Chicken Stroganoff Recipe

This Chicken Stroganoff is the ultimate comfort food made simple! Tender chunks of chicken swim in a rich, creamy mushroom sauce that’s ladled over perfectly cooked egg noodles. Ready in just 40 minutes, this hearty, satisfying dish transforms weeknight dinners into something special without hours in the kitchen. The combination of savory mushrooms, tangy sour cream, and perfectly seasoned chicken creates a meal that tastes like it’s been simmering all day, even when you’ve just thrown it together after work!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Weeknight Wonder: With just 10 minutes of prep and 30 minutes of cooking, this dish is perfect for busy evenings when you need dinner on the table fast.
• Restaurant-Quality Results: The rich, creamy sauce gives this stroganoff a luxurious taste that feels like something you’d order at your favorite restaurant.
• Kid and Adult Friendly: The creamy, mild flavors appeal to picky eaters, while the depth of flavor from mushrooms and seasonings satisfies more sophisticated palates.
• One-Pan Magic: Most of the action happens in a single skillet, meaning less cleanup and more time to enjoy your evening.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Chicken thighs: These boneless, skinless cuts stay juicy and tender, adding rich flavor to the dish. They’re much more forgiving than chicken breasts if slightly overcooked.
• Seasonings: Onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper create a flavorful foundation that seasons the chicken perfectly.
• Flour: Helps create a beautiful golden crust on the chicken and later helps thicken the sauce.
• Oil: Used for frying the chicken to golden perfection without sticking.
• Butter: Forms the base of the sauce, adding richness and helping to brown the mushrooms.
• Mushrooms: Baby bella mushrooms offer an earthy, savory flavor that’s classic in stroganoff. They absorb all the wonderful flavors in the pan.
• Onion: Sweet onions add depth and a subtle sweetness that balances the tangy elements.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic provides aromatic flavor that’s essential to a good stroganoff.
• Chicken broth: Forms the base of the sauce while adding savory depth.
• Heavy cream: Creates luxurious richness and silky texture in the sauce.
• Worcestershire sauce: Adds a complex, umami-rich flavor that’s subtle but essential.
• Dijon mustard: Provides a tangy kick that cuts through the richness of the cream.
• Sour cream: The signature ingredient in stroganoff, adding tang and creaminess that makes the dish distinctive.
• Egg noodles: The traditional partner for stroganoff, these wide noodles catch and hold the sauce beautifully.
• Parsley: A fresh, bright garnish that adds color and a hint of herbaceous flavor.

Variations

• Protein Swap: Try using beef strips or turkey cutlets instead of chicken for a different flavor profile.
• Vegetable Boost: Add sautéed bell peppers, spinach, or peas to incorporate more vegetables.
• Wine Enhancement: Replace 1/4 cup of the broth with white wine for a more complex flavor.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute coconut cream for heavy cream and dairy-free sour cream to make this dish suitable for those avoiding dairy.
• Heat Lover’s Version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.

How to Make Chicken Stroganoff

Step 1: Cook the Noodles

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the egg noodles and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly, transfer to a bowl, and set aside.

Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken

Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels – this ensures they’ll brown properly. Season both sides with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle the flour evenly over both sides, gently pressing so it adheres.

Heat your skillet over medium heat, then add the oil. Once hot and shimmering, add the chicken and cook for about 5 minutes until the bottom develops a beautiful golden crust. Flip and cook another 3-4 minutes until the second side is golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer to a cutting board and let rest.

Step 3: Create the Mushroom Sauce

Increase the heat to medium-high and add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the mushrooms and onions. Sauté for 3-5 minutes until they begin to soften and take on a lovely brown color. Add the garlic and cook for just 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Pour in the chicken broth gradually, using a wooden spoon to scrape up all those flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan – that’s where the flavor lives! Add the heavy cream, stir well, and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes until it begins to thicken.

Step 4: Finish the Sauce and Combine

Remove the skillet from heat – this is crucial! Add the sour cream, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce, stirring until completely incorporated. The residual heat will warm everything through without causing the sour cream to separate.

Cut the rested chicken into bite-sized pieces or strips. Return the chicken to the skillet along with the cooked noodles, and gently toss everything together until well coated in the sauce.

Step 5: Serve

Transfer to plates or a serving platter and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Properly Dry the Chicken: Don’t skip patting the chicken dry before seasoning. This ensures better browning and helps the seasonings stick.
• Don’t Rush the Mushrooms: Let them properly brown before moving on. This develops deep flavor that makes the sauce extraordinary.
• Temperature Matters: Always remove the pan from heat before adding sour cream to prevent curdling.
• Deglaze Thoroughly: Scrape up all those browned bits when adding broth – that’s concentrated flavor you don’t want to waste.
• Rest the Chicken: Allowing the chicken to rest before slicing keeps it juicy and gives the juices time to redistribute.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

Serve this rich stroganoff with a bright side salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance the creaminess. A simple cucumber and tomato salad works beautifully.

Bread Sides

Crusty bread or garlic bread makes an excellent accompaniment for sopping up any extra sauce – and trust me, you won’t want to waste a drop!

Vegetable Complements

Steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, or glazed carrots add color and nutrition while complementing the creamy sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled stroganoff in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making leftovers exceptionally delicious.

Freezing

While you can freeze this dish, the sauce may separate slightly upon thawing due to the dairy content. If freezing, store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. I recommend freezing the sauce and chicken separately from the noodles for best results.

Reheating

Gently reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well but cook faster and can dry out more easily. Reduce the cooking time to about 3-4 minutes per side and be careful not to overcook them. You’ll know they’re done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

My sauce broke and looks curdled. Can I fix it?
This usually happens when the sour cream is added to a sauce that’s too hot. You can try to rescue it by removing from heat completely and whisking in 1-2 tablespoons of heavy cream. For future reference, always take the pan off the heat before adding sour cream.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes! Replace the butter with olive oil, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and a dairy-free sour cream alternative. The flavor profile will change slightly, but it will still be delicious.

What can I substitute for egg noodles?
While egg noodles are traditional, this stroganoff is delicious served over rice, mashed potatoes, or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option. Any pasta with a good sauce-holding shape (like fettuccine or pappardelle) works well too.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Stroganoff brings together simple ingredients to create a meal that feels special enough for company but easy enough for a Tuesday night. The combination of tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and that luxuriously creamy sauce makes for an irresistible dinner that’s bound to become a regular in your recipe rotation. Don’t be surprised when your family starts requesting this comforting dish on a weekly basis – it happens to the best of us!

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