There’s something heartwarming about a generous plate of Creamy Chicken Stroganoff. Imagine juicy morsels of chicken, golden mushrooms, and silky sauce lovingly spooned over a bed of bouncy egg noodles. This dish brings together classic comfort and a dash of elegance, making it just as perfect for cozy weeknights as it is for welcoming guests. The best part? It comes together in under an hour, using familiar pantry staples that let each ingredient shine. Whether you’re craving homey flavors or introducing someone new to this family favorite, Creamy Chicken Stroganoff will quickly earn its place at your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Delightfully straightforward, these ingredients are more than just a shopping list—they’re the backbone of flavor, creaminess, and texture in every hearty bite. Each one does its part to build a cozy, satisfying Creamy Chicken Stroganoff from the skillet up.
- Chicken: Use boneless, skinless breasts or thighs for juicy, bite-sized pieces that soak up all the delicious sauce.
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps brown the chicken beautifully.
- Butter: A touch of butter brings classic Stroganoff flavor and a golden hue to the pan.
- Onion: Finely chopped onion delivers gentle sweetness and a savory foundation to the sauce.
- Garlic: Minced fresh garlic infuses deep aroma and brightens the whole dish.
- Mushrooms: Sliced mushrooms get tender and caramelized, adding an earthy, meaty texture even non-mushroom lovers appreciate.
- Paprika: This gentle spice gives your Stroganoff a ruby glow and subtle warmth.
- Salt: Essential for coaxing out maximum flavor from each ingredient.
- Black pepper: Lends a little punch of spice and complexity in the velvety sauce.
- All-purpose flour: Just enough to thicken the sauce to that perfect creamy consistency.
- Chicken broth: A good quality broth ties everything together in a boost of savory flavor.
- Worcestershire sauce: Just a splash brings welcome depth and a hint of tanginess to balance the cream.
- Sour cream: The secret to the signature stroganoff silkiness and that faint tang—don’t substitute it unless you’re using Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
- Egg noodles: Wide egg noodles are classic, with just the right texture to catch every drop of sauce.
- Fresh parsley (optional): A sprinkle of chopped parsley adds a burst of color and a bright finish to your plate.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Stroganoff
Step 1: Brown the Chicken
Heat the olive oil and butter in a roomy skillet over medium-high heat. When the butter starts to foam, add your chicken pieces in a single layer. Sear them on each side for about 5 to 7 minutes until golden and fully cooked through. The goal is to get some lovely color on the outside while keeping the centers juicy. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate so you can build the rest of the sauce in the same pan.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Mushrooms
In that flavorful skillet, drop in your chopped onion and give it a quick sauté for 2 to 3 minutes—just until it turns soft and translucent. Now, add the garlic and mushrooms. Stir and cook for another 4 to 5 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the mushrooms soften, turn golden, and start to release all their savory aroma. This mixture will form the savory soul of your Creamy Chicken Stroganoff.
Step 3: Spice, Thicken, and Deglaze
Sprinkle in the paprika, salt, pepper, and flour over your mushroom mix. Stir everything together and cook for about a minute. This step infuses the veggies with gentle spice, and the flour makes sure your sauce thickens up later without lumps. Now, slowly pour in the chicken broth, stirring as you go—this helps dissolve every bit of flour and creates a smooth, velvety base. Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce and let the whole thing come to a gentle simmer.
Step 4: Return the Chicken and Add Creaminess
Scoot your cooked chicken back into the skillet, letting every piece mingle with the mushroom sauce. Stir everything together to coat the chicken thoroughly. Turn the heat down to low, then gently mix in the sour cream. The sauce will immediately turn smooth and dreamy. Be careful not to let it come to a full boil at this stage—the goal is to warm it through so the sour cream doesn’t curdle and you get the creamiest possible sauce.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Heap your cooked egg noodles onto plates, ladle the gorgeous Creamy Chicken Stroganoff over the top, and finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. The sauce hugs the noodles, the herbs add a fresh pop, and you’ll have yourself a dish that looks as good as it tastes. Getting from pantry to table has never been this rewarding.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Stroganoff
Garnishes
A flurry of freshly chopped parsley is always a welcome finishing touch on Creamy Chicken Stroganoff. Sometimes, a grind of black pepper or a pinch of sweet paprika over the top adds both color and warmth. For an extra pop of flavor, try a few chives or a sprinkle of lemon zest—just enough to keep everyone guessing.
Side Dishes
The silky sauce and tender chicken are happy to be paired with classic buttered egg noodles, but don’t stop there. Creamy Chicken Stroganoff also shines over steamed rice, fluffy mashed potatoes, or even a tangle of spiralized zucchini if you’re feeling light. For a well-rounded meal, consider a crisp green salad or simple steamed vegetables on the side to contrast the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving guests or just want to jazz up your weeknight dinner, serve Creamy Chicken Stroganoff in individual bowls with a rustic slice of bread perched on the side. Ladle it onto a bed of roasted cauliflower for a lower-carb twist or pile it high on baked potatoes for hearty comfort. You can even finish each plate with a dollop of extra sour cream or a swirl of Greek yogurt for a modern flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Simply transfer any cooled leftover Creamy Chicken Stroganoff (without the noodles, if possible) into an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to three days—the flavors only get better as they mingle! Noodles can go soggy over time, so keep them separate for the freshest results.
Freezing
Creamy sauces don’t always love the freezer, but this dish can be frozen if needed. Spoon the chicken and sauce—again, minus the noodles—into a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge. Just be aware that the sauce may separate slightly, but a good stir will bring it right back together.
Reheating
Warm leftover Creamy Chicken Stroganoff gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often to keep the sauce smooth. Avoid boiling to preserve that ultra-creamy texture. If things look a little thick, splash in some chicken broth or a spoonful of sour cream to revive the velvety sauce. Simply reheat the noodles separately and combine just before serving.
FAQs
Can I make Creamy Chicken Stroganoff with chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs bring additional richness and tenderness. Some people prefer them for their juiciness—just trim excess fat and cut into equal-sized pieces for even cooking.
What can I use instead of mushrooms if I’m not a fan?
You can omit the mushrooms altogether or swap them for another vegetable like zucchini, bell pepper, or even spinach. The sauce will still be deliciously creamy and satisfying.
Is there a lighter version of Creamy Chicken Stroganoff?
Yes, you can substitute Greek yogurt for the sour cream to lighten things up without losing that signature tartness and creamy texture. Just be sure to add the yogurt at the end and keep the heat low so it doesn’t curdle.
Will this recipe work with gluten-free flour and noodles?
Definitely! Simply replace the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free blend, and use gluten-free egg noodles or rice. The rest of the recipe remains unchanged and just as satisfying.
Can I make Creamy Chicken Stroganoff ahead of time for a dinner party?
Absolutely—you can fully prepare the chicken and sauce, then store them in the fridge. Reheat gently before serving and cook the noodles fresh so they stay springy. Garnish with fresh parsley just before bringing the dish to the table for the best presentation.
Final Thoughts
If you’re seeking the ultimate in weeknight comfort or want to impress a hungry crowd, Creamy Chicken Stroganoff delivers every single time. The tender chicken, luscious sauce, and cozy nostalgia are bound to make this a new favorite in your home. Give it a try—your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Creamy Chicken Stroganoff Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a comforting and creamy chicken stroganoff that’s perfect for a cozy night in. Tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and a rich, tangy sauce come together to create a satisfying meal that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
For the Stroganoff:
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 3/4 cup sour cream
For Serving:
- 8 oz egg noodles, cooked according to package directions
- fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet, brown chicken, then set aside.
- Prepare the Stroganoff: Sauté onions, garlic, and mushrooms. Add seasonings and flour. Pour in broth, add Worcestershire sauce, then return chicken to the skillet. Stir in sour cream until smooth.
- Serve: Spoon over cooked noodles and garnish with parsley.
Notes
- You can use Greek yogurt as a lighter alternative to sour cream.
- This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes or rice.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion with noodles
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
