Chicken Stroganoff Recipe

If you’re searching for an irresistible comfort food that delivers weeknight ease and surefire crowd-pleasing flavor, Chicken Stroganoff is about to become your new best friend. This creamy, savory dish transforms humble chicken, earthy mushrooms, and tangy sour cream into a skillet sensation that comes together in just 30 minutes! With a luscious sauce, hearty textures, and classic flavors, Chicken Stroganoff is the perfect meal when you want something special but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Chicken Stroganoff starts with a lineup of simple staples—each one is essential for building layers of flavor and that signature creamy texture. Don’t be tempted to skip or substitute too much, as every ingredient helps bring color, richness, or a pop of sharpness that really makes this dish sing!

• Chicken breasts: Lean, tender, and quick-cooking—the perfect protein foundation for stroganoff’s creamy sauce.
• Garlic powder: Adds a subtle depth and background flavor to the chicken that pairs beautifully with mushrooms and cream.
• Salt & pepper: Don’t be shy—seasoning generously brings out the best in both the chicken and the sauce.
• Flour for dredging: Gives the chicken an irresistible, light crust and also thickens your stroganoff sauce later.
• Olive oil: Used in stages to brown the chicken and sauté the veggies; for best flavor, use a good quality oil here.
• Butter: Lends classic richness and a silky mouthfeel that makes the sauce truly luxurious.
• Cremini mushrooms: Their meaty texture and earthy aroma are the backbone of Chicken Stroganoff—slice them thick for maximum presence.
• Onion: Adds sweetness and a savory base note when sautéed until golden with the mushrooms.
• Dijon mustard: Extra tang and a little zing! Use an extra spoonful if you love a punchier flavor.
• Worcestershire sauce: Brings irresistible umami and a uniquely savory depth that ties everything together.
• Garlic: Fresh cloves, minced, add sharpness and fragrance you’ll notice in every bite.
• Chicken broth: Builds a savory, well-rounded sauce base; scrape the pan well for all those tasty browned bits!
• Full fat sour cream: The not-so-secret signature of any good stroganoff—silky, tangy, and utterly satisfying. Don’t skimp on the fat for the best results!

How to Make Chicken Stroganoff

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Begin by cutting your chicken breasts into bite-sized, one-inch pieces. Generously season them with garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then gently dredge each piece in flour. This step is key—it creates a delicate crust on the chicken and will help thicken the stroganoff sauce later. Make sure each piece is well coated for maximum flavor.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer, working in two batches to ensure they brown beautifully without steaming. Let them cook for about three minutes per side until they’re golden and cooked through (165F). The second batch may cook even faster as the pan heats up—just add another tablespoon of oil if it dries out. Transfer all the cooked chicken to a plate and keep it handy.

Step 3: Sauté Mushrooms and Onions

Add the butter straight into that same pan, letting it melt and sizzle. Toss in the sliced mushrooms and chopped onion, and sauté for 6 to 8 minutes. You want the mushrooms to release their moisture, the water to cook off, and for the mushrooms and onions to gain a delicious golden sear. Scraping up any browned bits in the pan at this stage will amp up the flavor for your Chicken Stroganoff.

Step 4: Build the Flavor Base

Stir in the Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and minced garlic, letting everything cook for another minute so the flavors meld. The mustard brings brightness, the Worcestershire a savory punch, and the garlic will bloom in the buttery olive oil. Set your timer—you don’t want the garlic to burn!

Step 5: Simmer with Broth and Chicken

Now, pour in the chicken broth. As it hits the pan, scrape up every last bit of flavor stuck to the bottom—this is culinary gold! Return the chicken and its juices to the skillet, stirring well. Let everything cook together for about 2 minutes to allow the flavors to unite and the sauce to thicken just a touch.

Step 6: Finish with Sour Cream

Take the pan off the direct heat for a moment, then gently stir in the sour cream to create a luxurious, silky sauce. Be careful not to boil the sauce; a slow heat-through will keep it creamy and prevent curdling. Taste, then season with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve up your Chicken Stroganoff immediately for the richest results!

How to Serve Chicken Stroganoff

Garnishes

A finishing touch truly transforms Chicken Stroganoff into a restaurant-worthy meal. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top right before serving—it adds a burst of green and a fresh flavor that cuts through the richness. For an extra indulgence, try a final crack of black pepper or a pinch of flaky sea salt.

Side Dishes

Traditionally, Chicken Stroganoff loves a bed of buttered egg noodles, but it’s equally amazing over mashed potatoes, fluffy white rice, or even creamy polenta. Round out the plate with a simple green salad or garlicky steamed broccoli for color and freshness. Trust me, you’ll want something to soak up all that dreamy sauce!

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to have some fun, serve your Chicken Stroganoff in individual bowls with a wedge of crusty bread, or ladle it over creamy cauliflower mash for a lower-carb twist. Another idea: scoop leftovers onto toasted brioche for a decadent open-faced sandwich, or tuck into puff pastry shells for a retro, dinner-party vibe!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any extra Chicken Stroganoff cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container and place in the refrigerator. Properly stored, it will stay fresh and delicious for up to three days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making leftovers just as crave-worthy as the day you made it.

Freezing

Chicken Stroganoff can be frozen with pretty good results, though the sour cream sauce may lose some of its silky texture when thawed. To freeze, spoon cooled stroganoff into a freezer-safe container, making sure there’s a little space at the top for expansion. Use within 2 to 3 months for best quality, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, add the stroganoff to a saucepan on the stove over low heat. Stir gently and patiently until warmed through, being careful not to let the sauce simmer hard—this helps keep it creamy. You may want to add a splash of broth or milk if the sauce thickened up in the fridge. The microwave also works for individual portions; just cover and heat in 30-second bursts, stirring between intervals.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs offer even more moisture and flavor, making the finished dish extra succulent. Just make sure to cut the thighs into similar one-inch pieces for even cooking, and trim any excess fat for the best texture.

Is it possible to make Chicken Stroganoff ahead of time?

Yes, you can make Chicken Stroganoff a day in advance—the flavors typically improve overnight. Reheat gently to avoid curdling the sour cream, and add a splash of broth or milk if needed to loosen the sauce.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Easily! Swap the regular flour for your favorite gluten-free variety (like a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose blend) when dredging the chicken. Ensure your Dijon and Worcestershire are also gluten-free labeled to keep everything safe for sensitive eaters.

What’s the best way to keep the sour cream from curdling?

The trick is to add the sour cream at the very end, off direct heat, and to avoid letting the sauce boil once it’s in the pan. Stir it in gently to blend, and only heat it through; this preserves that perfectly creamy, smooth consistency.

Can I add vegetables or other ingredients to Chicken Stroganoff?

Definitely! Feel free to toss in baby spinach, thawed peas, or steamed green beans for extra color and nutrition. Some folks also like a sprinkle of smoked paprika or a handful of fresh dill for a flavor twist—it’s a versatile recipe, so make it your own.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something about the creamy, savory embrace of Chicken Stroganoff that makes dinnertime feel extra special—without any fuss. Whether for a last-minute weeknight meal or a cozy dinner with friends, you’ll come back to this recipe again and again. Give it a try, and get ready to fall in love with classic comfort done right!

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