Chicken Mushroom Stroganoff Recipe
If you’ve been craving a cozy, creamy dinner that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you’re going to love this Chicken Mushroom Stroganoff Recipe. It’s straightforward, packed with flavor, and the kind of recipe you’ll want to make again and again. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll wonder why you haven’t made stroganoff at home sooner!
Why This Recipe Works
- Simplicity meets flavor: Using just a handful of pantry staples creates a rich, comforting sauce you’ll crave.
- Perfectly tender chicken: Dredging chicken in flour before pan-frying locks in juiciness while adding a subtle crispness.
- Umami-packed mushrooms: Cremini mushrooms bring a deep, earthy flavor that balances creamy sour cream beautifully.
- Quick and adaptable: Ready in under 30 minutes and easy to tweak with your favorite spices and sides.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient in my Chicken Mushroom Stroganoff Recipe plays a key role in creating that rich flavor and perfect texture. When you shop, look for fresh mushrooms and good quality sour cream for the best results.
- Chicken breasts: Choose skinless, boneless breasts and cut into even pieces for quick, even cooking.
- Garlic powder: Adds depth without overpowering the fresh garlic we’ll sauté later.
- Salt & pepper: The basics – but essential for seasoning every layer of flavor.
- Flour: Dredging the chicken helps thicken the sauce and gives the chicken a subtle crust.
- Olive oil: Divided use helps to sear chicken properly and sauté vegetables without burning.
- Butter: Gives richness and helps brown the mushrooms and onions beautifully.
- Cremini mushrooms: They’re small, flavorful, and get browned nicely for that umami punch.
- Onion: Adds sweetness and aroma when sautéed.
- Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle tang and complexity to the sauce.
- Worcestershire sauce: Elevates the overall flavor introducing subtle umami and savoriness.
- Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic is essential for that aromatic punch, sautéed just right to avoid bitterness.
- Chicken broth: The base of your sauce, it brings moisture and flavor.
- Full-fat sour cream: For creaminess and a slight tang; makes the sauce luxuriously smooth.
Tweak to Your Taste
This Chicken Mushroom Stroganoff Recipe is a great canvas for making it your own — I often switch it up depending on what I have and my mood. Don’t hesitate to experiment!
- Variation: I sometimes swap the chicken breasts for tender thighs for extra juiciness—works great if you like richer meat.
- Diet-friendly: Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream to lighten the sauce without losing creaminess.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper if you want a smoky or moderately spicy twist.
- Seasonal switch: Try adding fresh thyme or parsley at the end for a fresh herbal note when in season.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Chicken Mushroom Stroganoff Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Dredge the Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken pieces with garlic powder, salt, and pepper—that little sprinkle goes a long way for flavor. Then dredge each piece lightly in flour; this step is crucial because it helps create a slight crust when searing and also thickens the sauce later. Make sure the pieces are coated but not overloaded with flour; too much might clump up your sauce.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken to Perfection
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken pieces in batches so they don’t crowd the pan, about 3 minutes per side, until golden and completely cooked through (aim for 165°F internal temp). For the second batch, add the last tablespoon of olive oil if the pan feels dry—that helps keep everything from sticking or burning. Once cooked, set the chicken aside on a plate to rest.
Step 3: Sauté Mushrooms and Onions for Aroma and Flavor
In the same pan, melt the butter and toss in your sliced cremini mushrooms and chopped onion. Sauté for about 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid from the mushrooms has evaporated and they’re beautifully browned. This step infuses the sauce with that deep, earthy flavor that makes this stroganoff so comforting.
Step 4: Add Seasonings and Garlic
Stir in the Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and minced garlic. Cook everything together for about 1 minute—just enough to release those lovely garlic aromas without burning it. This combination really lifts the dish and adds complexity.
Step 5: Deglaze and Simmer with Chicken Broth
Pour in the chicken broth and use your spatula to scrape any browned bits off the bottom of the pan—that’s where a ton of flavor is hiding! Then return the chicken pieces to the pan, stirring gently. Let everything cook together for about 2 minutes so the flavors meld.
Step 6: Finish with Creamy Sour Cream
Take the pan off the heat and stir in the full-fat sour cream. Let it warm through for about a minute, but be careful—not to boil it, or the sour cream might curdle. Taste and add extra salt and pepper if you want a little more punch. That’s it! Your Chicken Mushroom Stroganoff is ready to enjoy.
Pro Tips for Making Chicken Mushroom Stroganoff Recipe
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Searing chicken in batches ensures a beautiful golden crust, not steamed chicken.
- Use full-fat sour cream: It gives the richest flavor and creaminess without curdling as easily as low-fat versions.
- Scrape the pan well: Those browned bits add depth and are the secret behind the sauce’s incredible flavor.
- Avoid boiling after adding sour cream: Just warm through on low heat to keep the sauce silky smooth.
How to Serve Chicken Mushroom Stroganoff Recipe
Garnishes
I like to finish this dish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for color and a hint of freshness that cuts through the richness. Sometimes, a few cracked black pepper flakes on top also add a nice touch.
Side Dishes
This stroganoff pairs wonderfully with buttered egg noodles, but I’m also a fan of creamy mashed potatoes or even steamed rice to soak up the sauce. For a lighter option, steamed green beans or a crisp salad balances the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, serve the stroganoff in shallow bowls with a dollop of sour cream on top, a sprig of fresh thyme, and some toasted baguette slices on the side. It makes for a lovely, welcoming presentation that feels just a bit fancy but is so easy to pull off.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and it keeps marvelously for 3 to 4 days. Just be sure to let it cool before sealing to avoid condensation messing with the sauce texture.
Freezing
You can freeze the stroganoff, but I prefer freezing it without the sour cream and adding that fresh when reheating. This way, the texture stays creamy and doesn’t separate. Freeze in portions and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If the sauce feels thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it. Avoid microwaving too long at high heat to prevent breaking the sauce.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in this Chicken Mushroom Stroganoff Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs add extra juiciness and flavor, especially if you prefer darker meat. Just make sure to cut them into evenly sized pieces to cook thoroughly and adjust cooking time slightly as needed.
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Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can swap the sour cream for a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream or cashew cream, but keep in mind the flavor profile will change slightly. Also, make sure your mustard and Worcestershire sauce are dairy-free, as some brands can include anchovies or other non-vegan ingredients.
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What’s the best way to thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?
Since the chicken is dredged in flour, your sauce should thicken naturally. If it’s too thin, simmer it a little longer uncovered to reduce. Alternatively, mix a teaspoon of flour or cornstarch with a little cold water and stir it in while cooking on low heat to thicken quickly.
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Can I prepare this Chicken Mushroom Stroganoff Recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the full dish ahead but wait to add sour cream until reheating to keep the texture creamy and avoid curdling. Store it in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze the cooked chicken mixture without sour cream.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Mushroom Stroganoff Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s one of those dishes that feels fancy yet comes together so effortlessly. I love sharing it with family and friends and watching everyone dig in with big smiles. When you make it, I’m confident it’ll become one of your go-to cozy dinners too. So grab your skillet, and let’s make something delicious together—you won’t regret a single bite!
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Chicken Mushroom Stroganoff Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
This Chicken Mushroom Stroganoff is a creamy, savory dish featuring tender chicken pieces sautéed with cremini mushrooms and onions, finished with a tangy sour cream sauce. Perfect for a comforting main course, it combines classic stroganoff flavors with an easy stovetop method.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 chicken breasts cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Flour for dredging
- 3 tablespoons olive oil divided
- 1 tablespoon butter
Vegetables and Sauce
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms sliced
- 1/2 medium onion chopped
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard or more, to taste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce or more, to taste
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2/3 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup full-fat sour cream
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Sprinkle the chicken pieces evenly with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Dredge each piece in flour to coat lightly, setting them aside on a plate.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken pieces in two batches, cooking about 3 minutes per side until they are golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil when cooking the second batch if the pan dries out. Remove cooked chicken and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the sliced mushrooms and chopped onions, sautéing them for 6 to 8 minutes until the liquid evaporates and the mushrooms are nicely seared with a golden color.
- Add Seasoning: Stir in the Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and minced garlic. Cook for about 1 minute until the mixture is fragrant and well combined.
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping any browned bits off the bottom of the pan to incorporate that flavor. Return the cooked chicken pieces to the pan and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring occasionally to merge the flavors.
- Finish with Sour Cream: Stir in the sour cream gently and warm the sauce through for about 1 minute without letting it boil to prevent curdling. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
Notes
- Use full-fat sour cream for a creamier texture and richer flavor.
- Ensure the chicken is fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, use a little less chicken broth or simmer slightly longer to reduce.
- Serve stroganoff over egg noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
- Dredging in flour helps create a nice crust on the chicken and thickens the sauce slightly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg