CHICKEN PAPRIKAS -- HUNGARIAN OLD STYLE

Steps:

• 1. Melt the shortening over medium in a large fry pan or skillet. (I use an electric skillet).
• 2. Add the chopped onion & brown. Then add chicken parts, patted dry, with salt & pepper on them. Cook skin side down about 5-7 minutes, until getting golden, then turn over & brown for another 5 mins. Sprinkle with fresh black pepper or add peppercorns & some salt. Updated NOTE: I am told that adding the paprika when you are browning the onions gives it more flavor. I did this today when I made it (8/4/13) and it came out beautifully. I added the paprika with the onions, some more w/ the chicken, and then recipe is the same.
• 3. Turn chicken back to skin side down (I use tongs so it doesn't splash) & then add water & 2-3 TBS Hungarian paprika. (NOTE: I use 1 cup of water & 1/2 cup of white wine. This is not the authentic Hungarian way, but I think it adds wonderful flavor.) I also add mushrooms b/c I love them, but this is my own taste.
• 4. Simmer on low-med for about 1.5 - 2 hours. Turn chicken over occasionally. The most difficult part of this dish is how great it smells as you have to wait for it to be done! You can add a little bit more water and/or wine, if you like.
• 5. When chicken is nice & tender, remove and let cool off a bit (I cool it in a large Dutch oven). When you're able to touch it without scalding your fingers, remove the meat from the bones & skin. (You don't have to do this, you can serve the chicken pieces whole, I just like it better this way). Leave any juice that came off from the chicken in the Dutch Oven.
• 6. Meanwhile, add 8 oz (half container) of sour cream to the onion & drippings in the fry pan & mix well. I add at least 1 more TBS paprika. Keep heat on low & do not let it boil! Add the chicken back in. I like fresh parsley to be added at this point, too.
• 7. I then cook egg noodles, using the same Dutch Oven, that may have some of the chicken juice in it. Either serve w/ individual platters of noodles & then the chicken poured on top. Or... I cook the noodles about 3 minutes less than package calls for & then I pour the chicken mixture over top about half of the noodles, mix, add more noodles, more chicken, stir, etc. until it's the consistency I want. I don't always use the whole package of noodles. I just like the noodles & chicken all mixed together, but most people like it poured over top instead. Sprinkle with fresh ground black pepper. Enjoy!