Creamy Chicken Stroganoff Recipe
If you’re longing for a dinner that’s both cozy and sophisticated, Creamy Chicken Stroganoff is just the ticket. Imagine tender chicken bathed in a luxurious, mushroom-studded sauce, rich with a tangy touch from sour cream and just enough mustardy zip to keep you coming back for more. Whether you’re hosting friends or feeding your family, this dish always brings that “wow, can I have seconds?” energy to the table. Trust me, once you try it, Creamy Chicken Stroganoff is sure to earn a permanent spot in your comfort food rotation!

Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe proves that a few simple, fresh ingredients can come together to create absolute magic. Each element is there for a reason, building layers of rich flavor and hearty texture, while adding the signature creaminess and color you expect from an exceptional Creamy Chicken Stroganoff.
- Chicken breasts or thighs: Choose whichever cut you prefer—thighs give extra juiciness, while breasts are lean and tender.
- Olive oil: Helps sear the chicken and infuse it with subtle fruity notes.
- Butter: Adds richness and a velvety finish to the onions and mushrooms.
- Onion: A foundational flavor that brings gentle sweetness and savoriness.
- Garlic: A couple of cloves add aromatic depth that instantly makes any sauce pop.
- Mushrooms: Earthy and substantial, they soak up sauce and add chewiness.
- Paprika: This brings warmth and an appealing reddish hue.
- Salt and black pepper: They do the crucial job of balancing and brightening every bite.
- All-purpose flour: Just enough to thicken the luxurious sauce without making it gloopy.
- Chicken broth: The base that brings everything together, rounding out the flavors and keeping the sauce silky.
- Sour cream: Delivers that stroganoff tang and super-creamy body.
- Heavy cream: Adds next-level smoothness and makes the dish feel extra indulgent.
- Dijon mustard: A spoonful provides just the right amount of gentle heat and zing to lift the sauce.
- Fresh parsley: For pop of color and fresh, peppery brightness right at the end.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Stroganoff
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers, add your bite-sized chicken pieces in a single layer. Let them brown beautifully, without crowding the pan, for about 5 to 7 minutes. The goal is to get those irresistible golden edges while cooking the chicken through. Once done, set the chicken aside—you’ll bring it back for a creamy reunion later.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics & Mushrooms
In the same trusty skillet, melt the butter and toss in your finely chopped onion. Cook for a couple of minutes, stirring until the onion turns translucent and soft. Next, add garlic and sliced mushrooms. Give them around 5 to 6 minutes, allowing the mushrooms to release their moisture and develop a gorgeous golden color and concentrated flavor. This step is where Creamy Chicken Stroganoff gets its savory backbone.
Step 3: Layer on the Flavor
It’s time to sprinkle in the paprika, salt, and black pepper—these little touches are what start building the classic stroganoff taste. Then, toss the flour evenly over your mushroom mixture. Stir it all together for a minute, letting the flour cook and coat the veggies. This will help the sauce thicken up perfectly in the next step.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
Gradually pour in the chicken broth, stirring and scraping up any flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let everything simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes, until the sauce just begins to thicken. You’ll notice a lovely aroma starting to fill your kitchen—always a good sign!
Step 5: Finish with Creamy Goodness
Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the sour cream, heavy cream, and Dijon mustard. This trio is what transforms the sauce into a Creamy Chicken Stroganoff masterpiece—think silky, rich, with a harmonious balance of tang and depth. Gently return the chicken to the pan. Toss everything together, letting it heat through for another 2 to 3 minutes. The sauce should perfectly coat every morsel of chicken.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Stroganoff

Garnishes
Sprinkle a generous handful of freshly chopped parsley over the finished Creamy Chicken Stroganoff right before you serve. Not only does it add a vibrant, appetizing burst of green, but it also offers a fresh, slightly peppery note that balances out the rich sauce. If you’re feeling extra fancy, a few twists of black pepper or a small dollop of extra sour cream can be gorgeous as well.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs like a dream with a heap of buttered egg noodles, which soak up all that incredible creamy sauce. Rice and mashed potatoes are also classic companions, ensuring not a drop of stroganoff flavor goes to waste. For a lighter take, try steaming up broccoli or green beans—those greens add crunch and contrast beautifully with the richness of the Creamy Chicken Stroganoff.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re looking to impress, serve Creamy Chicken Stroganoff over crispy potato rosti, inside a warm sourdough bread bowl, or even in individual ramekins for a modern dinner party spin. Leftovers make fabulous filling for crepes or puff pastry turnovers—transforming comfort food into a brunch-worthy treat!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your Creamy Chicken Stroganoff has cooled to room temperature, transfer leftovers into an airtight container. It’ll keep wonderfully in the fridge for up to three days, making it a lifesaver for quick, comforting lunches.
Freezing
To freeze, portion the cooled stroganoff into freezer-safe containers. While the creamy sauce may separate just a bit once thawed, a gentle reheating will usually bring everything right back together. Enjoy within two months for best texture and taste.
Reheating
Warm leftover Creamy Chicken Stroganoff over low heat on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if the sauce seems too thick. Avoid boiling, as the sour cream can sometimes curdle at high temperatures. A gentle stir is all it takes to revive that fabulous creaminess!
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a fantastic, juicy option for Creamy Chicken Stroganoff. They offer a bit more flavor and are very forgiving, staying tender even if you cook them a bit longer.
Is it possible to make this dish lighter?
You can certainly lighten up Creamy Chicken Stroganoff by substituting Greek yogurt for the sour cream and using half-and-half instead of heavy cream. The result stays creamy, with a bit more tang and fewer calories.
What mushrooms work best in this recipe?
Button mushrooms or cremini (baby bella) mushrooms are both excellent choices. If you want to splurge, try a mix that includes shiitake or oyster mushrooms for extra earthiness and texture.
Can I make Creamy Chicken Stroganoff ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dish up to two days in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and gently reheat before serving. Wait to add the fresh parsley garnish until just before serving for the best color and flavor.
What’s the best way to avoid curdling the sauce?
The key is to keep the heat low when adding the sour cream and heavy cream. Adding them slowly and stirring well helps ensure the sauce stays silky and smooth—the signature of a great Creamy Chicken Stroganoff.
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably special about sharing a big skillet of Creamy Chicken Stroganoff with the people you love. The creamy sauce, the savory chicken, the comforting aroma—it’s sure to bring everyone to the table with smiles. Give it a try soon, and enjoy every luscious bite!
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Creamy Chicken Stroganoff Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and comforting flavors of this Creamy Chicken Stroganoff recipe. Tender chicken pieces in a luscious sour cream and mushroom sauce, served over your favorite starch, make for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet and cook the chicken until browned. Set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté onion, garlic, and mushrooms. Add paprika, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle flour, then add chicken broth. Simmer until thickened.
- Finish the Dish: Stir in sour cream, heavy cream, and mustard. Return chicken to the pan and heat through. Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a lighter version.
- Leftovers reheat well and make a great next-day lunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Russian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (without noodles)
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 410mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 125mg