Creamy Chicken Mushroom Stroganoff Recipe
If you’re in the mood for a cozy, comforting dinner that feels a bit fancy but comes together in no time, this Creamy Chicken Mushroom Stroganoff Recipe will totally become your new weeknight go-to. Seriously, it’s one of those dishes that tastes like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen, yet it’s super simple and forgiving. I love how the tender chicken mingles with earthy mushrooms and that rich, tangy sauce made with sour cream. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through every step to nail it perfectly at home.
Why This Recipe Works
- Balanced Flavors: The combination of Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and sour cream gives the sauce a perfect tangy, creamy depth.
- Simple Technique: Cooking chicken in batches ensures a nice golden crust without overcrowding the pan—key for great flavor and texture.
- One-Pan Magic: Using the same pan for chicken and mushrooms means all those tasty browned bits get incorporated, making the sauce extra rich.
- Speedy Comfort Food: Ready in about 25 minutes, this recipe is ideal when you want a homemade meal without a ton of fuss.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient in this Creamy Chicken Mushroom Stroganoff Recipe plays a part in creating that luscious sauce and tender, flavorful chicken. Plus, I’ll share little tips on picking or prepping them for the best result.
- Chicken breasts: I prefer boneless, skinless because they cook quickly and blend perfectly with the sauce, but thighs work too if you want juicier meat.
- Garlic powder: A subtle boost to the chicken seasoning, but fresh garlic kicks in deeper flavor later.
- Flour: Helps dredge the chicken and creates a light crust that thickens the sauce beautifully.
- Olive oil: Choose a good quality one for cooking the chicken; it stands up to heat and brings mild fruitiness.
- Butter: Adds richness when sautéing mushrooms, giving that velvet touch to the dish.
- Cremini mushrooms: These brown mushrooms have a nice, earthy stay-in-the-background flavor—feel free to swap with white button or baby portobello.
- Onion: Adds sweetness and depth when softened.
- Dijon mustard: A little tang and spice that brightens up the sauce — don’t skip this!
- Worcestershire sauce: Brings umami and complexity, making the sauce irresistible.
- Garlic cloves: Minced fresh garlic gives a punchy aroma that fills the kitchen.
- Chicken broth: The base liquid for your sauce, it adds savory notes instead of just water.
- Full-fat sour cream: This is the star that makes the sauce creamy and smooth — avoid low-fat versions to keep that luscious texture.
Tweak to Your Taste
One of my favorite things about this Creamy Chicken Mushroom Stroganoff Recipe is how easy it is to adapt. Whether you want it lighter, meatier, or plant-powered, it’s flexible enough to fit your mood and pantry.
- Add fresh herbs: I sometimes toss in chopped parsley or thyme at the end; it freshens up the creamy sauce beautifully.
- Swap proteins: Tried it with turkey breast and loved how it kept the dish light, plus beef strips for a richer twist.
- Dairy alternatives: For a dairy-free version, coconut cream works surprisingly well; just watch the flavor pairing.
- Spice it up: A pinch of smoked paprika or red pepper flakes can add a subtle smoky heat without overwhelming the classic flavors.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Chicken Mushroom Stroganoff Recipe
Step 1: Season and Flour the Chicken
First things first: I cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and toss them with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Don’t rush this part—seasoning well inside is what boosts flavor all through the dish. Then, I dredge each piece in flour, shaking off the excess. This makes sure the chicken gets a lovely golden crust and helps thicken the sauce later on.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken in Batches
Get a heavy skillet sizzling with 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Cooking the chicken in two batches is key so the pan stays hot and the pieces don’t steam. I love how the flour coating crisps up here—about 3 minutes per side until they’re just cooked and golden. Remember to add a little more oil for the second batch if your pan gets dry. Set the cooked chicken aside; don’t worry, the sauce will bring it all back together.
Step 3: Sauté Mushrooms and Onions
In the same skillet, melt a tablespoon of butter. Toss in sliced cremini mushrooms and chopped onion. This part takes a little patience—about 6 to 8 minutes—because you want to cook off their moisture until they’re nicely browned and almost caramelized. Those browned bits are flavor gold, so scrape the pan gently if needed.
Step 4: Build the Sauce with Seasonings
Stir in Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and minced garlic. Let them cook for about a minute so those flavors bloom—your kitchen will smell incredible! Then, pour in chicken broth to deglaze, scraping up all those tasty browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Return the chicken to the pan and let it simmer gently for a couple of minutes so everything gets cozy together.
Step 5: Finish with Sour Cream
Turn the heat down and stir in the full-fat sour cream. I always take care not to let it boil here—just warm it until it’s silky and incorporated. Boiling can make the sour cream curdle, and nobody wants that. Give it a taste and adjust salt and pepper to your liking, and voilà! Creamy Chicken Mushroom Stroganoff ready to serve.
Pro Tips for Making Creamy Chicken Mushroom Stroganoff Recipe
- Don’t Skip Flour Dredging: It’s the secret for that golden crust and slightly thickened sauce—flour + butter + chicken broth = magic.
- Use a Heavy Skillet: Cast iron or stainless steel helps develop those flavorful browned bits you’ll scrape up for the sauce.
- Mind the Sour Cream: Always add it off the heat or with very gentle warming to keep the sauce smooth, not curdled.
- Cook Chicken in Batches: Crowding the pan lowers the temperature and leads to soggy chicken instead of crisp, golden pieces.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Mushroom Stroganoff Recipe
Garnishes
I often sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top—it adds a hit of color and fresh flavor that cuts through the richness. A little extra black pepper cracked on just before serving wakes up the whole dish. Some friends even love a tiny dollop of sour cream on top for extra creamy goodness.
Side Dishes
This stroganoff feels classic with buttered egg noodles, but I also love serving it over creamy mashed potatoes or even fluffy rice—whatever you have on hand. For a lighter side, steamed green beans or a crisp salad balance the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For special nights, I’ve served this stroganoff in puff pastry shells—instant wow factor and extra buttery layers. It also works beautifully spooned over baked sweet potato halves for a hearty, gluten-free meal. You can even try plating it with roasted veggies for a colorful, restaurant-style presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually pop leftovers into an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so next-day leftovers taste even better. Just make sure the chicken is fully cooled before sealing to keep it fresh.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this stroganoff a few times in portioned containers. Sometimes the sour cream sauce changes texture slightly after thawing, but stirring in a splash of broth or cream while reheating helps bring it back to silky smoothness.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring often to keep the sauce from separating. Avoid microwaving if you can—it’s quick but can make the sauce curdle. If reheating in a microwave, do it in short bursts at low power, stirring in between.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this Creamy Chicken Mushroom Stroganoff Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative if you want a juicier, more flavorful result. They may take a little longer to cook, so just keep an eye on the temperature and cook until the internal temp hits 165°F.
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What if I don’t have cremini mushrooms?
No worries! You can use white button mushrooms or even portobello mushrooms sliced into smaller pieces. Each will give a slightly different flavor but still keep that lovely mushroom richness.
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How do I prevent the sour cream from curdling?
Great question! The key is to add sour cream off the heat or on very low heat, stirring gently. Avoid boiling once the sour cream is in the pan. This keeps the sauce smooth and creamy.
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Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Yes! You can prep the chicken and mushrooms ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge for a day. Combine and finish cooking with broth and sour cream right before serving.
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What’s the best way to serve this dish?
Serve it over egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a classic and comforting meal.
Final Thoughts
Making this Creamy Chicken Mushroom Stroganoff Recipe feels like a little love letter to cozy dinners. I honestly think it’s one of those recipes that brings comfort without demanding hours in the kitchen, perfect for any day of the week. If you’re craving creamy, hearty, and full of flavor, I’d say grab your skillet and give it a whirl—you might be surprised how fast you fall in love with this dish, just like I did. Let me know when you try it; I love hearing about how it turns out for you!
Print
Creamy 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: Russian
Description
A creamy and flavorful Chicken Mushroom Stroganoff made with tender chicken breasts, sautéed cremini mushrooms, onions, and a rich sour cream sauce seasoned with Dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 chicken breasts cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt & 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 with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Dredge each piece evenly in flour to coat.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken in two batches for about 3 minutes per side until they are golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F. For the second batch, add remaining olive oil if needed. Set the cooked chicken aside on a plate.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pan, melt the butter. Add the sliced mushrooms and chopped onion, sauté for 6 to 8 minutes until the liquid evaporates and they develop a nice sear.
- Add Seasoning: Stir in the Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and minced garlic. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the browned bits off the bottom of the pan. Return the cooked chicken to the pan and cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend flavors.
- Finish with Sour Cream: Stir in the sour cream and warm through gently for about 1 minute. Avoid boiling to prevent the sauce from curdling. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt and pepper if needed.
Notes
- Use full-fat sour cream for a richer, creamier sauce.
- For best results, cook the chicken in batches to ensure a nice golden crust without crowding the pan.
- You can substitute cremini mushrooms with button or portobello mushrooms if preferred.
- Serve over egg noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
- To make it gluten free, use gluten-free flour for dredging.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg