If you’re craving a cozy and indulgent dinner that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Creamy Chicken Stroganoff Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender bites of juicy chicken nestled in a luscious, velvety sauce bursting with earthy mushrooms, fragrant garlic, and a perfect balance of tangy sour cream and smooth heavy cream. Every spoonful is a celebration of comfort and flavor that’s thrillingly simple to make. This dish transforms everyday ingredients into a rich, satisfying meal that’s sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this Creamy Chicken Stroganoff Recipe is a breeze, and each component plays a crucial role in creating the perfect harmony of taste and texture. From the savory mushrooms to the creamy sauce elements, these essentials come together to make every bite unforgettable.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Choose your favorite cut, cut into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking and perfect tenderness.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a light, fruity flavor and helps brown the chicken beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Essential for sautéing the onions and mushrooms and enriching the sauce.
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped: Provides sweetness and depth without overpowering the dish.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings aromatic warmth that complements the mushrooms and chicken.
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced: Earthy and juicy, mushrooms give this stroganoff its signature rustic texture.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds a gentle smoky undertone and vibrant color.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Basics for seasoning that balance all the flavors.
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour: Creates a slight thickening to give the sauce its creamy consistency.
- 1 cup chicken broth: A savory base that infuses moisture and richness.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Introduces a tangy creaminess classic to stroganoff sauces.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Brings luscious smoothness and decadence.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Provides subtle sharpness and depth to the sauce.
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional): Adds a fresh, herby brightness when sprinkled on top.
- Cooked egg noodles or rice for serving: The perfect base to soak up every bit of that creamy goodness.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Stroganoff Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Cook the Chicken
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your bite-sized chicken pieces and cook them until they’re golden brown and cooked throughout, about 5 to 7 minutes. Don’t rush this step—getting a lovely sear on the chicken adds incredible flavor. Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside so you can build the sauce in the same pan, ensuring every bit of flavor stays right where it belongs.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Mushrooms
Reduce the heat to medium and add the unsalted butter to the skillet. Let it melt and get bubbly, then toss in the finely chopped yellow onion. Cook until the onion becomes soft and translucent—this usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes. Next, add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms, sautéing until the mushrooms are deeply browned and all their moisture has evaporated. This step thicken the flavor profile, bringing an earthy, rich essence to the dish that’s impossible to resist.
Step 3: Season and Thicken the Sauce
Sprinkle the paprika, salt, and black pepper over the mushroom mixture, flavoring the base of your sauce with a gentle smoky warmth and perfect seasoning balance. Then, sprinkle in the flour and stir it around for about a minute. This step is crucial as it will help thicken the sauce without lumps, giving you that silky smooth texture that defines a great stroganoff.
Step 4: Build the Creamy Sauce
Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring vigorously to deglaze the pan, lifting all those golden bits stuck at the bottom. Let the mixture come to a simmer and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce starts to thicken slightly. Then lower the heat and stir in sour cream, heavy cream, and Dijon mustard until your sauce is luxuriously creamy and perfectly smooth.
Step 5: Combine Chicken and Simmer
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, nestling each piece into the creamy mushroom sauce. Let everything simmer gently for an additional 2 to 3 minutes to heat the chicken through and marry all the flavors together. Soon, your Creamy Chicken Stroganoff Recipe will be ready to serve and impress!
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Stroganoff Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds that pop of green freshness which cuts through the richness of the sauce, making every bite feel brighter. You can also add a little cracked black pepper on top for an extra touch of flavor and visual appeal. These simple garnishes elevate the dish beyond everyday dinner status.
Side Dishes
Classic egg noodles are a timeless pairing for Creamy Chicken Stroganoff Recipe, soaking up all the velvety sauce beautifully. If you want a twist, fluffy mashed potatoes or a mound of soft, fragrant rice work spectacularly too. If you prefer some crunch, a slice of crusty bread helps scoop up any remaining sauce, ensuring nothing is wasted.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party or to make mealtime fun, try plating the stroganoff over baked sweet potato halves or even creamy polenta. Serving it in mini casserole dishes or individual ramekins can make this comforting classic feel extra special, turning a familiar favorite into a showstopper.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Creamy Chicken Stroganoff Recipe keeps wonderfully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve the freshness and flavor. The sauce will thicken as it cools, but that’s easy to fix when reheating.
Freezing
You can freeze the stroganoff for up to 2 months. Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container and leave some headspace since the sauce expands as it freezes. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture and taste.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of chicken broth, cream, or even a bit of water to loosen it back up. Avoid microwaving on high power to prevent curdling of the creamy sauce.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this Creamy Chicken Stroganoff Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs bring extra juiciness and flavor, so feel free to swap them in. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces and adjust cooking time to ensure they’re cooked through but remain tender.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch, and verify that your chicken broth is gluten-free too. This little swap keeps the dish safe and just as delicious.
What can I substitute for sour cream in this recipe?
If you prefer a lighter option or don’t have sour cream on hand, Greek yogurt works wonderfully. It maintains the tangy creaminess without overpowering the sauce’s delicate balance.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
You can prep the sauce a day before and keep it in the refrigerator, but it’s best to add the cooked chicken right before serving to retain the best texture and freshness.
What other proteins can I use besides chicken?
This sauce pairs beautifully with beef strips, turkey, or even mushrooms on their own for a vegetarian twist. Just adjust cooking times accordingly for each protein choice.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken Stroganoff Recipe is one of those rare dishes that makes you feel immediately at home with its rich flavors and silky sauce. It’s surprisingly easy to make, yet tastes like a culinary delight straight from a bistro. I can’t recommend enough giving it a try—it just might become your new favorite go-to comfort meal to share with friends and family. Enjoy every creamy, comforting bite!
Print
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: Russian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This creamy chicken stroganoff is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken pieces cooked with mushrooms and onions in a rich, creamy sauce made with sour cream, heavy cream, and Dijon mustard. Perfectly seasoned with paprika and served over egg noodles or rice, this easy stovetop recipe delivers a delicious Russian-American classic that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Vegetables & Seasonings
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
To Serve
- Cooked egg noodles or rice
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until golden brown and thoroughly cooked, about 5–7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the same skillet. Sauté the finely chopped onion until soft and translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms, cooking until the mushrooms are browned and their moisture has evaporated, approximately 5 minutes.
- Add Spices and Flour: Sprinkle in the paprika, salt, and black pepper, then add the flour. Stir continuously for 1 minute to coat the vegetables and develop a slight roux base for thickening the sauce.
- Deglaze with Broth: Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring to deglaze the pan, ensuring no lumps form. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 2–3 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken slightly.
- Incorporate Cream and Mustard: Lower the heat and stir in the sour cream, heavy cream, and Dijon mustard until the sauce is smooth and creamy, creating the signature stroganoff sauce.
- Combine Chicken and Simmer: Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet. Let everything simmer gently for another 2–3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to warm through.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the creamy chicken stroganoff over cooked egg noodles or rice. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired and enjoy immediately.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for the sour cream and use milk instead of heavy cream.
- Use rotisserie chicken to reduce prep time and simplify cooking.
- This dish pairs excellently with egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure the chicken broth is gluten-free.
