There is nothing quite like a warm, comforting dish that brings together tender chicken and a luscious sauce that clings to every bite. This Creamy Chicken Stroganoff Recipe is one of those soul-satisfying meals that transforms simple ingredients into an elegant, hearty dinner perfect for weeknights and special occasions alike. The delicate balance of earthy mushrooms, flavorful spices, and a rich sour cream sauce creates a dish that feels both indulgent and approachable, making it a true favorite you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Creamy Chicken Stroganoff Recipe lies in its straightforward yet essential ingredients. Each item plays a critical role in building layers of flavor and texture, ensuring the final dish is both creamy and savory with just the right touch of seasoning.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Tender and lean protein, cut into bite-sized strips for quick cooking and easy eating.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds a light, fruity richness and prevents sticking during searing.
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter: Provides a silky finish and enhances the sautéed vegetables’ flavor.
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped: Builds a sweet and aromatic base that melds seamlessly into the sauce.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: Delivers a punch of fragrant warmth without overpowering the dish.
- 8 ounces cremini or white mushrooms, sliced: Earthy and meaty, they soak up the sauce perfectly while adding texture.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Imparts subtle smokiness and a hint of color to brighten the plate.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without making the dish taste salty.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds just enough heat and complexity.
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce for that signature creamy consistency.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Provides moisture and a savory depth, perfectly balancing the rich sour cream.
- ¾ cup sour cream: The star of the sauce, offering tangy creaminess that brings everything together.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle zip to cut through the richness.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional): A fresh, herbaceous touch that brightens the final plate.
- Cooked egg noodles or rice for serving: The perfect soak-up base for every bit of that velvety sauce.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Stroganoff Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken strips and cook for about 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the chicken to turn golden on the outside but still be juicy inside. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. This step ensures the chicken gets a lovely sear without overcrowding the pan, which could cause it to steam instead.
Step 2: Sauté Onions, Garlic, and Mushrooms
Lower the heat to medium and add the butter to the same skillet. Toss in the finely chopped yellow onion and sauté gently for 2 to 3 minutes until it softens and becomes translucent. Next, add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms. Continue cooking for 5 to 6 minutes until the mushrooms release their moisture and turn richly brown. This mixture forms the flavorful base that makes this Creamy Chicken Stroganoff Recipe so irresistible.
Step 3: Build Flavor and Thicken Sauce
Sprinkle in the paprika, salt, and black pepper, stirring to coat the mushrooms and onions evenly with spices. Then sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the vegetables and mix thoroughly; the flour will help thicken the sauce. Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Let the sauce simmer gently until it thickens to a luscious, slightly creamy consistency.
Step 4: Stir in the Cream and Mustard
Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and blend in the sour cream and Dijon mustard until the sauce is perfectly smooth and velvety. This step is where the dish earns its signature silky richness without becoming too heavy. Once combined, return the cooked chicken to the pan and let everything heat through for 3 to 4 more minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Stroganoff Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous note that balances the creamy sauce. For an added touch, a few grinds of black pepper or a lemon wedge on the side can elevate the dish even more.
Side Dishes
This Creamy Chicken Stroganoff Recipe is traditionally served over buttered egg noodles, but fluffy rice or even creamy mashed potatoes make excellent alternatives. Green vegetables like steamed broccoli, sautéed green beans, or a crisp salad bring freshness and contrast, rounding out your meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy dinner presentation, serve the stroganoff in rustic individual bowls topped with parsley and accompanied by crusty bread to mop up every last bit of sauce. Alternatively, turn it into an elegant plated dish by layering the stroganoff on top of noodles arranged neatly in the center, garnished with microgreens or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Chicken Stroganoff Recipe keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making it even more delicious when reheated. Just be sure to store the sauce and noodles separately if possible to maintain the best texture.
Freezing
You can freeze the stroganoff for up to 2 months, though it’s best to do so before adding sour cream, as dairy can sometimes separate during freezing. Freeze the chicken and mushroom mixture fully cooled in a freezer-safe container, then stir in fresh sour cream when you reheat.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent the sour cream from curdling. Adding a splash of chicken broth or water can help loosen the sauce if it thickens too much. Avoid microwaving at high power to keep the sauce silky and smooth.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs add extra juiciness and flavor to this Creamy Chicken Stroganoff Recipe. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
Is there a dairy-free version of this dish?
You can swap out sour cream for a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream or cashew cream. Just be mindful the flavor and texture will change slightly but still remain deliciously creamy.
What other herbs work well in this recipe?
Besides parsley, thyme or tarragon are fantastic choices that complement the mushrooms and creamy base. Feel free to experiment to find your favorite herb pairing.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the chicken with hearty vegetables like eggplant or zucchini, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Adding a plant-based protein can also keep it satisfying.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, simply simmer it a bit longer after adding the chicken broth or add a touch more flour, making sure to whisk it in well to avoid lumps.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken Stroganoff Recipe is a true gem that brings warmth and comfort to any table with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. Its perfect balance of creamy sauce, tender chicken, and mushrooms makes it an inviting meal that you can confidently serve any day of the week. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and see just how effortlessly this dish can become a new favorite in your culinary repertoire!
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Creamy Chicken Stroganoff Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This creamy chicken stroganoff is a comforting and delicious skillet meal featuring tender chicken breast strips cooked with sautéed mushrooms and onions in a rich, smooth sour cream and Dijon mustard sauce. Perfectly seasoned with paprika and served over egg noodles or rice, this classic American dish is easy to prepare and ideal for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized strips
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Vegetables and Sauce
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 8 ounces cremini or white mushrooms, sliced
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ¾ cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
To Serve
- Cooked egg noodles or rice
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken strips and cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden and just cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add unsalted butter. Sauté the finely chopped onion for 2–3 minutes until softened. Then add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms, cooking for 5–6 minutes until the mushrooms are browned and tender.
- Season and Thicken Sauce: Stir in the paprika, salt, and black pepper with the sautéed vegetables. Sprinkle the flour over them and stir well to coat everything evenly. Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring constantly to prevent lumps, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Add Dairy and Combine: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the sour cream and Dijon mustard until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and simmer together for 3–4 minutes to heat through completely.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a fresh flavor and color contrast. Serve the creamy chicken stroganoff hot over a bed of cooked egg noodles or rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- For extra richness, substitute part of the sour cream with heavy cream.
- To create a lighter version, replace some or all of the sour cream with Greek yogurt.
- This dish is great for meal prep and reheats well.
