Chicken Stroganoff Recipe

Prepare to fall in love with Chicken Stroganoff, a creamy and comforting twist on the classic beef version. This flavorful dish brings together tender chicken, golden onions, earthy mushrooms, and a luscious sour cream sauce all in one pan. It’s simple enough for a busy weeknight dinner, yet fancy enough to serve when you want to impress. Chicken Stroganoff is deliciously rich without being heavy, and every bite delivers that savory, velvety perfection you’ll crave again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Chicken Stroganoff is all about balance, and each ingredient adds its own flair to the finished dish. The essentials are easy to find, but together, they create something that tastes so much greater than the sum of its parts.

• Chicken: Sliced boneless, skinless breasts or thighs stay juicy and soak up the sauce marvelously.
• Olive oil or butter: Either one works to help brown the chicken and sauté the vegetables, adding richness and flavor.
• Onion: Provides a gentle sweetness that forms the backbone of the sauce.
• Garlic: Just a little goes a long way, adding depth and irresistible aroma.
• Chicken broth: Gives body to the sauce and rounds out all the flavors perfectly.
• Sour cream: The secret to the stroganoff’s signature creamy tang—don’t skip it!
• Mushrooms (optional): Bring their earthy flavor and beautiful texture if you choose to add them.
• All-purpose flour: Just enough to thicken the sauce so it coats every bite.
• Dijon mustard: Adds a bright, zesty punch that wakes up the whole dish.
• Paprika: Lends a little warmth and that beautiful golden color to the sauce.
• Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to make all the flavors pop to their fullest.
• Fresh parsley: Sprinkle on top for color and a hint of fresh herbal flavor when serving.

How to Make Chicken Stroganoff

Step 1: Sauté the Chicken

Start by heating olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your sliced chicken and let it cook undisturbed until golden on one side, then flip and finish cooking through for a total of about 5 to 7 minutes. The goal is tender pieces with a delicious, savory crust. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside—don’t worry, it’ll get cozy in the sauce soon!

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

In that same pan, add a touch more oil or butter if needed. Toss in those chopped onions and sauté until they become soft and translucent, which takes about 3 to 4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook just until fragrant—about a minute. If you love mushrooms, now’s the time to add them and sauté until they soften and brown beautifully.

Step 3: Make the Chicken Stroganoff Sauce

Sprinkle the flour right over the onions, garlic, and mushrooms, stirring to coat everything evenly. This step helps create a silky, thickened sauce. Gradually pour in the chicken broth, constantly stirring to avoid any lumps. Add that spoonful of Dijon mustard and the paprika, then bring this gorgeous mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Return the Chicken and Finish the Sauce

Now, return the cooked chicken to the skillet, mixing it with all those flavorful sauce elements. Let everything simmer for about 5 minutes so the flavors meld and the sauce thickens to perfection. Lower the heat, stir in the sour cream, and mix just until velvety and well blended. Keep the sauce just warm, never boiling, to maintain that smooth, creamy texture that makes Chicken Stroganoff so craveworthy.

Step 5: Season and Serve

Finish by seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. A shower of chopped fresh parsley added just before serving brightens the dish and gives it a pop of color. Your creamy Chicken Stroganoff is now ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Chicken Stroganoff

Garnishes

A handful of vibrant fresh parsley never fails to brighten up Chicken Stroganoff—its subtle herbal notes offer a lovely contrast to the rich sauce. If you want something a little extra, try a light sprinkle of smoked paprika or even crispy fried onions on top for texture and a hint of sophistication.

Side Dishes

Traditionally, Chicken Stroganoff is spooned over fluffy egg noodles or buttery mashed potatoes, both of which soak up every bit of that luscious sauce. If you’d like a lighter option, serve it with steamed rice or over a pile of cauliflower mash. A crisp green salad or simple steamed green beans make wonderful companions for a balanced and satisfying plate.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeling playful, pile Chicken Stroganoff into mini bread bowls for a dinner party, or serve it family-style straight from the skillet for a homey, rustic look. For lunch, try turning leftovers into a hearty sandwich by stuffing the creamy chicken into a crusty baguette, then toasting until slightly crisp. Presentation is where you can let your style shine!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Chicken Stroganoff makes a fantastic next-day meal. Once cooled, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. Store the garnish separately if possible, and always give the sauce a gentle stir before reheating to restore its creamy consistency.

Freezing

Although stroganoff sauces with sour cream can sometimes separate after freezing, you can still freeze Chicken Stroganoff with good results. Place cooled portions into freezer-safe containers, leaving room for expansion, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.

Reheating

Gently reheat Chicken Stroganoff on the stove over low heat or in the microwave at medium power. Stir frequently and add a splash of chicken broth or water if needed to loosen the sauce. Avoid boiling, which can make the sour cream grainy—slow and steady wins the race for creamy leftovers!

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for Chicken Stroganoff?

Yes! Chicken thighs actually add extra juiciness and flavor to Chicken Stroganoff. Whether you use breasts or thighs, just be sure to slice them thinly and cook until just done for the juiciest results.

How do I prevent the sour cream from curdling in the sauce?

To keep the sauce creamy and smooth, make sure to reduce the heat before adding the sour cream and avoid boiling once it’s stirred in. Gentle heat is your best friend in this step.

What are the best mushrooms to use in Chicken Stroganoff?

Button mushrooms are classic and mild, but cremini or baby bella mushrooms add a deeper umami richness. You can even try a mix of varieties for more flavor complexity.

Can Chicken Stroganoff be made dairy-free?

Absolutely! Swap the butter for olive oil and use your favorite plain dairy-free yogurt or sour cream substitute. Many plant-based alternatives work beautifully while still keeping the sauce creamy and luscious.

Is it possible to make Chicken Stroganoff in advance for a dinner party?

Definitely! Prepare the dish up until adding the sour cream and chill. When ready to serve, gently reheat, then stir in the sour cream right before plating. This keeps the sauce at its best, both in texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for that perfect feel-good dinner, Chicken Stroganoff is truly a winner that never lets you down. It’s delightfully creamy, packed with comforting flavors, and always welcomed at the table. Give it a try—you just might find it becomes a regular in your dinner rotation!

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