Easy Chicken Goulash Stew

Name: Easy Chicken Goulash
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 large onion (diced); 1 green bell pepper (diced); 1 yellow bell pepper (diced or red pepper); 1 teaspoon cumin powder; 1 teaspoon dried dill; 3 cloves garlic (minced); 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into cubes or chicken thighs); 1 can (28oz) diced tomatoes; ½ cup chicken stock; 2 tablespoons cornstarch ( mixed with ¼ cup water); 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped); Salt and black pepper (to taste)

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This Easy Chicken Goulash is perfect for busy weeknights or a comforting meal for a chilly evening. It's the chicken version of a Hungarian dish, the colorful sweet peppers and blend of spices create a delicious and savory flavor that will leave you wanting more. Serve it over rice, with crusty bread.

Chicken Goulash stew in a large pot with a serving spoon.

What is Goulash?

Goulash is a Hungarian recipe that is a beloved classic of Eastern European cuisine. It’s a hearty and flavorful stew made with tender pieces of meat, aromatic spices, and a tangy tomato-based sauce.

Why you love this recipe

The rich and savory flavors of this goulash are simply unbeatable. The combination of tender chicken, aromatic spices, vegetables and tangy tomato sauce creates a complex and delicious meal.

This recipe is also incredibly easy to make, with simple ingredients that you probably already have on hand. From start to finish, you can have a steaming bowl of goulash on the table in just under an hour, making it the perfect weeknight meal for busy families.

If you are looking for easy recipes ideal for busy weeknights you should try these Red Lentil Dahl and Dutch Oven Chili recipes

Ingredients

You will need these ingredients to make this Chicken Goulash

olive oil
onion, diced
green bell pepper, diced
yellow bell pepper, diced or red pepper
cumin powder
dried dill
cloves garlic, minced
boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into cubes or chicken thighs
diced tomatoes
chicken stock
cornstarch mixed with water
fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and black pepper, to taste

Optional: caraway seeds, bay leaf

See recipe card for quantities.

How to make this Chicken Goulash; Step by Step

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Add the chicken cubes and cook for 5-6 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown.

Adding the bell pepper to the chicken on the pot.

Add the diced onion and bell peppers to the pot with the chicken pieces and cook for another 3-4 minutes, or until they start to soften.

Adding the spices and the tomatoes to the pot.

Stir in the cumin powder, dried dill, and minced garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the spices become fragrant.

Pour in the tomato sauce and chicken broth, and stir everything together. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked.

All the ingredients mixed together in the pot.

In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of cornstarch and ¼ cup of water until the cornstarch is completely dissolved.

Gradually pour the cornstarch mixture into the goulash, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon to prevent lumps from forming.

Cooked Goulash in the pot with a serving spoon.

Continue to stir the goulash over low simmer for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.

Season the chicken goulash with salt and pepper to taste, and stir in the chopped fresh parsley.

Serve hot

Notes and Tips

Preparation: Make sure to dice the onion and bell peppers evenly to ensure even cooking. Also, mince the garlic finely for better flavor distribution.

Chicken Browning: When cooking the chicken cubes in olive oil, make sure the pan is hot before adding the chicken. This helps to brown the chicken nicely. Stir occasionally to ensure even browning.

Spices: Toasting the cumin powder, dried dill, and minced garlic for a minute or two enhances their flavors. Be careful not to burn them, as burnt garlic can taste bitter.

Tomatoes and Broth: When adding the diced tomatoes and chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits (fond) from the chicken and spices adds depth of flavor to the dish.

Cornstarch Mixture: Ensure that the cornstarch is fully dissolved in water before adding it to the goulash. This prevents lumps from forming when thickening the sauce.

Sauce Thickness: Adjust the amount of cornstarch mixture to achieve your desired sauce thickness. You can add more if you prefer a thicker sauce or less if you like it thinner.

Variations

Use ground chicken instead of chicken breasts.

Add paprika powder to the recipe for a richer, smokier flavor. Hungarian sweet or smoked paprika works well.

Stir in some heavy cream or sour cream to create a creamy sauce.

Swap the chicken for beef (such as stewing beef or chuck roast) to make a classic Hungarian Beef Goulash. Cook it low and slow for tender, flavorful results.

Convert this recipe for your slow cooker or crockpot by adjusting the cooking times and temperatures. It's perfect for a hands-off meal.

Thin the goulash with more broth to create a hearty soup. Serve it with crusty bread or noodles.

Chicken Goulash serve in a bowl with rice.

Serving

Serve Chicken Goulash with traditional Eastern European sides like spaetzle, dumplings (such as potato dumplings or bread dumplings), or boiled potatoes. These sides complement the rich, saucy goulash.

You can also serve it over cooked rice or pasta (such as egg noodles or wide noodles) for a heartier meal. The sauce pairs well with these starches.

Offer crusty bread, baguette, or garlic bread on the side to soak up the delicious sauce.

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley, dill, or cilantro over the goulash just before serving. It adds a burst of freshness and color.

A dollop of sour cream on top of each serving can provide a creamy contrast to the flavorful sauce. It's a common addition to Hungarian goulash.

Chicken Goulash serve in a bowl with rice and a spoon.

FAQ

How do you store the chicken goulash?

Let the goulash cool completely before storing it, then transfer it to an airtight container.

Place it in the refrigerator. The goulash should keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

When you're ready to enjoy your leftovers, simply reheat the goulash in a pot on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally.

Can I freeze this chicken stew?

Yes, you can freeze it! Chicken goulash is a dish that freezes exceptionally well, making it a convenient and tasty option for meal prep or quick weeknight dinners. To freeze your goulash, simply let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or a freezer bag. When you're ready to eat, simply thaw the goulash in the fridge overnight

What to serve with this stew?

This dish pairs perfectly with simple, starchy sides like buttered noodles, steamed rice, or crusty bread providing a delicious base for the goulash sauce.

Roasted or steamed green beans, sautéed spinach, or braised red cabbage are all excellent options that will add a pop of color to your plate.

A dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or cilantro, or a dash of hot sauce can all help to bring out the flavors.

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