The sizzle of butter in a hot pan always takes me back. That warm, savory smell curling through the house. This chicken stroganoff is pure cozylike a blanket in a bowl. It’s everywhere right now, from TikTok dinner hacks to Pinterest boards full of weeknight wins.
This creamy dish is all about tender chicken, golden mushrooms, and a dreamy sour cream sauce. Ridiculously simple, using staples like garlic, broth, and egg noodles. It’s like your grandma’s Sunday version got a weeknight makeover. Full details in the blog!
I first made this recipe with my daughter after a long Tuesday that needed a dinner hug. We laughed, dropped a spoon, and may have burned a noodle or two. I’ve tested this meal over and overit’s reliable, silly, and seriously good. You’ll love the secret.
When comfort food calls, this Creamy Chicken Stroganoff answers with tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and a rich tangy sour cream sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a cozy dinner that pairs well with pasta or rice.
Ingredients
Scale
2 chicken breasts cut into 1” pieces
½ tsp garlic powder
Salt & pepper to taste
Flour for dredging
3 tbsp olive oil divided
1 tbsp butter
8 oz cremini mushrooms sliced
½ medium onion chopped
1 tbsp Dijon mustard or more to taste
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce or more to taste
3 cloves garlic minced
⅔ cup chicken broth
½ cup full-fat sour cream
Instructions
Season and coat chicken in garlic powder salt pepper and flour.
Sear chicken in hot olive oil cooking in batches until browned then set aside.
Sauté butter mushrooms and onions in same pan until soft and golden.
Stir in Dijon mustard Worcestershire sauce and garlic cook for 1 minute.
Add chicken broth scrape up the flavorful bits and return chicken to pan cook for 2 minutes.
Stir in sour cream heat through without boiling season and serve immediately.
Method:Stovetop
Why This Recipe Is a Family Favorite
This creamy chicken stroganoff consistently brings families to the table without a fuss. Its velvety sauce is satisfyingly rich yet simple enough for a busy weeknight. Best of all, it features ingredients you likely already have in your pantry, making it an ideal solution for those ‘what’s-for-dinner?’ dilemmas.
This dish stands out by balancing comforting flavors with practical preparation. Searing the chicken creates a flavorful crust, while the mushrooms and onions build an earthy depth. It evokes that nostalgic ‘home-cooked’ feeling, adapted for modern convenience. Plus, it pairs wonderfully with staples like rice, egg noodles, or mashed potatoes, truly defining satisfying comfort food.
Ingredients Breakdown
This quick chicken stroganoff delivers on both simplicity and flavor. Here’s a closer look at the key ingredients:
Cremini mushrooms: Savory and earthy, these mushrooms add bulk and depth to the dish.
Sour cream: The secret to that creamy, tangy sauce. Go for full-fat for the dreamiest consistency.
Dijon mustard & Worcestershire sauce: These pantry staples give the sauce a kick of flavor and umami richness.
Chicken broth: This brings balance and thins out the sauce just enoughwithout losing creaminess.
Note: If you don’t have cremini mushrooms, white mushrooms will work in a pinch, though they’re slightly milder in flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Even if you’re new to the kitchen, this recipe is straightforward and achievable. Follow these easy steps to have dinner ready in about 30 minutes:
Prep and season: Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, toss the chicken with garlic powder, salt, pepper, and 1-2 tablespoons of flour. The flour helps create a golden crust and slightly thickens the sauce later.
Sear the chicken: In a large skillet, heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken in batches until golden brown on all sides (about 2-3 minutes per side). Don’t worry about cooking it through; it will finish cooking in the sauce. Remove chicken and set aside.
Sauté the veggies: In the same pan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and diced onions and cook until softened and lightly golden, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
Create the sauce: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon – this deglazes the pan and builds rich flavor. Bring to a gentle simmer, then return the seared chicken to the pan. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
Add sour cream: Remove the skillet from the heat. Gently stir in the sour cream until combined and warmed through. Avoid boiling after adding sour cream, as high heat can cause it to curdle. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more salt or pepper if desired. Serve immediately.
Pro Tips & Variations
Save time: To cut down on prep, use pre-sliced mushrooms and frozen diced onions.
Make it lighter: You can swap out full-fat sour cream for a lighter version, but be aware it won’t be quite as creamy.
Boost the flavor: Add a sprinkle of smoked paprika or a splash of dry white wine for extra depth and complexity.
Vegetarian twist: Swap the chicken for tofu or extra mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Pro Tip: If your sauce becomes too thick, stir in a splash of chicken broth to achieve the desired consistency. This also helps maintain balanced flavors.
Serving, Storage & Reheating
This chicken stroganoff is perfectly complemented by egg noodles, or you can serve it over fluffy mashed potatoes or buttery rice for a hearty meal. For a larger gathering, add a side of steamed green beans or broccoli for added nutrition and vibrant color.
Storage
Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring in a splash of broth if needed.
For longer storage, freeze in portioned containers for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating as above.
Note: If freezing, leave out the sour cream and stir it in when reheating to keep the sauce nice and smooth.
Expert Insight: Mastering Chicken Stroganoff
Achieving the perfect chicken stroganoff relies on a few key techniques. Searing the chicken properly builds foundational flavor, while the combination of sour cream and mushrooms creates its signature rich, tangy sauce and earthy depth. A gentle simmer allows these components to meld, resulting in a comforting dish that’s surprisingly easy to master.
For more delicious recipes and cooking inspiration, follow me on Facebook, Pinterest and Reddit!
The Long Road to a Cozy Chicken Stroganoff
Developing this chicken stroganoff recipe involved several kitchen disasters and a few burnt sauces before it finally clicked. Through tweaking the seasoning and perfecting the creamy texture, it has become a comforting dish that feels like a warm hug after a busy daya true triumph born from all those early attempts.
FAQs ( Chicken Stroganoff )
How do I make the chicken tender in this recipe?
To keep chicken tender, slice it thin against the grain and cook quickly over medium-high heat. Avoid overcooking by removing the chicken as soon as it turns opaque. Resting for a few minutes before serving helps retain juiciness and enhances the texture.
Can I use other cuts of chicken besides breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless thighs can work well for this dish, providing extra flavor and moisture. Adjust cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through. Either cut pairs nicely with the creamy sauce for a satisfying meal.
What are the best side dishes to serve with this dish?
This meal pairs beautifully with egg noodles or rice to soak up the creamy sauce. Steamed vegetables or a simple green salad add freshness and balance. Mashed potatoes also make a hearty, comforting option alongside the creamy chicken stroganoff.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the chicken and sauce a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Reheat gently over low heat to avoid curdling the sauce. For best results, add any fresh herbs or final touches just before serving.
What can I do if my sauce is too thin?
If the sauce is too thin, simmer it a bit longer to reduce and thicken naturally. You can also mix a small amount of cornstarch with cold water, then whisk it in gradually. Stir constantly to avoid lumps and achieve a creamy consistency.
Conclusion
This creamy chicken stroganoff comes together in about 30 minutes, establishing itself as a perfect weeknight meal you’ll want to make again and again. The combination of tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and that rich, tangy sauce delivers ultimate comfort with every forkful. You’ll appreciate how it brings warmth to your kitchen and transforms simple ingredients into a truly satisfying family favorite.
Looking to customize? Try stirring in a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky note, or swap cremini for shiitake mushrooms to introduce a deeper umami. Leftovers reheat beautifully; simply add a splash of broth to maintain the sauce’s silky texture. This simple trick has rescued many of my busy weeknight dinners and can be incredibly helpful for yours too.
If you try this chicken stroganoff, please share your experience or any creative twists! Did your family enjoy it as much as mine does? I’d love to hear your thoughts or memories of similar comforting meals. Don’t forget to save this recipeit’s an ideal easy dinner for any evening you crave a little comfort.
Sharing a handpicked collection of easy, healthy recipes made in our family kitchen. Rachel brings comforting classics, while Emily adds fresh, modern ideas together creating meals that are simple, flavorful, and family-friendly.
