Easy Chicken Goulash with Quick Dumplings

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This Easy Chicken Goulash with quick homemade dumplings will blow your mind!  This Hungarian dish takes 10 minutes to prep and only 30 minutes to cook, but still tastes like it cooked all day.  Make ahead for busy weeknights.

This is an easy version of a traditional Hungarian Chicken Goulash recipe – and it’s DELICIOUS!  It’s quick and easy, cooks in one pot, but still tastes like it cooked all day.  And you will not believe how incredibly easy and quick-cooking these homemade little dumplings are.  You get warm peppery (not hot) flavors combined with tangy tomato, sweet bell peppers, and hearty chicken and dumplings.  This is an easy chicken dinner that my family loves and I know yours will too!

Easy Chicken Goulash Recipe Video

Easy Ingredients that Make Goulash a Goulash

Paprika

The primary ingredient that really makes a goulash taste like a goulash is the Paprika!  Paprika is a spice that’s made from ground dried red peppers. There are different varieties of Paprika.  There is Hungarian Paprika, Spanish Paprika, Smoked Paprika, or just Paprika.  Typically, Hungarian and Spanish will have a spicy kick to them.  Whereas Smoked Paprika and anything simply called Paprika will generally be more smokey and warm vs. hot spicy.  This recipe used both Hungarian Paprika and Smoked Paprika to tame the heat level.  If you like Goulash, then you have to try my Weeknight Paprika Pork Stew Recipe , this delicious Chicken & Rice Stuffed Cabbage (Golumpki!)  or my Hungarian Paprika Chicken with Paprika Aioli

Caraway Seeds

Next are the caraway seeds.  These are the seeds that you may know from Rye bread that give it its unique flavor.  These tasty little seeds also impart wonderful flavor notes to this soup.  You can use either the dried whole seeds or ground seeds.  I used whole in this recipe.

Bell Peppers

Bell Peppers are the next common ingredient.  You can find a variety of other veggies in various versions of goulash, but pretty consistently, you will find red peppers, green peppers, or both.  They bring a sweet peppery flavor and also provide a nice texture to this soup.

Dumplings

And finally, dumplings.  The dumplings are traditional in Hungarian goulash and this recipe is so incredibly quick and easy, you have just got to try them!  All it takes is flour, egg, and salt.  Mix in a bowl, then roll out and either pinch off into the soup or cut small pieces.  They only take 2-3 minutes to cook! 

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Simple Recipe Equipment Needed

I made this Goulash in a dutch oven. However, any large bottom pot will work. You could also make this in a slow cooker. See the FAQ section for more on using a slow cooker.

Oh, and mincing garlic is made super easy with a Garlic Press.

TimeSaving Prep-Ahead Steps for Chicken Goulash

We are all extremely busy and making dinner during the week can be overwhelming. Here are steps you can prepare ahead to save time on busy nights! (See the full recipe below) 

Cut the chicken into 1 inch cubes. You can do this step ahead or even keep raw chicken cubes in the freezer for up to 12 months in an airtight container or packaging. Check out all of my tips on Prepping and Storing Chicken for Easier Dinners.

Slice the Bacon into thin strips. PRO TIP: Freeze your bacon slices before cutting them.  It makes is so much easier to cut through. For more fantastic ways to use your Freezer to prepare food ahead and make it last longer, check out this printable cheat sheet with 10 Freezer Hacks to make easy dinners!

Peel and cut the onion into 1 inch chunks, then separate layers. Cut the red and green peppers into similar size pieces. Mince the garlic.

Measure out the seasonings and spices. Open the diced tomatoes. Measure out the flour for the dumplings.

Cook your Chicken Goulash and Dumplings

Preheat a large Dutch oven over high heat and add the bacon. Cook to render the fat, about 5 minutes, and then add the onions. Cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.

Add the chicken, garlic, bell peppers, caraway seeds, and the paprika powder . Stir to combine and cook for another 2 minutes.

Add the bouillon cubes, water, and diced tomatoes. Stir to combine. Bring the goulash to a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste.

While the goulash is cooking, make the dumplings by adding the flour to a large bowl, then the egg, and a pinch of salt. Mix together until it forms a ball and then knead together with your hand for 1 minute. Split into 3 sections and then roll each section out into a thin cord. Then pinch off small pieces with your fingers or using a knife to create dumplings.

During the final 5 minutes of the goulash cooking time, add the dumplings and stir to submerge and distribute them. Let them cook during the final minutes (they only require about 3 minutes).

Serve in bowls with a dollop of sour cream and garnish with fresh parsley. Enjoy!

Chicken Goulash Recipe FAQs

Can I make this in the slow cooker?

Yes, this can be made in the slow cooker!  To do so, you can simply add all of the ingredients under Chicken, Onions, and Spices and Rest of Goulash Ingredients at the same time to the slow cooker insert.  Mix to combine and set the slow cooker to 6 hours or 8 hours, depending on your schedule.  Wait to make and add the dumplings until the end of the cooking time.  Follows Cooking Steps 4-6 to finish.  

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, you can use chicken thighs, but I recommend sticking with boneless skinless thighs for easy prep and cooking. Consider the amount of thighs that you will need as well. Generally, I estimate 16 ounces or 1 pound of chicken for 4 servings. That will likely mean 5-6 boneless skinless thighs, depending on their size. The recipe instructions will be the same for thighs as the breasts.

Can this be turned into a Beef Goulash instead of chicken?

You can definitely make this with beef.  There are a couple options.  For a super tender, fall-apart beef, you will want to use beef chuck cubed.  If you make in the dutch oven or large pot, then you will need to simmer for 2+ hours until the beef is tender.  

You can also do a quick-cooking option with Beef filet cubes.  In this option, you will want to season and sear the beef cubes in the pot first.  Transfer them to a plate while you make the rest of the dish.  Then add them back for the final 10 minutes of the cooking time.  

Your final option is to use beef chuck in the slow cooker.  See the slow cooker steps in the question above.

Is this Chicken Goulash healthy?

Yes, this Chicken Goulash recipe has many healthy ingredients and is therefore, a good source of protein, vitamins, and nutrients.  The chicken breast is a lean source of protein and with tomatoes and peppers, you get tons of veggie!  

Is this Chicken Goulash recipe gluten free?

This recipe is gluten free with the ingredients listed.  However, as with any recipe that you find online, make sure that you double check all packaging ingredient labels to ensure that it does not contain gluten.

Can I make this Chicken Goulash in advance?

Absolutely!  This dish reheats beautifully and is a great meal prep option for enjoying several days during the week!  To reheat, you can place it in a microwave safe bowl and warm it for 1-2 minutes.  Or you can place it back in a sauce pot covered on the stove and warm it on medium heat.  It will take about 10-15 minutes.

Check out the web story for this Goulash Chicken and Dumplings Recipe!

ENJOY!  😍 Carrie

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