Mom’s Chicken and Dumplings (Chicken Paprika)
Description: This heartwarming dish, lovingly known as Mom’s Chicken and Dumplings or Chicken Paprika, holds a special place in the memories of many families. Passed down through generations, this recipe brings together tender chicken, flavorful spices, and fluffy dumplings in a comforting stew that’s perfect for any occasion.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour and 45 minutes
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 2 onions
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 – 2 teaspoons salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 – 2 teaspoons paprika
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 egg
- Water
Instructions
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Saute Onions: In a stock pot or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until tender, about 5 minutes.
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Prepare Chicken: Add water to the pot until it’s about one-third full. Place chicken thighs into the pot along with garlic powder, salt, pepper, and paprika.
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Simmer Chicken: Ensure the water covers the chicken completely. If needed, add more water. Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer covered for 90 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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Make Dumpling Dough: While the chicken simmers, prepare the dumplings. In a medium bowl, mix together flour, salt, pepper, and paprika until well combined. Create a well in the center and add the egg and about 1/2 cup of water.
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Form Dumplings: Stir the mixture, gradually adding more water until a sticky dough forms that just leaves the side of the bowl.
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Boil Water for Dumplings: In a separate large pot, bring water to a boil.
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Cook Dumplings: Drop teaspoonfuls of the dumpling mixture into the boiling water. If the dough is too sticky to drop easily, dip the spoon into the boiling water before scooping.
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Check Dumplings: Once the dumplings start to float to the surface, they’re ready. This usually takes a few minutes. Remove them with a slotted spoon or drain them.
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Combine Dumplings and Chicken: About 30 minutes before the chicken is done, carefully add the cooked dumplings to the pot with the chicken.
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Final Cooking: Allow the dumplings to simmer in the chicken stew for the remaining 30 minutes.
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Serve: After 30 minutes, your Mom’s Chicken and Dumplings (Chicken Paprika) should be ready. The chicken will be tender, practically falling off the bone, and the dumplings will have absorbed some of the flavorful liquid, creating a thick and satisfying sauce.
This timeless recipe is a true labor of love, reminiscent of cherished family gatherings and comforting meals shared with loved ones. Enjoy the warmth and nostalgia with each delicious spoonful! 🍲✨
