Creamy Chicken Stroganoff Recipe
If you are looking for a dish that wraps comfort, warmth, and a burst of flavor into one, this Creamy Chicken Stroganoff Recipe is an absolute winner. It beautifully blends tender chicken pieces with earthy mushrooms and a luscious sauce that’s rich, tangy, and decadently creamy. Whether it’s a weeknight family dinner or a cozy meal for guests, this recipe delivers that perfect balance of hearty goodness and elegant simplicity you’ll find yourself making again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Creamy Chicken Stroganoff Recipe plays a crucial role in creating the sauce’s velvety texture and the dish’s irresistible depth of flavor. From the savory mushrooms to the zing of Worcestershire sauce, these simple components come together effortlessly.
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and tender bites.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Adds a light, fruity base for sautéing the chicken.
- 1 tbsp butter: Gives richness and helps soften the onions beautifully.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped: Provides a sweet and aromatic foundation.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with warm, savory flavor.
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced: Bring earthiness and meaty texture that pairs perfectly with chicken.
- 1 tsp paprika: Adds a smoky depth and a subtle touch of heat.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances all the natural flavors.
- 1/4 tsp black pepper: Offers a mild kick to balance richness.
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce to that creamy consistency everyone loves.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Lends flavorful moisture and forms the base of the sauce.
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce: Packs umami and a subtle tang that brightens the dish.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Contributes the tangy creaminess synonymous with stroganoff.
- 1/4 cup heavy cream: Ensures the sauce is luxuriously smooth and velvety.
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional): Adds a fresh, vibrant color and flavor finishing touch.
- Cooked egg noodles or mashed potatoes: The perfect base to soak up every bit of the luscious sauce.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Stroganoff Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the chicken pieces, seasoning them with salt, pepper, and paprika for a mild smoky kick. Cook the chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes until it’s browned on the outside and fully cooked through. Once done, set the chicken aside—its golden seared flavor will become the star of the dish.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Mushrooms
In the same skillet, melt the butter and add the finely chopped onions. Sauté for about two minutes until they start to soften and turn translucent. Then toss in the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms. Cook everything together for another five to six minutes, giving the mushrooms time to release their juices and brown beautifully. This step builds the earthy, savory foundation for your stroganoff sauce.
Step 3: Create the Sauce Base
Sprinkle the all-purpose flour evenly over the mushroom mixture, stirring constantly for about one minute. This process cooks out the raw flour taste and begins thickening the sauce. Gradually pour in the chicken broth while scraping up all those delicious browned bits from the pan’s bottom. Add the Worcestershire sauce for that perfect umami zing. Let the mixture simmer gently for two to three minutes until it thickens just right.
Step 4: Add the Cream and Combine
Turn down the heat to low and stir in the sour cream and heavy cream. These two ingredients bring the “creamy” magic to the dish, transforming it into a silky, rich sauce that clings perfectly to every piece of chicken. Return the cooked chicken to the pan, letting everything simmer together for three to four minutes until the stroganoff is heated through and the flavors meld beautifully.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Stroganoff Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing with freshly chopped parsley not only adds a pop of vibrant color but also a fresh herbal note that cuts through the richness beautifully. For an extra touch, you could sprinkle a little smoked paprika on top to emphasize the warm smoky undertones already present in the dish.
Side Dishes
This Creamy Chicken Stroganoff Recipe pairs wonderfully with classic egg noodles that soak up the sauce like a dream, or creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting, hearty pairing. If you want to go lighter or gluten-free, steamed rice or gluten-free pasta work just as well to cradle every bit of that luscious gravy.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your stroganoff over roasted spaghetti squash or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option that still offers satisfying texture. You can also plate it in a deep bowl with a sprinkle of crispy fried onions on top for an extra tasty crunch that complements the creamy sauce perfectly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Chicken Stroganoff Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it a fantastic next-day meal that’s just as delicious as fresh.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, but because of the cream, it’s best to do so in small portions to maintain quality. Store in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove.
Reheating
When reheating, do it slowly over low heat and stir often to prevent the cream from separating. Adding a splash of chicken broth or cream can help restore its luscious texture, ensuring you get that same creamy goodness every time.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add extra juiciness and a slightly richer flavor. Just make sure they are boneless and skinless, and adjust cooking time slightly if needed.
Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute sour cream and heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based yogurt to keep the creaminess while making it dairy-free. The flavor profile will be a bit different but still delicious.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to thicken the sauce, and serve over gluten-free noodles or rice for a safe and tasty version.
Can I use leftover or rotisserie chicken?
Using rotisserie or leftover cooked chicken is a fantastic shortcut that will save time while still delivering plenty of flavor. Just add it later in the cooking process to avoid overcooking.
What’s the best way to reheat Creamy Chicken Stroganoff Recipe?
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat to keep the sauce smooth. Stir often and add a little broth or cream if the sauce thickens too much during reheating.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken Stroganoff Recipe has quickly become one of my go-to comfort meals because it’s not just easy to make but also incredibly satisfying. It brings warmth to the table and offers a gourmet feel with everyday ingredients. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this dish as much as I do—it really is a cozy hug in a bowl!
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Creamy Chicken Stroganoff Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Creamy Chicken Stroganoff is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender bite-sized chicken pieces sautéed with mushrooms, onions, and garlic, simmered in a luscious sour cream and heavy cream sauce, seasoned with paprika and Worcestershire sauce. Perfectly served over egg noodles or mashed potatoes, this quick stovetop recipe offers a hearty, satisfying meal with rich Russian-American flavors.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Cooking Base
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
Garnish and Serving
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- Cooked egg noodles or mashed potatoes, for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces then season them with salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Sauté Onions and Mushrooms: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for about 2 minutes until softened. Then add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms. Cook for an additional 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are tender and nicely browned.
- Make the Sauce Base: Sprinkle the flour over the mushroom mixture and cook for 1 minute while stirring to remove the raw flour taste. Gradually pour in the chicken broth and Worcestershire sauce, scraping the bottom of the pan to lift any browned bits. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Finish the Sauce and Combine: Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the sour cream and heavy cream until smooth and creamy. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat it well in the sauce. Let everything simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes until heated through and flavors meld.
- Serve: Spoon the creamy chicken stroganoff over cooked egg noodles or mashed potatoes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately for the best taste.
Notes
- Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream to make a lighter version of the sauce.
- Use rotisserie chicken to reduce prep and cook time for a quick weeknight meal.
- For a gluten-free variation, replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour and serve over rice or gluten-free pasta.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Russian-American
