Chicken Pierogies

Chicken Pierogies Recipe

Published by Bobbie
August 30, 2024

My journey with this dish is as personal as it gets. This chicken pierogies is a recipe I have tweaked and perfected over countless family gatherings, infusing a piece of my heritage into each dumpling. These little pockets of joy are a symphony of tender, seasoned chicken encased in a soft dough, boiled to perfection, and then pan-fried to achieve that irresistible golden crispness.

What Are Chicken Pierogies?

Chicken pierogies are a type of savory dumpling that combines traditional pierogi ingredients with chicken. They are originally from Eastern European cuisine, especially Polish cuisine, and are essentially dumplings made from dough filled with various ingredients.

Ingredients:

For The Dough:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for kneading
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup butter, melted
  • A pinch of salt.

For The Filling:

  • 1 pound chicken breast, cooked and finely shredded
  • 1 onion, finely chopped and sautéed until translucent
  • 1 cup mashed potatoes (smooth, with no added milk or butter)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Optional: 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or gouda works well) to add a cheesy twist.

Instructions:

Preparing The Dough:

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the egg, sour cream, and melted butter.
  2. Mix using a spoon initially, and then use your hands to form a soft, pliable dough. If the dough is too sticky, add more flour; if too dry, add a splash of water.
  3. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead until smooth, about 5-8 minutes.
  4. Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest for at least 30 minutes.

Preparing The Filling:

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, sautéed onion, mashed potatoes, and optionally, cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  2. Stir the filling until well combined, ensuring it’s flavorful and not too dry. Adjust seasoning if necessary.

Forming The Pierogies:

  1. Roll out the rested dough on a floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness. Cut out circles using a round cutter or a glass.
  2. Place a tablespoon of the chicken filling in the center of each dough circle.
  3. Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Seal the edges by pinching them together or using a fork, ensuring no gaps for the filling to escape during cooking.

Cooking The Pierogies:

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pierogies in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. They are done when they float to the surface, about 3-4 minutes.
  2. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain. Optionally, for a crispy finish, pan-fry the boiled pierogies in a bit of butter until golden brown on each side.

Tips For Perfect Pierogies:

  • Dough Consistency: Achieving the right dough consistency is critical. It should be soft and pliable but not sticky. Allow it to rest to make it easier to work with.
  • Filling Options: Feel free to get creative with the filling! The chicken and potato combination is classic, but adding cheese can introduce a delightful twist.
  • Sealing the Edges: Ensure the edges are tightly sealed to prevent the filling from leaking during cooking. A bit of water can help seal them if necessary.
  • Serving Suggestion: For an extra touch of flavor, serve your chicken pierogies with a dollop of sour cream, some fresh dill, or crispy fried onions.

What To Serve With

Sauces And Toppings:

  • Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream is a classic and for good reason; its creamy tartness balances the flavors beautifully.
  • Caramelized Onions: Slow-cooked onions until they are deeply caramelized add sweetness and depth of flavor to the pierogies.
  • Applesauce: For a touch of sweetness, a side of applesauce complements the savory notes of the chicken filling.
  • Brown Butter Sauce: Brown butter until nutty and fragrant, then drizzle it over the pierogies for a rich, indulgent finish.

Proteins:

  • Kielbasa or Smoky Sausage: Sliced and sautéed or grilled, these meats add a smoky contrast to the dish.
  • Bacon Bits: Sprinkle crispy bacon bits on top for a crunchy texture and a punch of smoky flavor.
  • Fried Eggs: Serving pierogies with a fried egg on top, especially for brunch, introduces a creamy texture and richness.

Vegetables And Salads:

  • Sautéed Mushrooms: Earthy mushrooms sautéed with garlic and herbs make a flavorful accompaniment.
  • Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, or beets, roasted until caramelized, offer a sweet and savory side.
  • Crisp Green Salad: A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette helps cut through the richness of the pierogies, refreshing the palate.

Soups:

  • Borscht: This Eastern European beet soup is a traditional and vibrant companion to pierogies.
  • Chicken Noodle Soup: A bowl of comforting chicken noodle soup pairs well, especially during colder months, for a heartwarming meal.

Bread:

  • Rye Bread: Slices of buttered rye bread, with its distinct flavor, can complement the pierogies wonderfully.
  • Garlic Bread: For a more indulgent option, garlic bread provides a crispy, flavorful contrast to the soft pierogies.

Beverages:

  • Light Beer: A crisp beer can cleanse the palate and refresh the taste buds between bites.
  • Cider: Both apple and pear ciders, especially if not overly sweet, offer a fruity contrast to the savory meal.
  • Tea: A pot of hot tea, such as chamomile or mint, can soothe and provide a warm end to the meal.

Health Benefits

Protein Source

  • Build and Repair Tissues: The chicken filling provides a good source of high-quality protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscles, tissues, and cells.
  • Maintaining Muscle Mass: Regularly consuming protein-rich foods like chicken pierogies can help maintain muscle mass, which is particularly important as one ages.

Complex Carbohydrates

  • Sustained Energy: The dough, typically made from flour, contributes complex carbohydrates, which are broken down by the body more slowly than simple sugars, providing a more sustained release of energy.
  • Digestive Health: If the dough incorporates whole grains, it could also provide dietary fiber, which supports digestive health and can help prevent constipation.

Vitamins And Minerals

  • Iron: Chicken, especially dark meat, contains iron, which is essential for creating red blood cells and preventing anemia.
  • B Vitamins: Chicken is a good source of various B vitamins, including B6 and niacin. B6 is crucial for metabolism and brain health, whereas niacin supports skin health and the nervous system.
  • Phosphorus: Important for bone health, phosphorus found in chicken helps form and maintain bones and teeth.
  • Lower in Saturated Fats: Pierogies filled with chicken, particularly breast meat, can be a leaner option with lower levels of saturated fats compared to red meat fillings, which is beneficial for heart health.

Final Thoughts

However, the true beauty of chicken pierogies lies in their adaptability. Whether a culinary novice or a seasoned chef, you can easily customize pierogies to suit your dietary preferences and nutritional goals. By opting for whole grain or gluten-free dough, incorporating vegetables into the filling, and choosing lean cuts of chicken, you can elevate the nutritional profile of your dish. Moreover, mindful cooking methods such as boiling or baking instead of frying can help retain the essential nutrients while minimizing the addition of unwanted fats.

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