Chicken Stroganoff is a comforting and creamy twist on the traditional Russian beef stroganoff. Made with tender pieces of chicken, a rich sour cream mushroom sauce, and served over noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice, this dish is both hearty and elegant. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners yet impressive enough for entertaining. The savory mushroom and onion base pairs beautifully with juicy chicken and the tangy creaminess of sour cream, creating a luxurious dish in under an hour. Whether you make it in a skillet or slow cooker, Chicken Stroganoff delivers comfort food with a touch of sophistication.
Ingredients
- 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into strips or cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced (white or cremini)
- 1 tablespoon flour (for thickening)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¾ cup sour cream
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked egg noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes (for serving)
Preparation
Step 1:
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil or butter. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and sauté until lightly browned and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
Step 2:
In the same skillet, add the chopped onions and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Step 3:
Add mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and become golden brown, about 5–7 minutes. Sprinkle flour over the mushroom mixture and stir well to combine.
Step 4:
Pour in the chicken broth while stirring. Add Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and paprika. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 5:
Lower the heat to medium-low. Stir in the sour cream and return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Simmer gently for 5 minutes until everything is heated through and creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 6:
Garnish with chopped parsley and serve over egg noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes.
Variation
- Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter version.
- Add a splash of white wine with the broth for more depth of flavor.
- Replace chicken with turkey or pork for variation.
- Make it vegetarian by using mushrooms only and swapping chicken broth with veggie broth.
- Stir in a handful of spinach or peas before serving for extra color and nutrition.
Cooking Note
Do not boil the sauce after adding sour cream, as it can curdle. Keep heat low and stir gently to maintain the creamy texture. Chicken thighs are more forgiving and stay juicier than breasts if you prefer longer simmering.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Chicken Stroganoff over buttered egg noodles for a classic presentation. It’s also delicious over rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or even cauliflower mash for a low-carb option. A side of crusty bread, a green salad, or sautéed green beans rounds out the meal beautifully. Garnish with additional parsley or a sprinkle of paprika for color before serving.
Tips
- Brown the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Slice mushrooms evenly to ensure consistent cooking.
- Use full-fat sour cream for a richer, creamier sauce.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, stir in a splash of broth or milk.
- Leftovers reheat well and taste even better the next day.
Prep Time / Cooking Time / Total Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Nutritional Information
Calories: 410 per serving
Protein: 32g
Sodium: 680mg
FAQs
Can I make Chicken Stroganoff ahead of time?
- Yes. Prepare it fully, cool, and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water.
Can I freeze Chicken Stroganoff?
- You can freeze the chicken and mushroom mixture before adding sour cream. Add fresh sour cream when reheating for best texture.
Can I use canned mushrooms?
- Fresh mushrooms are best for flavor and texture, but canned will work in a pinch, drain them well before adding.
Is Chicken Stroganoff gluten-free?
- Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch and serve over gluten-free noodles or rice to make it gluten-free.
Can I use cream cheese instead of sour cream?
- Yes. Soften the cream cheese and blend it into the sauce, thinning with a little broth or milk as needed.
Conclusion
Chicken Stroganoff is the kind of dish that brings cozy comfort and bold flavor together in one creamy skillet. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough for guests. With its golden mushrooms, juicy chicken, and velvety sauce, it’s a meal that satisfies both hearty appetites and elegant tastes. Whether served with noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes, this rich and savory dish will quickly earn a place in your regular recipe rotation.