Creamy Chicken Stroganoff

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When I’m craving something rich, comforting, and deeply satisfying, Creamy Chicken Stroganoff always comes to mind. This dish is a luxurious spin on the classic beef stroganoff, made lighter with tender chicken but still just as indulgent thanks to the velvety mushroom and sour cream sauce. It’s a weeknight favorite in my kitchen, especially during colder months when hearty meals become a must.

What I love most about this recipe is its versatility—it pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or even mashed potatoes. The creamy sauce clings to every bite, the mushrooms soak up the flavor beautifully, and the golden-seared chicken makes it a meal you’ll want to make again and again. Whether you’re cooking for your family or planning a cozy dinner, this Creamy Chicken Stroganoff hits the mark every time.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken Stroganoff

• Rich, creamy, and comforting without being heavy
• Ready in under 40 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights
• Uses simple pantry and fridge staples
• Great for both casual dinners and special occasions
• Easily adaptable to your preferences (or what you have on hand!)

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the most common choice for this dish—they cook quickly and absorb the sauce well. But chicken thighs are an excellent option if you prefer a juicier texture and deeper flavor. You can also use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to save time—just stir it into the sauce at the end to warm through.

Options for Substitutions

• Mushrooms: If you’re not a fan, try zucchini or bell peppers for a different twist.
• Sour Cream: Greek yogurt can be used for a tangy, lighter version.
• Chicken: Turkey or pork tenderloin cut into chunks makes a tasty variation.
• Broth: Use vegetable broth if you want to keep the dish a bit lighter.
• Pasta: Egg noodles are classic, but rice, mashed potatoes, or cauliflower mash are great too.

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Ingredients for this Creamy Chicken Stroganoff

• Chicken breast or thighs: This is the heart of the dish—tender, juicy pieces of chicken that soak up the creamy sauce perfectly.
• Mushrooms: They add a rich, earthy flavor and are essential for that traditional stroganoff taste.
• Onion: Brings a sweet and savory depth to the sauce base.
• Garlic: Enhances the flavor of the sauce with an aromatic kick.
• Butter: Used for sautéing and to add richness to the sauce.
• Flour: Helps thicken the sauce to the perfect consistency.
• Chicken broth: Forms the base of the sauce, adding a savory layer of flavor.
• Sour cream: Gives the stroganoff its signature creamy tang.
• Heavy cream (optional): Adds extra creaminess and richness to the sauce.
• Dijon mustard: Balances the richness with a subtle tangy note.
• Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings for enhancing all the flavors.
• Parsley (optional): For garnish and a pop of freshness.
• Pasta or side of choice: Traditionally served with egg noodles, but rice or mashed potatoes work beautifully too.

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Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by slicing your chicken into bite-sized pieces, chopping onions, and slicing the mushrooms. Measure out all your liquids and spices so everything is ready to go. This makes cooking smooth and quick.

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Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and melt a tablespoon of butter. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then add it to the pan in a single layer. Sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown and just cooked through. Remove it from the pan and set aside.

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Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of butter. Toss in the chopped onions and sliced mushrooms. Sauté until the onions are soft and the mushrooms are browned and tender. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

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Step 4: Build the Sauce

Sprinkle the flour over the cooked vegetables and stir to combine. Let the flour cook for a minute to eliminate the raw taste. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

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Step 5: Add Creaminess

Lower the heat and stir in the sour cream, Dijon mustard, and heavy cream (if using). Mix until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Simmer gently for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.

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Step 6: Combine Chicken and Sauce

Return the cooked chicken and any juices back into the skillet. Stir well to coat the chicken with the sauce. Let it simmer together for 5-7 minutes to meld all the flavors and ensure the chicken is heated through.

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Step 7: Serve

Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed. Serve hot over a bed of buttered noodles, fluffy rice, or creamy mashed potatoes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a bright, fresh finish.

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How Long to Prepare the Creamy Chicken Stroganoff

Preparing Creamy Chicken Stroganoff is surprisingly quick and efficient, making it ideal for both weeknight dinners and lazy weekends. From chopping to plating, the whole dish takes about 35 to 40 minutes, with most of the action happening in one skillet.

• Prep Time (15 minutes): You’ll need time to cut the chicken, slice mushrooms, dice onions, and measure your liquids. Having everything prepped before you start cooking keeps the process stress-free.
• Cooking Time (20-25 minutes): Searing the chicken, sautéing the vegetables, building the sauce, and bringing it all together in one creamy skillet takes under half an hour.

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Tips for Perfect Creamy Chicken Stroganoff

• Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing chicken—work in batches if necessary.
• Always cook the flour for at least one minute before adding broth to avoid a raw flour taste.
• Use room temperature sour cream to prevent curdling when added to the hot sauce.
• If the sauce is too thick, loosen it with a splash of broth or water.
• Finish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness that balances the richness.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overcooking the chicken: It can become dry and rubbery. Cook it until just done and finish in the sauce.
• Adding cold sour cream: Can cause the sauce to curdle. Let it sit at room temp for 10 minutes before adding.
• Skipping the sear: Don’t just boil the chicken in the sauce. The golden crust adds flavor.
• Not seasoning in layers: Season the chicken and vegetables during cooking, not just at the end.
• Burning the garlic: Add it after the onions and mushrooms are cooked to avoid bitterness.

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What to Serve With Creamy Chicken Stroganoff?

1. Buttered Egg Noodles

The classic choice—broad egg noodles tossed with a bit of butter make the perfect vehicle for the sauce.

2. Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Ultra-smooth and buttery mashed potatoes soak up the sauce beautifully.

3. Steamed Rice

A simple side that lets the stroganoff flavor shine.

4. Roasted Broccoli

Adds a contrasting texture and a touch of green to balance the creaminess.

5. Crusty Bread

Perfect for mopping up every last bit of sauce left in the bowl.

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Storage Instructions

Refrigerator: Let the stroganoff cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezer: You can freeze the chicken and sauce (without the noodles) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove, stirring frequently to maintain the creamy texture.

Reheating: Warm on the stove over low heat or microwave in short bursts, stirring in between. Add a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per serving (based on 4 servings with egg noodles):

• Calories: ~520 kcal
• Protein: 36g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fat: 29g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 580mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

What can I use instead of sour cream?

You can swap sour cream with Greek yogurt or crème fraîche. Just make sure it’s full-fat to avoid curdling.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the sauce and chicken ahead and reheat gently before serving. Cook the pasta fresh for best texture.

Can I use leftover cooked chicken?

Absolutely. Just skip the searing step and stir it into the sauce at the end to heat through.

Is it okay to skip the mushrooms?

You can. Try using zucchini, spinach, or extra onions for a different texture and flavor.

What’s the best way to thicken the sauce if it’s too runny?

Let it simmer a little longer or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water) and cook until thickened.

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Conclusion

Creamy Chicken Stroganoff is one of those meals that checks all the boxes—easy, hearty, flavorful, and fast. With tender chicken, a rich mushroom cream sauce, and endless serving options, it’s no wonder this dish is a recurring favorite. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining guests, this comforting classic is always a hit. Once you try it, you’ll keep coming back to it again and again.

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