Chicken goulash with mushrooms

Chicken goulash with mushrooms: a comforting dish full of flavors and delicious textures

If you're looking for a recipe that combines the savory taste of chicken with the aroma of mushrooms and a fruity note of orange, then you're in the right place. Chicken goulash with mushrooms is an easy-to-make recipe, perfect for cool days or when you want to impress your guests with a dish that exudes warmth and goodness.

Total preparation time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken or 4 chicken thighs (or breast, according to preference)
- 2 colorful bell peppers (red and yellow for a vibrant look)
- 200 g fresh mushrooms (Champignon or wild mushrooms, to taste)
- 1 orange (juice and zest)
- 1 large onion
- 3 tablespoons of oil (preferably olive or sunflower oil)
- 3 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 500 ml chicken broth (homemade, if possible)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
- 1 egg
- Flour (for dumplings or spaetzle)

Let's get to work!

Step 1: Preparing the ingredients
Start by washing and cutting the chicken into uniform cubes for even cooking. If you choose to use only breast or thighs, make sure to cut them into suitable pieces. Then, peel the onion and chop it finely. Wash the peppers, remove the seeds, and cut them into strips. Clean the mushrooms with a damp cloth and slice or cube them, depending on your preference.

Step 2: Cooking the chicken
In a large skillet or pot, add the 3 tablespoons of oil and heat over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent. Add the cut chicken and brown it, stirring occasionally, until it turns golden on all sides. This process will add depth of flavor to your goulash.

Step 3: Flavoring
Add the bell peppers and mushrooms to the skillet. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Now is the perfect time to add the soy sauce, which will provide a delicious umami to your dish. Squeeze the juice from the orange and add it to the skillet, along with a bit of the orange zest for extra flavor. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Cooking the goulash
Pour the chicken broth into the skillet, stirring well. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the dish simmer on low heat for about 1 hour. It’s important to check occasionally, stirring gently to prevent sticking. If you notice that the goulash is getting too watery, you can add a tablespoon of cornstarch dissolved in a little cold water to thicken the sauce.

Step 5: Preparing the dumplings (or spaetzle)
While the goulash is cooking, you can prepare the dumplings. In a bowl, beat the egg with a pinch of salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon of oil. Gradually add the flour, mixing until you obtain a dough thicker than sour cream.

Step 6: Boiling the dumplings
Put a pot of water on to boil, adding 1 tablespoon of vegetable seasoning or salt. When the water starts to boil, use a sieve or a wooden spoon to drop the dough into the water, forming small dumplings. When they rise to the surface, they are ready. Remove them with a slotted spoon and drain well.

Step 7: Finishing the dish
In a small skillet, melt a bit of butter and add the dumplings, letting them brown slightly. Serve the goulash on a plate and top with the sautéed dumplings. Don’t forget to garnish with chopped fresh parsley for an appetizing look.

Serving suggestions
Chicken goulash with mushrooms is delicious served alongside dumplings, but it can also be paired with creamy mashed potatoes or soft polenta, which will absorb the savory sauce. A fresh vegetable salad can add a pleasant contrast of textures and flavors.

Nutritional benefits
This recipe is rich in protein due to the chicken and mushrooms, while the orange provides a boost of vitamin C, essential for immunity. The dumplings, made from flour and egg, offer complex carbohydrates that will give you energy throughout the day.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I replace the chicken with another type of meat?
Yes, you can use pork or beef, but the cooking time will change.

2. How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Replace the chicken with tofu or a variety of vegetables and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

3. What other spices go well in goulash?
You can add sweet or hot paprika, garlic, or even a splash of white wine for a more complex flavor.

4. How can I store the goulash?
The goulash keeps well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. It can be reheated without problems, and the flavor will become even more intense.

In conclusion, chicken goulash with mushrooms is an excellent choice for a family meal, a dinner with friends, or simply to treat yourself on a weekend evening. Experiment with the ingredients and find the combination that suits you best. Enjoy your meal!