Czech-inspired Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Stew

Ingredients

• 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs) chicken, cut into pieces 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs) chicken, cut into pieces
• 500g (1.1 lbs) mushrooms, sliced 500g (1.1 lbs) mushrooms, sliced
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons butter 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 500ml (2 cups) chicken broth 500ml (2 cups) chicken broth
• 250ml (1 cup) heavy cream 250ml (1 cup) heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 28g, 15g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 8g, 3g
• Protein: 40g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
2. 2.
   In the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the sliced mushrooms to the pot and cook until they release their moisture and start to brown.
4. 4.
   Sprinkle the flour over the mushrooms and stir well to coat.
5. 5.
   Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
6. 6.
   Return the chicken to the pot and add the paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
7. 7.
   Reduce the heat to low and simmer the stew for about 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
8. 8.
   Stir in the heavy cream and cook for an additional 5 minutes to thicken the sauce.
9. 9.
   Adjust the seasoning if needed and serve the creamy chicken and mushroom stew hot with dumplings or crusty bread.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Chicken — Make sure to remove the skin from the chicken pieces before cooking to reduce the fat content and achieve a healthier dish.
• Mushrooms — Use a mix of different mushroom varieties, such as cremini, shiitake, and oyster mushrooms, to enhance the depth of flavors in the stew.

Tips & Tricks

• For a richer flavor, marinate the chicken in a mixture of paprika, garlic, and thyme for a few hours before cooking.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and add it to the stew during the last few minutes of cooking.
• To add a touch of freshness, garnish the stew with chopped parsley before serving.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices, such as rosemary or smoked paprika, to customize the flavors to your liking.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated for a quick and delicious meal.

Serving advice

Serve the creamy chicken and mushroom stew in deep bowls, allowing the flavors to mingle. Accompany it with fluffy Czech dumplings or crusty bread to soak up the luscious sauce. A side of pickles or sauerkraut can provide a tangy contrast to the richness of the dish.

Presentation advice

Garnish the stew with a sprinkle of paprika and a sprig of fresh thyme to add a pop of color. Serve it in rustic ceramic bowls to enhance the cozy and comforting feel of the dish.