Instant Pot Chicken Paprikash

Ingredients Breakdown

To get started, let’s take a look at the ingredients needed for Instant Pot Chicken Paprikash:

Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken thighs (skinless, boneless): Chicken thighs provide a richer flavor than chicken breasts and stay tender during pressure cooking.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used for sautéing the shallots and garlic, helping to develop flavor.
• 1 medium shallot, finely chopped: Shallots are milder than onions, adding a subtle sweetness.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic brings depth and an aromatic flavor.
• 1 cup chicken broth: Helps create a flavorful base for the sauce.
• 1/2 cup tomato-based pasta sauce: Provides a tangy, tomato-rich flavor that complements the paprika.
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar: Adds acidity to balance the richness of the dish.
• 2 tablespoons paprika: The star ingredient, paprika adds warmth and complexity. For authenticity, Hungarian sweet paprika is recommended.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper (for seasoning): To enhance the flavors of the chicken and sauce.
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream): Yogurt helps create the creamy texture of the sauce and adds a tangy finish.

For the Noodles:

• 8 oz egg noodles: Egg noodles are traditionally served with paprikash due to their soft, chewy texture.
• 2 tablespoons butter: For coating the noodles, adding richness and flavor.
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped: A garnish that adds a touch of freshness.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper: For seasoning the noodles.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that we’ve gathered our ingredients, let’s go through the steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Cook the Noodles

1. Boil the noodles: Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring it to a boil. Add the egg noodles and cook until tender, about 7-9 minutes. You want the noodles to be firm but not overcooked.
2. Season the noodles: Drain the noodles and toss them with butter, parsley, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper. Keep them warm while you prepare the chicken.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken in the Instant Pot

1. Sauté the aromatics: Turn on your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” function. Add the olive oil and allow it to heat up for a minute. Then, add the chopped shallots and minced garlic. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
2. Add the liquids: Pour in the pasta sauce, chicken broth, and red wine vinegar. Stir to combine, ensuring that nothing is sticking to the bottom of the pot.
3. Season the chicken: While the liquid is coming to a gentle simmer, season your chicken thighs with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper. Then, add the seasoned chicken thighs directly into the pot.

Step 3: Pressure Cook the Chicken

1. Set the pressure: Close the Instant Pot lid and lock it in place. Ensure that the valve is set to the sealing position. Select the “High Pressure” setting, and set the timer for 12 minutes.
2. Natural pressure release: Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the Instant Pot to release pressure naturally for about 10 minutes. After that, perform a quick release to let out any remaining pressure.

Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Paprika Sauce

1. Temper the yogurt: While the pressure is releasing, take 1/2 cup of Greek yogurt and place it in a small bowl. To prevent the yogurt from curdling, temper it by slowly adding small amounts of the hot sauce from the pot into the yogurt, one tablespoon at a time. Stir continuously until the yogurt is warmed and smooth.
2. Finish the sauce: Once the pressure has been fully released, open the Instant Pot and stir in the tempered yogurt mixture along with the paprika. This will create a creamy, flavorful sauce.

Step 5: Shred the Chicken and Serve

1. Shred the chicken: Remove the chicken thighs from the pot and use two forks to shred them into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir it into the sauce until everything is well coated.
2. Serve: To serve, place a generous portion of the buttered egg noodles on each plate, then top with the creamy chicken paprikash mixture. Garnish each serving with a dollop of additional yogurt or sour cream if desired, and sprinkle with fresh parsley for color.

Tips for Success

• Use Hungarian paprika: For an authentic flavor, it’s best to use Hungarian sweet paprika. The taste is deeper and more complex than regular paprika, making a noticeable difference.
• Adjust consistency: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can reduce the sauce by simmering it on the “Sauté” function after pressure cooking. On the other hand, if the sauce is too thick, a little extra chicken broth can help loosen it.
• Tempering the yogurt: Always temper the yogurt or sour cream before adding it to the hot sauce. This prevents it from curdling and ensures a smooth, creamy sauce.
• Alternative proteins: While chicken thighs are the classic choice, you can also use chicken breasts. Just be aware that chicken breasts can become dry if overcooked in the pressure cooker. Adjust the cooking time to 8-10 minutes if using chicken breasts.

Stovetop Method

If you don’t have an Instant Pot, you can still enjoy this delicious dish using the stovetop method:

1. Brown the chicken: In a large sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then cook until browned on both sides (about 3-4 minutes per side).
2. Sauté the aromatics: Add the shallots, garlic, and paprika to the pan, cooking until fragrant (2-3 minutes).
3. Simmer: Add the pasta sauce and red wine vinegar to the pan. Lower the heat to medium and simmer for about 15-18 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 185°F.
4. Finish the dish: Just like in the Instant Pot method, temper the yogurt, add it to the sauce, and shred the chicken before serving it over the buttered egg noodles.

Conclusion

Instant Pot Chicken Paprikash is a perfect blend of comfort and convenience, making it an ideal recipe for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something hearty and flavorful. The creamy, paprika-infused sauce, tender chicken, and buttery noodles come together in a dish that feels both nostalgic and fresh. Whether you make it in the Instant Pot or on the stovetop, this recipe is easy to follow, adaptable, and delivers outstanding results every time. With its warm, comforting flavors and the speed of pressure cooking, this dish will quickly become a family favorite.