Mom's Chicken and Dumplings

Authentic Czech Republic Mom's Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Region / culture: Czech Republic | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 2 hours | Servings: 6

Introduction

Mom's Chicken and Dumplings is a classic comfort food dish that has been passed down through generations. This hearty and satisfying meal is perfect for a cozy night in or a family gathering.

History

This recipe has been a staple in many households for years, with each family putting their own unique twist on it. The combination of tender chicken and fluffy dumplings in a savory broth is a timeless favorite that never goes out of style.

Ingredients

4 lb (1.81 kg) chicken thighs, skin removed (boneless thighs if available)
water
2 small onions, chopped
1 tbsp butter or oil
0.5 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp salt
0.25 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp paprika

Dumplings

2 cups all-purpose flour
0.5 tsp salt
0.25 tsp black pepper
1 tsp paprika
1 large egg, beaten
water

How to prepare

In a stock pot or dutch oven, sauté onions in butter until tender.
Add water until the pot is about 0.33 full.
Add chicken thighs, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and paprika.
Ensure that the water is covering the chicken. If not, add more water until it just covers the chicken.
Bring to a boil and then simmer for 90 minutes.

Dumplings

Meanwhile, prepare the dumplings: mix the flour, salt, pepper, and paprika in a medium bowl until combined.
Create a well in the center and add the egg and about 0.25 cup of water.
Stir and gradually add more water, tablespoon by tablespoon, until you have a sticky dough that just leaves the side of the bowl.
In a separate large pot from the chicken, bring water to a boil.
Drop teaspoonfuls of the dumpling mixture into the boiling water. (Use a regular teaspoon from your flatware, not a measuring spoon). If the dumpling mixture is too sticky to drop from the spoon, dip the spoon into the boiling water to help the dumpling slide off.
Once the dumplings start floating on top, remove them with a slotted spoon or drain them.
You may need to reduce the heat to observe when they start floating.
About 30 minutes before the chicken should be done, add the dumplings to the pot with the chicken.
After 30 minutes, you should have a delicious dish.
The chicken should be tender enough that it falls off the bone, and the dumplings should have thickened the sauce made from the liquid the chicken was cooking in.

Variations

Add diced carrots and celery to the pot with the chicken for added flavor and nutrition.
Use bone-in chicken thighs for a richer flavor in the broth.
Substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour in the dumplings for a healthier twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to remove the skin from the chicken thighs before cooking to reduce the fat content of the dish.

- Sautéing the onions before adding the chicken adds depth of flavor to the dish.

- Gradually adding water to the dumpling mixture ensures that you achieve the perfect consistency for the dough.

Serving Suggestions

Mom's Chicken and Dumplings pairs well with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad.

Cooking Techniques

Simmering the chicken in the broth for 90 minutes ensures that it becomes tender and flavorful.

- Dropping the dumplings into boiling water separately before adding them to the pot with the chicken helps them cook evenly.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs if you prefer white meat.

- Vegetable oil can be used in place of butter for sautéing the onions.

Make Ahead Tips

Mom's Chicken and Dumplings can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Store the chicken and dumplings separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Mom's Chicken and Dumplings in a large bowl with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Mom's Chicken and Dumplings with a glass of white wine or a cold glass of milk for a comforting meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Mom's Chicken and Dumplings 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 Mom's Chicken and Dumplings contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Mom's Chicken and Dumplings contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Mom's Chicken and Dumplings contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Mom's Chicken and Dumplings contains approximately 25 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Mom's Chicken and Dumplings is a good source of iron, vitamin A, and vitamin C.

Alergens

This recipe contains wheat (from the flour in the dumplings) and eggs.

Summary

Mom's Chicken and Dumplings is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Mom's Chicken and Dumplings is a classic comfort food dish that is sure to warm your soul. With tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and a savory broth, this recipe is a timeless favorite that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a happy one. It was a cold, blustery day in the middle of winter, and I had just come home from a long day at work. The warmth of the kitchen enveloped me as I walked in, and the scent of chicken and dumplings wafted through the air. My mother was standing at the stove, a smile on her face as she stirred the pot.

"Mom, what are you cooking?" I asked, my curiosity piqued.

"Chicken and dumplings, dear," she replied, her eyes twinkling. "It's a recipe that has been passed down through generations in our family. I learned it from my mother, who learned it from hers. And now, I'm teaching it to you."

I watched as she added the vegetables and chicken to the pot, along with a mixture of flour, milk, and butter for the dumplings. The steam rose from the simmering broth, and I could almost taste the savory goodness in the air.

As I sat at the table, watching and learning, my mother shared stories of her own childhood and the times she had enjoyed this dish with her family. I listened intently, soaking in every word and every detail of the recipe. It was a simple yet comforting dish, perfect for a chilly day like today.

After a few hours of simmering and stirring, the chicken and dumplings were ready. My mother ladled the steaming stew into bowls, and we sat down to enjoy our meal together. The first bite was like a warm hug from my childhood, bringing back memories of simpler times and the love that filled our home.

From that day on, I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen. I made it for special occasions and for simple weeknight dinners. Each time I prepared it, I felt a connection to my mother and her mother before her, a bond that transcended generations and brought us together through the shared love of food.

Over the years, I have made a few tweaks to the recipe, adding a dash of herbs here and a pinch of spices there. I have shared it with friends and family, passing on the tradition of Mom's Chicken and Dumplings to the next generation. And each time I cook it, I am reminded of that snowy day in my mother's kitchen, where I first learned the magic of this timeless dish.

Now, as I stand at the stove, stirring the pot and adding the final touches to the broth, I can't help but smile. The scent of chicken and dumplings fills the air, and I know that I am continuing a legacy that has been passed down through the ages. This recipe is more than just a dish; it is a piece of my family's history, a link to the past that will always hold a special place in my heart.

As I dish out the steaming stew into bowls and set them on the table, I can see the anticipation in my grandchildren's eyes. They know that this meal is more than just food; it is a connection to their roots, a taste of the love and tradition that have been woven into our family for generations.

And as we sit down to eat, sharing stories and laughter, I am filled with gratitude for the gift of this recipe, this tradition that binds us together and keeps our family strong. Mom's Chicken and Dumplings may just be a simple dish, but to me, it is a treasure, a reminder of where we come from and the love that surrounds us always.