Creamy Chicken Stroganoff Recipe

There's nothing quite like the savory aroma of Creamy Chicken Stroganoff simmering away in your kitchen. Tender pieces of chicken coated in a velvety, mushroom-infused sauce come together in a dish that's hearty, flavorful, and soul-warming.

I first fell in love with this dish on a chilly evening when comfort food was just what we needed. The first time I served it, my family instantly declared it a must-repeat meal, and now, it’s a staple we look forward to every month.

This recipe is the perfect blend of quick, easy, and downright delicious. Let’s dive into what makes this dish a family favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken Stroganoff

Get ready to discover why this Creamy Chicken Stroganoff will become one of your most treasured weeknight meals. Here’s why it stands out:

First and foremost, it’s incredibly quick to make. From start to finish, this dish takes under 40 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings. You’ll have a hearty and satisfying meal on the table in no time.

The creaminess of the sauce is simply irresistible. Made with sour cream and a rich chicken broth, it strikes the perfect balance between tangy and savory. Even picky eaters won’t be able to resist going back for seconds.

Another reason to love this dish? It’s easy on your wallet. With affordable and accessible ingredients like chicken, mushrooms, and pasta or egg noodles, you won’t break the bank feeding your family a delicious meal.

Finally, it’s incredibly versatile. Whether you’re craving a classic version or want to mix it up with extra veggies, Creamy Chicken Stroganoff adapts beautifully. More on that in the Variations section below!

Ingredients Notes

The magic of Creamy Chicken Stroganoff lies in its simple yet flavor-packed ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why these ingredients work so well together.

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the star of this dish. They cook quickly and stay juicy when seared properly. You can substitute with chicken thighs if you prefer a richer flavor or have them on hand.

Mushrooms are a must for that classic Stroganoff flavor. I recommend using cremini or white button mushrooms. Cremini have a deeper, more complex taste, while white button mushrooms are milder. Feel free to use a mix for more depth.

Onions and garlic add aromatic depth to the sauce. Diced onions cook until soft and translucent, infusing the dish with a savory sweetness. Minced garlic is added for that extra kick of flavor we all love.

Sour cream makes the sauce luxuriously creamy and adds a subtle tang that balances the richness of the chicken and mushrooms. If you’re in a pinch, you can use Greek yogurt, but the flavor won’t be quite the same.

Chicken broth forms the base of the sauce, providing a savory undertone that ties everything together. Use a good-quality broth for the best results – it really makes a difference.

Egg noodles or pasta complete the meal. Egg noodles are traditional, but any pasta shape will work in a pinch. Their slightly chewy texture pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce, making every bite delightful.

You’ll also need a large skillet to cook everything and a pot to boil your noodles. No special equipment is necessary, just good kitchen basics!

How to Make This Creamy Chicken Stroganoff

Creating this delicious Creamy Chicken Stroganoff is a breeze. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:

Begin by cutting your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, ensuring they are all roughly the same size for even cooking. Season them with salt and pepper for maximum flavor.

Next, heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add your chicken pieces in a single layer. Cook for about 4-5 minutes, or until golden brown on the outside. You don’t need to cook them all the way through at this point. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed and sauté your sliced mushrooms for about 5 minutes, until they release their liquid and begin to brown. Add in your diced onions and cook until they become soft and translucent, about 3 more minutes. Don’t forget to scrape up those browned bits from the bottom of the pan – they’re full of flavor!

Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of flour over the vegetables, stirring constantly to make sure it coats everything evenly. This will help thicken the sauce.

Slowly pour in the chicken broth, stirring to incorporate the flour and create a smooth sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then return the chicken to the pan. Let it cook for 5-7 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.

Finally, turn off the heat and stir in the sour cream. Make sure to blend it well, so the sauce stays creamy and smooth. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve over your cooked egg noodles or pasta, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color.

This entire process takes just under 40 minutes, and the result is a comforting, flavorful dish perfect for any night of the week.

Storage Options

Got leftovers? Creamy Chicken Stroganoff stores beautifully, making it great for meal prep or next-day lunches.

For refrigeration, transfer the cooled Stroganoff into an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to loosen the sauce if needed.

If you’d like to freeze this dish, it’s best to do so before adding the sour cream. Store the cooked chicken and sauce base in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to serve, thaw the sauce, reheat, and then stir in the sour cream for that fresh, creamy texture.

For a quick lunch, you can even pack portions in microwave-safe containers. Just be sure to stir well when reheating to prevent the sauce from separating.

Variations and Substitutions

This Creamy Chicken Stroganoff is as versatile as it is delicious. Here are some ways to customize it to your taste:

• Swap the chicken for beef strips or even ground turkey if you’re in the mood for something different. Just adjust the cooking times as needed.
• Make it vegetarian by omitting the chicken and adding more mushrooms, or try using firm tofu for a protein-packed alternative.
• Add extra vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini to boost the nutrition. Simply toss them in when you sauté the onions and mushrooms.
• If you’re dairy-free, replace the sour cream with a non-dairy yogurt or cashew cream. The sauce will still be deliciously creamy without the dairy.
• Looking for a low-carb option? Serve the Stroganoff over cauliflower rice or spiralized zucchini noodles instead of egg noodles.

Feel free to get creative with this recipe. The possibilities are endless, and experimenting can lead to some delightful surprises!

Whether you’re making this for a weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week ahead, Creamy Chicken Stroganoff is a recipe you’ll come back to again and again. Enjoy every creamy, savory bite!

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