This Chicken Stroganoff is warm, creamy, and full of flavor. Tender chicken, golden mushrooms, and a smooth sour cream sauce come together fast. It feels cozy like classic beef stroganoff, but it cooks in less time and uses simple, everyday ingredients. Serve it over egg noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes for a meal that tastes like a hug. It works for busy weeknights, cold nights, or any time you want comfort food without a lot of fuss.
Why Make Chicken Stroganoff
Chicken Stroganoff gives you big comfort with small effort. You get a rich, silky sauce that clings to noodles and makes every bite satisfying. The ingredients are easy to find and budget-friendly: chicken, onion, mushrooms, broth, and sour cream. Most of the cooking happens in one pan, so cleanup is simple.
It fits many seasons and moods. In fall and winter, it warms you up. In spring and summer, it is still light enough if you serve it over rice or zucchini noodles. You can scale it up for family dinners or make it ahead for meal prep. Leftovers taste great the next day. With a few smart swaps, you can make it gluten-free or dairy-free. This is a recipe you will reach for again and again because it is fast, flexible, and always tasty.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Stroganoff
Cozy Flavor with Everyday Ingredients
- Uses common pantry items: onion, garlic, mushrooms, broth, mustard, and sour cream.
- Sweet paprika and Dijon add depth without making it spicy.
- Chicken stays tender while the sauce turns silky and rich.
Quick to Make, Easy to Love
- Ready in about 30 minutes.
- One large skillet keeps cleanup simple.
- Works with chicken breasts or thighs, fresh or frozen (thawed).
Ingredients and Substitutions
What You’ll Need for This Recipe
- 1.5 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1.25 tsp kosher salt, divided (to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (to thicken)
- 1 tsp sweet paprika
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (optional but nice)
- 1/2 cup dry white wine or extra chicken broth (for deglazing)
- 1.5 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup sour cream (full-fat for best texture)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- To serve: cooked egg noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes
Smart Swaps for Dietary Needs
- Gluten-free: use cornstarch (1 tbsp mixed with 1 tbsp cold water) instead of flour; choose GF noodles.
- Dairy-free: use unsweetened dairy-free sour cream (cashew or coconut) and olive oil in place of butter; add a small squeeze of lemon to mimic sour cream tang.
- No alcohol: use chicken broth instead of wine.
- No mushrooms: add more onions or sliced zucchini; the sauce will still be great.
- Lighter: use light sour cream or 2/3 cup plain Greek yogurt (stir off heat and do not boil).
Smart Variation (Optional)
- One-Pot Noodles: After deglazing, add 2 extra cups broth and 8 oz dry egg noodles. Simmer until noodles are tender. Stir in sour cream off heat.
- Smoky Twist: Use 1/2 tsp smoked paprika plus 1/2 tsp sweet paprika for a deeper flavor.
How to Make Chicken Stroganoff
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Prep the chicken: Pat dry. Season with 1/2 tsp salt and the pepper.
- Sear: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add chicken in a single layer. Brown 2–3 minutes per side until golden (it can finish cooking later). Transfer to a plate.
- Sauté veggies: Lower heat to medium. Add butter and onion. Cook 3 minutes until soft. Add mushrooms and 1/4 tsp salt. Cook 5–6 minutes until browned. Stir in garlic for 30 seconds.
- Build the base: Sprinkle flour, paprika, and Dijon over the pan. Stir 30–60 seconds. Add Worcestershire if using.
- Deglaze: Pour in wine (or broth). Scrape up browned bits. Let it reduce by half, 1–2 minutes.
- Simmer: Stir in chicken broth. Bring to a gentle simmer. Return chicken and any juices. Cook 5–7 minutes until chicken is cooked through and sauce slightly thickens.
- Finish: Take pan off heat. Stir in sour cream until smooth. Taste and add remaining 1/2 tsp salt if needed. Thin with a splash of broth if too thick.
- Serve: Sprinkle with parsley. Spoon over hot egg noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes.
Tips for Texture, Timing & Tools
- Use a wide skillet so mushrooms brown, not steam.
- Do not boil after adding sour cream; gentle heat keeps the sauce smooth.
- Temper dairy if needed: mix a spoonful of hot sauce into the sour cream, then stir it into the pan.
- Thighs stay juicier; breasts cook faster—watch time.
- Sauce too thin? Simmer 2–3 minutes more. Too thick? Add broth in small splashes.
Storage & Reheating
How to Store It Right
- Cool fully, then store stroganoff (without noodles) in an airtight container for 3–4 days in the fridge.
- Freeze up to 2–3 months. Note: sour cream can separate a bit; stir well after thawing and add a small spoon of fresh sour cream to bring it back.
Reheating Without Losing Flavor
- Stovetop: Warm on low with a splash of broth or water, stirring until creamy. Do not boil.
- Microwave: Reheat at 50% power in short bursts, stirring between rounds.
- If sauce splits, whisk in 1–2 teaspoons cold sour cream off heat to smooth it.
A Dish Worth Making Again and Again
This meal is fast, forgiving, and family-friendly. It tastes even better the next day, and it adapts to many diets. Keep it in your weeknight rotation.
FAQs
Is Chicken Stroganoff the same as Beef Stroganoff?
No. The sauce is similar, but this version uses chicken, which cooks faster and feels a bit lighter.
Can I make Chicken Stroganoff without mushrooms?
Yes. Add more onions or try zucchini or peas. The sauce still tastes great.
How do I keep the sauce from curdling?
Do not boil after adding sour cream. Stir it in off heat and warm gently.
What should I serve with Chicken Stroganoff?
Egg noodles are classic. Rice, mashed potatoes, or cauliflower mash also work well. Add a green salad or steamed greens on the side.
Final Thoughts
Chicken Stroganoff brings rich, cozy flavor with simple steps and everyday ingredients. It is quick, flexible, and perfect for busy nights. Make it once, and it will become a regular at your table.
Need another way to enjoy high-protein meals without relying on meat? Our Recipes is a flavorful, filling dinner that fits the bill beautifully.
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