Meals

Captain Sisko's Chicken Paprikash

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Chicken Paprikash with Egg Noodles
Sisko's Chicken Paprikash with Egg Noodles By Kenzie

Chicken paprikash was a Hungarian dish from Earth.

The dish was a favorite of Benjamin Sisko, whose son Jake could never pronounce it right. After successfully concluding diplomatic negotiations with the Peljenites in 2371, Sisko cooked the dish for himself and his son. (DS9: "Family Business")

In 2375, the Silver Blood duplicate of Kathryn Janeway served chicken paprikash for her weekly dinner with Chakotay. Kathryn Janeway said that her grandmother used to make it for her all the time and that it was her favorite dish. (VOY: "Course: Oblivion")

Read more Here at: Chicken Paprikash at Memory Alpha

Cooking Chicken Paprikash

"You only make Hungarian food when you're in a good mood!" After watching this episode, I had a craving for a dish that I've never had or made. I'm happy to report it was well worth the attempt. A creamy, spiced (but not spicy) chicken dish, incredibly hearty and served traditionally with spaetzle, but would go well with mashed potato, gnocchi, or rice.

As I am vegetarian, I created this recipe with Sweet Earth Chik'N strips which actually worked out beautifully. The recipe is nearly identical with a meat replacement or real chicken.

Sweet Earth Chik'n Strips

This recipe will easily work with any type of chicken - thighs, bone-in legs, breasts, etc.

Paprika can become less tasty if it's old, so make sure it's still good (Preferably from Penzeys and not a 10 year old jar of McCormick)

Serve with: spaetzle or egg noodles, but would go well with mashed potato, gnocchi, or rice.

Sides: A very hearty meal so serve with salad or green veggies (Asparagus, Brussels sprouts, green beans, etc)

 

  1. Meat: 2lbs Chicken Legs, thighs, or chicken replacement (I used one package of Sweet Earth Chik'N strips)
  2. 3 TBS Butter or more to taste
  3. 3 cloves of Garlic (Or more to taste)
  4. Optional: Tomato (Many use tomato; but traditional version doesn't include)
  5. White Onion (I used 1/2 an onion but feel free to throw the whole thing in)
  6. 3 Tbs Hungarian Paprika or other smoked paprika, more to taste
  7. Optional: 1 tsp Cayenne to add spice
  8. 3 Cups Broth of Choice: Chicken Broth or Vegetable Broth
  9. Salt & Pepper
  10. 4 oz Sour Cream, or in a pinch Cream Cheese

Customize:

It's perfectly fine to venture outside the traditional. Tomato, cayenne is optional. Could also add something like chili paste, chopped bell pepper. Feel free to make it your own!

    1. Brown the Chicken
      Put your 3Tbs (or more :) butter into a cast iron pan. Pat chicken dry, place skin down and saute on medium heat until browned ( typically 4-5 minutes the first side, 3 mins second side). Use tongs to flip. If using meat replacement, let sit in butter to brown at least 5 minutes before flipping the pieces.
    2. Cook the Aromatics
      Take the meat out of the pan and into a bowl or plate to rest. Add 1/2 onion, chopped tomato(optional) to the pan an saute at least 10 minutes until translucent. Reduce heat to low and add garlic, cook another 2-3 minutes.

       

    3. Make the sauce
      Take the pan off the heat. Add the chicken back to the pan. Add 3 Tbs paprika or more to taste. Add salt and pepper to taste. Add 1 tsp cayenne if you want to spice it up.
      Add broth, until  the meat is mostly covered. You may not need all 3 cups of broth, so hold some until done - if it cooks off too much, you can add more broth later.
      High simmer for 20-30 minutes or until sauce is at desired thickness.

       

    4. Add Cream
      Turn heat to low simmer and add 4 oz Sour Cream, or in a pinch, 4oz Cream Cheese. I only had cream cheese on hand and it was absolutely delicious :)