Chicken and mushrooms over noodles.

Chicken and Mushroom Noodle Recipe from Czech Republic

Region / culture: Czech Republic | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 6

Introduction

Chicken and mushrooms over noodles is a comforting and hearty dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. The combination of tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and creamy sauce over homemade noodles is sure to satisfy your cravings.

History

This recipe has roots in Eastern European cuisine, where hearty and filling dishes are common. The combination of chicken and mushrooms is a classic pairing that has been enjoyed for generations.

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
0.25 tsp salt
3 eggs
1 tbsp milk
1 tsp olive oil
2 lb (907 g) chicken breasts
0.5 cup butter
1 large onion, chopped
2 cups sliced mushrooms
1 tsp salt
0.5 tsp paprika
1.5 cups water
1 cup sour cream
2 tbsp flour

How to prepare

Combine 1 cup of flour and 0.25 tsp of salt on a pastry board and make a well in the center.
Whisk 2 eggs, 1 cup of milk, and 1 tbsp of oil in a bowl until well blended.
Gradually pour the egg mixture into the well in the flour while mixing with fingertips.
Knead the dough for about 10 minutes or until it becomes elastic.
Separate the dough into three pieces and wrap each piece with plastic wrap. Allow it to sit for approximately 30 minutes.
Remove the dough and roll it flat on a lightly floured countertop, making it as flat as possible without tearing.
Using a knife or pizza cutter, cut the noodles into strips about 0.25-0.5 inch wide.
Drop the noodles into a pot of salted boiling water and cook for about 10 minutes.
Drain the noodles and rinse them with cold water. Set them aside.
Cut the chicken into small pieces and brown them in the melted butter over medium-high heat.
Add the onion to the chicken and cook covered for 5 minutes.
Add the mushrooms, water, salt, and paprika. Mix well.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and cover.
Allow it to simmer for 45 minutes.
Mix 1 cup of sour cream and 2 tbsp of flour together until smooth, then add it to the pan and mix until the entire recipe is smooth.
Add the cooked noodles to the pan and bring it to a boil.
Reduce the heat and allow it to simmer for 5 minutes.
Remove from heat and let it sit for about 5 minutes or until the sauce thickens to the desired point.
**This is actually my lazy way. If you're trying to impress, start cooking the noodles during the 45 minutes simmer time so they will be done at the same time as the chicken.
Ladle the chicken and sauce over the warm noodles and garnish with chopped scallions.

Variations

Use different types of mushrooms, such as cremini or shiitake, for a different flavor profile.
Add diced bell peppers or carrots for extra vegetables.
Substitute the sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter sauce.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to brown the chicken pieces before adding the onions and mushrooms to develop flavor.

- Cooking the noodles separately and adding them to the sauce at the end helps prevent them from becoming mushy.

- Adjust the seasonings to your taste, adding more salt, pepper, or paprika as needed.

Serving Suggestions

Serve chicken and mushrooms over noodles with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Browning the chicken before simmering it with the mushrooms and onions helps develop flavor.

- Cooking the noodles separately and adding them to the sauce at the end helps prevent them from becoming mushy.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for a richer flavor.

- Substitute olive oil for the butter for a lighter dish.

- Use gluten-free flour or noodles for a gluten-free version of this recipe.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the noodles and sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce and noodles separately and combine them just before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the dish with chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, for a pop of color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair chicken and mushrooms over noodles with a glass of white wine, such as Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio, for a perfect pairing.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of chicken and mushrooms over noodles contains approximately 450 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of chicken and mushrooms over noodles contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of chicken and mushrooms over noodles contains approximately 25 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of chicken and mushrooms over noodles contains approximately 30 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (butter and sour cream) and wheat (flour), which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Chicken and mushrooms over noodles is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Chicken and mushrooms over noodles is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. With tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and a creamy sauce over homemade noodles, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is one that will always be special to me. It was a sunny afternoon in the spring of 1972 when I stumbled upon it in an old cookbook that had been gathering dust on a forgotten shelf in the back of a thrift store. As I flipped through the yellowed pages, my eyes landed on the title: "Chicken and mushrooms over noodles." Intrigued, I read through the ingredients and instructions, my mouth watering at the thought of the savory dish.

I had always been passionate about cooking, ever since I was a young girl helping my own grandmother in the kitchen. She taught me the importance of using fresh ingredients and cooking with love, and I had carried those lessons with me throughout my life. Over the years, I had collected recipes from friends, family, and even strangers, each one holding a special place in my heart.

But there was something about this particular recipe that spoke to me. Perhaps it was the simplicity of the ingredients, or the way the flavors were described in such vivid detail. Whatever it was, I knew I had to try it out for myself.

I gathered all the necessary ingredients – chicken breasts, mushrooms, onions, garlic, butter, flour, chicken broth, and of course, noodles – and set to work in my cozy kitchen. As I chopped and sautéed, the familiar scents of cooking filled the air, transporting me back to my grandmother's kitchen all those years ago.

The recipe called for the chicken to be seasoned with salt, pepper, and a hint of paprika before being browned in a skillet. The mushrooms were to be sliced and sautéed in butter until golden brown, releasing their earthy aroma into the air. The onions and garlic were then added, followed by a sprinkle of flour to create a thick, flavorful sauce.

As the chicken simmered in the rich broth, the sauce thickened and the flavors melded together, creating a mouthwatering aroma that made my stomach rumble in anticipation. I boiled the noodles until al dente, then plated them before spooning the chicken and mushroom mixture on top, garnishing with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

The first bite was pure bliss. The tender chicken, the earthy mushrooms, the savory sauce – it was a symphony of flavors that danced on my taste buds and left me craving more. I savored each bite, letting the memories of my grandmother's cooking and the joy of discovering a new recipe wash over me.

As I sat at the table, enjoying my meal, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the serendipitous moment that had led me to this recipe. It was a reminder of the joy and comfort that cooking had always brought me, and the way that sharing food with loved ones could create lasting memories.

From that day on, chicken and mushrooms over noodles became a staple in my cooking repertoire. I made it for family gatherings, dinner parties, and quiet nights at home. Each time I prepared it, I felt a connection to the past and the generations of cooks who had come before me.

And as I passed the recipe on to my own grandchildren, I knew that it would continue to hold a special place in our family's culinary traditions. For me, this simple dish was more than just a recipe – it was a story, a memory, a piece of myself that I could share with others.

And so, I continue to cook and create, seeking out new recipes and flavors to add to my collection. But no matter where my culinary adventures take me, I will always hold a special place in my heart for that fateful day in the spring of 1972, when I discovered the magic of chicken and mushrooms over noodles.