If you’ve ever craved a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Creamy Chicken Stroganoff Recipe is exactly what you need. With tender chicken strips, earthy mushrooms, and a luxuriously smooth sauce made from sour cream and a touch of heavy cream, this dish is a true crowd-pleaser. The balance of savory and tangy flavors with hints of paprika makes every bite irresistibly comforting. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this Creamy Chicken Stroganoff Recipe brings classic comfort food vibes with an easy, approachable method that anyone can master.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role, from the juicy chicken providing protein and substance to the mushrooms adding depth, and the creamy sauce tying everything together with perfect richness and color. You don’t need complicated or hard-to-find items to create an unforgettable meal.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a fruity undertone and helps brown the chicken beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Boosts richness and helps cook the mushrooms to golden perfection.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cut into bite-sized strips): The star protein, tender and juicy when seared just right.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to bring out the natural flavors.
- 1 small onion (chopped): Adds subtle sweetness and a gentle crunch once sautéed.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Injects a punch of aromatic warmth into the dish.
- 8 oz mushrooms (sliced): Earthy and meaty, mushrooms soak up all the sauce deliciously.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Provides smoky, slightly sweet depth and a lovely color.
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the sauce into that signature creamy texture.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Builds the savory base and lifts all the flavors together.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Gives the sauce its classic tangy creaminess without overpowering.
- 1/4 cup heavy cream: Adds luxurious silkiness and balances the tartness of the sour cream.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional): Introduces a subtle sharpness that brightens the sauce beautifully.
- 8 oz egg noodles or pasta of choice (cooked): The perfect vehicle to soak up every bit of the luscious sauce.
- Chopped parsley for garnish: Adds a fresh, herbaceous pop of color and flavor at the end.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Stroganoff Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Start off by heating olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat to get the perfect combination of savory richness and a light fragrance. Season your chicken strips with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook until they’re golden brown on the outside and just cooked through, about 4 to 5 minutes. You want them juicy, not dry—so watch closely! Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to keep that beautiful crispness.
Step 2: Sauté Onions, Garlic, and Mushrooms
In the same skillet, toss in the chopped onions and let them soften for 2 to 3 minutes until they become translucent and sweet. Then add the garlic and mushrooms, stirring occasionally. Cook for another 5 to 6 minutes until the mushrooms take on a golden color and have released their delicious earthy juices. This base layer builds loads of flavor, which is the heart of the Creamy Chicken Stroganoff Recipe.
Step 3: Add Spices and Flour
Sprinkle in the paprika and all-purpose flour, stirring well to coat the mushrooms and onions. Cook this mixture for about a minute to get rid of any raw flour taste. The paprika also gives your sauce that irresistible depth and inviting color that will make everyone’s mouth water.
Step 4: Create the Sauce
Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking constantly to lift up those delicious browned bits stuck to the pan—this is where a lot of flavor develops. Let the mixture simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes until it thickens just right, creating a velvety base for your stroganoff.
Step 5: Stir in Creamy Ingredients and Return the Chicken
Lower the heat and add the sour cream, heavy cream, and Dijon mustard if you’re using it. Give everything a good stir to blend those creamy elements perfectly. Then return the chicken strips to the skillet, simmering gently for another 2 to 3 minutes until everything is heated through and well combined. This is the moment your sauce becomes stunningly creamy and coats each piece of chicken beautifully.
Step 6: Serve Over Pasta
Finally, pile your tender chicken stroganoff over warm, cooked egg noodles or your favorite pasta. Don’t forget a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a bright finishing touch. That first bite will be rich, silky, and comforting—a true testament to how simple ingredients can come together in a spectacular way.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Stroganoff Recipe
Garnishes
To enhance your creamy chicken stroganoff’s appeal, just a handful of chopped fresh parsley adds a burst of color and freshness that balances the richness of the sauce. If you like a little extra zing, a light dusting of smoked paprika on top adds visual appeal and a subtle smoky note.
Side Dishes
This dish shines wonderfully on its own served over noodles, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables like green beans or broccoli adds a refreshing crunch. If you want a cozy extra, buttery garlic bread is a fantastic choice for sopping up every bit of creamy goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving your Creamy Chicken Stroganoff Recipe in cozy bread bowls or alongside roasted baby potatoes tossed in herbs. If you’re hosting, place it over creamy polenta for a different but equally comforting base that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer your leftover chicken stroganoff into an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It will stay delicious for up to 3 days, making it an excellent option for quick weeknight meals or next-day lunches.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well if you want to keep it longer. Place the cooled stroganoff in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the sauce from separating. If it seems too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore that luscious texture. Avoid microwaving to keep the sauce silky and well combined.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for this recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs add extra juiciness and flavor, making your Creamy Chicken Stroganoff Recipe even more tender and delicious.
Is there a dairy-free alternative for the sour cream and heavy cream?
Yes, you can substitute with coconut milk or a dairy-free sour cream alternative, but keep in mind this will change the flavor slightly. Cashew cream is another great option if you want to keep the dish creamy and rich.
Can I prepare this recipe vegan or vegetarian?
While this recipe is centered around chicken, you can swap the meat with hearty mushrooms or meat substitutes and use plant-based cream alternatives to enjoy a vegan version of this creamy dish.
What pasta works best with Creamy Chicken Stroganoff Recipe?
Traditional egg noodles are classic, but you can use any pasta you prefer—wide noodles, pappardelle, or even gluten-free noodles work wonderfully with the creamy sauce.
How can I make the dish lighter but still creamy?
Try using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and milk in place of heavy cream. It keeps the dish bright and creamy without the extra richness, perfect for lighter comfort food cravings.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Creamy Chicken Stroganoff Recipe enough for anyone craving a cozy, satisfying meal that comes together quickly with simple ingredients. It’s the kind of dish that feels special yet homey, perfect for any night of the week. So grab your skillet and give it a go — your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Creamy Chicken Stroganoff Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Russian-Inspired, American
Description
A rich and creamy Chicken Stroganoff made on the stovetop featuring tender chicken strips, sautéed mushrooms, and a luscious sour cream sauce, served over egg noodles for a comforting and flavorful meal.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cut into bite-sized strips)
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 small onion (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 8 oz mushrooms (sliced)
Fats and Oils
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
Seasonings and Thickeners
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
Liquids
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
Carbohydrates
- 8 oz egg noodles or pasta of choice (cooked)
Garnish
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat fat: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat to get the pan ready for searing the chicken.
- Sear chicken: Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Add them to the skillet and cook for 4–5 minutes until golden and just cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Sauté vegetables: In the same skillet, add the chopped onions and cook for 2–3 minutes until they soften. Add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms, and sauté for another 5–6 minutes until the mushrooms become golden brown.
- Add spices and flour: Stir in the paprika and flour, cooking for about 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste while coating the mushrooms and onions evenly.
- Create sauce base: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth while scraping up any browned bits from the pan’s bottom. Let it simmer for 3–4 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
- Finish sauce and combine: Reduce heat to low and stir in the sour cream, heavy cream, and optional Dijon mustard. Return the chicken to the skillet and simmer for 2–3 minutes, ensuring the chicken warms through and is coated with the creamy sauce.
- Serve: Spoon the creamy chicken stroganoff over the cooked egg noodles or pasta, then garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- For a lighter alternative, substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt and use milk instead of heavy cream.
- This recipe works well with leftover rotisserie chicken for a quick meal.
