If you’re craving a hearty, creamy, and flavorful meal that comes together quickly, this easy Chicken Stroganoff recipe is your new best friend. Packed with tender chicken, sautéed mushrooms, and a luscious sour cream sauce, this dish offers a perfect balance of comfort and elegance. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or entertaining friends, Chicken Stroganoff delivers rich taste without complicated steps, making it a go-to recipe you’ll want to revisit again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple ingredients: Uses everyday pantry staples that won’t require an extra trip to the store.
- Quick to prepare: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Rich and creamy flavor: The sour cream and mushrooms create a luxurious sauce that coats every bite.
- Versatile meal: Pair with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes to suit your mood.
- Family-friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike, making dinner a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with Chicken Stroganoff means gathering a handful of simple yet essential ingredients that each contribute to the delicious, creamy texture and rich flavors. These staples come together effortlessly, allowing the star flavors to shine without overwhelming complexity.
- Chicken breasts or thighs: Tender, juicy pieces that soak up the sauce perfectly.
- Fresh mushrooms: Adds earthiness and depth to the creamy base.
- Onion and garlic: Builds a savory foundation with natural sweetness and warmth.
- Sour cream: The creamy, tangy heart of the stroganoff sauce.
- Chicken broth: Boosts flavor and adds moisture without heaviness.
- Dijon mustard: A subtle kick that enhances the overall richness.
- Butter and olive oil: Combines for the perfect sautéing fat, balancing flavor and texture.
- Egg noodles or pasta: The classic base to serve this scrumptious dish.
- Fresh parsley (optional): For a bright, fresh finish that lifts the dish.
Variations for Chicken Stroganoff
One of the best things about Chicken Stroganoff is how flexible it is—feel free to tweak the recipe to suit your taste buds or dietary needs. Whether you want it lighter, richer, or with a twist, these variations make it simple to make it your own.
- Use Greek yogurt: Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt to reduce fat while keeping creaminess.
- Swap mushrooms: Try cremini, shiitake, or even omit mushrooms for a different texture.
- Add veggies: Toss in spinach, bell peppers, or peas for added color and nutrition.
- Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free pasta or serve on mashed potatoes instead.
- Spicy twist: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to wake up the flavors.
How to Make Chicken Stroganoff
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by slicing your chicken into bite-sized strips or cubes, then season lightly with salt and pepper. This helps enhance the natural flavor and ensures even cooking when sautéed.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until golden brown and just cooked through, about 5 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside while you cook the vegetables.
Step 3: Cook the Vegetables
In the same pan, add diced onions and garlic, sautéing them until translucent and fragrant. Then toss in sliced mushrooms and cook until they’re browned and release their juices—this builds a beautifully savory base.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
Lower the heat and stir in Dijon mustard, chicken broth, and sour cream. Mix gently and let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly and becomes silky smooth.
Step 5: Combine and Finish
Return the chicken to the skillet, coating it well with the creamy mushroom sauce. Let everything heat through together for an additional 2-3 minutes. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to your preference.
Step 6: Serve
Serve this luscious Chicken Stroganoff over cooked egg noodles, rice, or your favorite side. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and a burst of freshness.
Pro Tips for Making Chicken Stroganoff
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook the chicken in batches if needed to get a nice sear.
- Use room temperature sour cream: It mixes in more smoothly without curdling the sauce.
- Slice mushrooms evenly: This ensures they cook at the same rate and develop a perfect texture.
- Simmer gently: Avoid boiling the sauce once sour cream is added to prevent splitting.
- Choose fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic, onions, and mushrooms make a noticeable difference.
How to Serve Chicken Stroganoff
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives adds color and a hint of freshness that brightens up the rich sauce beautifully.
Side Dishes
Classic egg noodles provide the perfect vehicle for soaking up the creamy sauce, but mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or even buttered pasta work wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve in shallow bowls for a cozy, dinner-plate style meal, or for guests, try plating individually garnished plates with a side of crusty bread to mop up every bit of sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Chicken Stroganoff in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the sauce covered tightly preserves its creamy texture and flavor.
Freezing
Chicken Stroganoff freezes nicely, though it’s best to store the sauce and pasta separately to prevent sogginess. Freeze in portioned containers for up to 2 months.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the sauce gently on the stove over low heat, stirring often and adding a splash of broth or water if needed. Reheat the pasta separately and combine just before serving to maintain the best texture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great option as they stay juicy and tender, adding a richer flavor to the Stroganoff.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Replace sour cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free yogurt, and use a dairy-free butter or oil for sautéing.
What can I use if I don’t have sour cream?
Greek yogurt, crème fraîche, or even cream cheese can substitute sour cream while keeping the sauce creamy and tangy.
Can I prepare Chicken Stroganoff ahead of time?
You can prep the components ahead, but it’s best to combine and heat the dish just before serving for optimal texture and flavor.
What’s the best side dish for Chicken Stroganoff?
Traditional egg noodles are classic, but mashed potatoes, rice, or even spiralized veggies make excellent companions to soak up the creamy sauce.
Final Thoughts
This easy Chicken Stroganoff recipe offers all the luscious, comforting flavors you want without hours in the kitchen. It’s perfect for busy nights when you crave something special yet simple. Give it a try tonight, and soon it’ll become a beloved staple in your recipe box!
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Chicken Stroganoff
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free (when served with gluten-free pasta or mashed potatoes)
Description
This easy Chicken Stroganoff recipe features tender chicken, sautéed mushrooms, and a creamy sour cream sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a comforting yet elegant weeknight dinner or a family-friendly meal. Versatile and rich in flavor, serve it over egg noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes for a satisfying dish everyone will love.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 lb chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized strips or cubes
Veggies
- 8 oz fresh mushrooms, sliced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Optional: 1 cup spinach, bell peppers, or peas (for added veggies)
Sauce
- 1 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt as a substitute)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Fats & Oils
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Carbs (for serving)
- 8 oz egg noodles, pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes
Garnish (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Slice the chicken into bite-sized strips or cubes, then season lightly with salt and pepper to enhance flavor and ensure even cooking.
- Sauté the Chicken: Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until golden brown and just cooked through, about 5 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Cook the Vegetables: In the same pan, add diced onions and garlic, sautéing until translucent and fragrant. Then add sliced mushrooms and cook until browned and their juices are released.
- Make the Sauce: Lower the heat, stir in Dijon mustard, chicken broth, and sour cream. Mix gently and let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly and becomes silky smooth.
- Combine and Finish: Return the chicken to the skillet, coating it well with the creamy mushroom sauce. Heat through for 2-3 minutes. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Serve over cooked egg noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for color and freshness.
Notes
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook chicken in batches if necessary for a nice sear.
- Use room temperature sour cream to prevent curdling and ensure a smooth sauce.
- Slice mushrooms evenly so they cook uniformly and develop perfect texture.
- Simmer sauce gently and avoid boiling once sour cream is added to prevent splitting.
- Choose fresh garlic, onions, and mushrooms for the best flavor impact.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Russian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
