: Remove the skin from the chicken to reduce fat content.
- Use light sour cream: Swap regular sour cream for a light version to cut down on calories and fat.
- Add more vegetables: Increase the amount of vegetables like bell peppers or carrots to add fiber and nutrients.
- Reduce oil: Use less olive oil or a cooking spray to reduce fat.
- Serve with whole grains: Serve the dish with brown rice or whole grain noodles for added fiber.
Nutrition Value (per serving)
- Calories: 380
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Protein: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for Chicken Paprika?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts instead of thighs in Hairy Bikers Chicken Paprika. However, since chicken breasts are leaner, they may cook faster. Reduce the cooking time by about 10-15 minutes to avoid drying out the meat. Make sure to check that the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F) for safety.
What can I serve with Chicken Paprika?
Hairy Bikers Chicken Paprika pairs well with several sides, including rice, mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or crusty bread. These options help soak up the rich, flavorful sauce. A simple green salad or steamed vegetables like broccoli also complement the dish nicely.
How do I make the sauce thicker in Chicken Paprika?
To thicken the sauce in Hairy Bikers Chicken Paprika, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce. If it’s still too thin, you can stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water) to thicken the sauce to your desired consistency.
Can I make Chicken Paprika ahead of time?
Yes, Hairy Bikers Chicken Paprika can be made ahead of time. Prepare the dish as instructed, then allow it to cool and refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the oven before serving. The flavors may deepen as it sits, making it even tastier the next day.
Final Words
This Hairy Bikers Chicken Paprika recipe is a comforting, flavorful meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. With its rich, smoky sauce and tender chicken, it’s sure to become a family favorite. The best part is how easy it is to make, yet it feels like an indulgent dish you’ve spent hours preparing. Serve it with your favorite sides for a complete and satisfying meal!
More By British Baking Recipes
- Mary Berry Chicken Malaysian Curry
- Mary Berry Chicken Tray Bake
- Mary Berry Paprika Chicken
- Hairy Bikers Chicken Cacciatore

Hairy Bikers Chicken Paprika
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 25
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
Hairy Bikers Sweet and Sour Chicken is a delightful dish featuring crispy fried chicken pieces coated in a tangy sweet and sour sauce. The sauce is a perfect blend of sugar, vinegar, and tomato ketchup, creating a vibrant and flavorful dish. It’s a satisfying meal that pairs wonderfully with rice, noodles, or your favorite stir-fried vegetables.
Ingredients
For the chicken:
- 4 chicken breasts – cut into bite-sized pieces.
- 100g (3.5oz) plain flour – for coating the chicken.
- 2 eggs – lightly beaten, to help the flour stick.
- 100g (3.5oz) breadcrumbs – for a crispy coating.
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil – for frying the chicken.
- Salt and pepper are used to taste and season the chicken.
For the sweet and sour sauce:
- 1 onion – chopped.
- 1 red pepper – cut into bite-sized pieces.
- 1 green pepper – cut into bite-sized pieces.
- 2 garlic cloves – minced.
- 100ml (3.5 fl oz) rice vinegar – for a tangy flavor.
- 100ml (3.5 fl oz) tomato ketchup – adds sweetness and richness.
- 75g (2.5oz) sugar – for balancing the tangy and sweet flavors.
- 2 tbsp soy sauce – for savoriness.
- 1 tbsp cornflour – mixed with water to thicken the sauce.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the chicken
- Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Set up three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs. Dip each chicken piece first into the flour, then into the egg, and finally into the breadcrumbs to coat them evenly.
Step 2: Fry the chicken
- Heat the vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Fry the breaded chicken pieces in batches, cooking for 4-5 minutes on each side, until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
Step 3: Prepare the sauce
- In the same pan, add the chopped onion, red pepper, green pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
Step 4: Make the sweet and sour sauce
- In a bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, tomato ketchup, sugar, soy sauce, and cornflour slurry. Pour this mixture into the pan with the sautéed vegetables. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and becomes glossy.
Step 5: Combine the chicken and sauce
- Add the crispy chicken pieces back into the pan and toss to coat them in the sweet and sour sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to ensure everything is heated through and the flavors meld together.
Step 6: Serve
- Serve the Hairy Bikers Sweet and Sour Chicken over steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with sliced spring onions or sesame seeds for extra flavor and crunch.