Easy Chicken Stroganoff for Cozy Dinners

Whip up creamy, comforting Chicken Stroganoff with this easy recipe perfect for cozy dinners that satisfy and warm the soul. This classic dish brings together tender chicken, rich mushrooms, and a luscious sour cream sauce, all tossed with tender noodles or rice for a hearty meal. Whether you’re craving a quick weeknight dinner or a delightful plate to impress guests, Chicken Stroganoff delivers deep, savory flavors with minimal fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comfort in a Bowl: The creamy sauce and tender chicken create the ultimate cozy meal that feels like a warm hug.
• Quick and Easy: From prep to plate in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings without sacrificing flavor.
• Versatile Ingredients: Uses simple pantry staples and fresh ingredients you can easily swap or customize.
• Family-Friendly: A meal that pleases both kids and adults with familiar, comforting flavors.
• Great Leftovers: Holds up well in the fridge and reheats beautifully, perfect for meal prep or next-day meals.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather these straightforward, essential ingredients that provide the rich flavor, creamy texture, and lovely color that make Chicken Stroganoff so irresistible.

• Chicken Breast or Thighs: Choose boneless, skinless pieces for tender, juicy bites that absorb the sauce beautifully.
• Fresh Mushrooms: Cremini or white button mushrooms add earthy depth and meaty texture.
• Onion and Garlic: Aromatics that build a flavorful base for the sauce.
• Chicken Broth: Adds savory depth and keeps the sauce light yet tasty.
• Sour Cream: The creamy star ingredient that gives the stroganoff its signature rich, tangy sauce.
• Dijon Mustard: A small amount brightens the sauce with subtle sharpness and complexity.
• Butter and Olive Oil: For sautéing and adding richness.
• Flour or Cornstarch: Used to gently thicken the sauce to just the right consistency.
• Egg Noodles or Rice: Your preferred base to soak up every bit of that delicious sauce.
• Fresh Parsley: For a pop of color and freshness at the end.

Variations for Chicken Stroganoff

Feel free to personalize this classic dish easily—whether adapting for dietary needs, ingredient availability, or just to put your signature spin on it.

• Use Greek Yogurt: Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt for a lighter sauce with a tangy kick.
• Beef It Up: Substitute chicken with beef strips for a traditional stroganoff experience.
• Mushroom Medley: Mix in shiitake, portobello, or oyster mushrooms for more umami complexity.
• Low-Carb Version: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of egg noodles or rice.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream or cashew cream in place of sour cream for a creamy alternative.

How to Make Chicken Stroganoff

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Start by slicing the chicken into bite-size strips, cleaning and slicing mushrooms, finely chopping onions and garlic. This preps everything for a seamless cooking process.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add chicken pieces to quickly sear until just cooked through and lightly golden, about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add more butter if needed, and sauté onions until translucent. Toss in mushrooms and garlic, cooking until mushrooms release their moisture and turn tender and golden brown.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Sprinkle flour evenly to coat the onion and mushrooms and stir well to cook out the raw taste. Slowly pour in chicken broth while stirring to create a smooth base. Let the sauce simmer and thicken for a few minutes.

Step 5: Finish with Sour Cream and Mustard

Lower heat to avoid curdling, then mix in sour cream and Dijon mustard. Stir until the sauce is silky and well combined. Return chicken to the pan and warm everything through gently.

Step 6: Combine and Serve

Serve your Chicken Stroganoff over cooked egg noodles or rice. Garnish with fresh parsley for a vibrant touch and enjoy every comforting bite!

Pro Tips for Making Chicken Stroganoff

• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Sear just until cooked through to keep it tender and juicy.
• Use Room Temperature Sour Cream: This helps prevent the sauce from curdling when added to the hot pan.
• Cook Mushrooms Slowly: This enhances their flavor by allowing moisture to evaporate and caramelize their natural sugars.
• Deglaze the Pan: Use broth to lift up all the browned bits from the pan for deeper flavor.
• Simmer Gently: Keep heat low after adding sour cream to keep the sauce perfectly creamy without splitting.

How to Serve Chicken Stroganoff

Garnishes

Fresh chopped parsley or chives add a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor that balances the richness of the sauce beautifully.

Side Dishes

Pair with buttery egg noodles or fluffy rice to soak up the sauce, alongside simple steamed vegetables or a crisp green salad for contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Plate in wide shallow bowls for a rustic presentation, or for a fun twist, use stuffed baked potatoes and pour Chicken Stroganoff on top for a hearty, one-dish meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let your Chicken Stroganoff cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, it will stay fresh for 3 to 4 days while maintaining great flavor and texture.

Freezing

Chicken Stroganoff freezes well. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 2 months with only minor changes in texture.

Reheating

Reheat gently on low heat in a skillet or microwave, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much to restore its creamy consistency.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs add extra juiciness and flavor and work wonderfully in Chicken Stroganoff.

Is sour cream necessary?

Sour cream gives stroganoff its signature creamy tang, but you can substitute with Greek yogurt or a dairy-free alternative if needed.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

Yes, substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour or cornstarch for thickening, and use gluten-free noodles or rice.

What’s the best way to prevent the sauce from curdling?

Add the sour cream off the heat or on very low heat and stir gently; avoid boiling the sauce afterward.

Can I add vegetables like peas or spinach?

Definitely, stirring in fresh spinach at the end or tossing in cooked peas adds color, nutrition, and texture to the dish.

Final Thoughts

Chicken Stroganoff is one of those heartwarming dishes that blends simple ingredients into a creamy, comforting feast that instantly feels like home. This easy recipe makes it accessible for any night of the week, whether you’re cooking for yourself or a crowd. Give it a try, and you’ll quickly discover why it’s a favorite for cozy, satisfying dinners.

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