When a chilly evening descends and you find yourself yearning for something cozy yet gourmet, there’s nothing quite like a creamy chicken stroganoff to warm your heart and soul. I first stumbled upon this comforting dish during a chilly week when the sun decided not to shine, and it quickly became a go-to for family gatherings and quiet dinners alike. The moment the fragrant aroma of sautéed mushrooms and garlic fills the kitchen, you know dinner is going to be special.
This recipe combines tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and a velvety sauce that ribbons beautifully over egg noodles, making it a staple for anyone looking to impress or simply indulge in a delicious homemade meal. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to whip together, which makes it perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends. Ready to transform your dinner routine with this delightful creamy chicken stroganoff? Let’s dive into the recipe!
Why is Creamy Chicken Stroganoff a Must-Try?
Indulge your taste buds with satisfying creaminess: This stroganoff features a luscious, velvety sauce that clings to every bite. Quick and easy: With straightforward techniques, you can have dinner on the table in no time. Flavorful goodness: Rich mushrooms and tender chicken create a dish that delights. Perfect for any occasion, be it family dinners or cozy nights in. For a twist, check out my guide on elevating pasta dishes for additional inspiration!
Creamy Chicken Stroganoff Ingredients
• Discover the rich flavors with ease!
For the Chicken
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts – This tender cut ensures a juicy and quick-cooking experience.
- Kosher salt – A staple for enhancing flavors; use it wisely throughout the cooking process.
- Freshly ground black pepper – Adds a necessary touch of warmth and depth to the dish.
For the Sauce
- Baby bella or cremini mushrooms – Their earthy flavor deepens the dish’s richness, making the creamy chicken stroganoff unforgettable.
- Large shallots – A sweeter alternative to onions that elevates the sauce’s flavor profile.
- Garlic – Infuses the dish with delightful aromatic qualities.
- Dijon mustard – Provides a subtle tang that contrasts beautifully with the creaminess.
- Worcestershire sauce – Adds complexity, balancing the creaminess and depth of the stroganoff.
For the Noodles
- Dried wide egg noodles – Their shape perfectly holds the creamy sauce, enhancing every bite.
- Unsalted butter – Helps to enrich the noodles’ flavor once cooked, making them irresistible.
For the Finish
- Sour cream – Key to achieving that creamy richness, giving the stroganoff its signature texture.
- Sweet paprika – Offers a gentle sweetness and color that completes the dish.
- Scallions – Adds a fresh touch and a beautiful garnish for presentation.
With these ingredients, you’re on your way to creating the most delightful creamy chicken stroganoff that your family will absolutely love!
How to Make Creamy Chicken Stroganoff
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Prep the Ingredients: Start by thinly slicing the 8 ounces of cremini mushrooms, 2 large shallots, 4 cloves of garlic, and 2 medium scallions. This makes cooking easier and ensures even flavor distribution.
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Cut the Chicken: Take the 1 1/4 pounds of chicken breasts and cut them into 3/4-inch to 1-inch pieces. Season with 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and a few grinds of black pepper to enhance the flavor.
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Sauté the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large, high-sided skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer, cooking until golden brown, about 7 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
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Cook the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil, along with the mushrooms and shallots. Season with 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, cooking and stirring until golden-brown—about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, around 1 minute.
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Thicken the Sauce: Sprinkle in 3 tablespoons of flour, cooking for 1 minute while stirring constantly. Then mix in 2 teaspoons of Dijon mustard to combine the flavors beautifully.
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Add Wine: Pour in 1/2 cup of dry white wine, scraping up the browned bits from the pan. Bring to a boil and let it evaporate for about 10 seconds.
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Create the Sauce: Add 3 cups of low-sodium chicken broth, along with an additional tablespoon of Dijon mustard and 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce. Return this mixture to a boil, allowing it to thicken enough to coat the back of a spoon, approximately 10 minutes.
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Incorporate Chicken: Return the sautéed chicken, along with any juices that have collected, into the skillet. Stir to combine and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through—about 5 minutes.
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Finish with Cream: Mix in 1/4 cup of sour cream and 1/2 teaspoon of sweet paprika, stirring well to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning with kosher salt and black pepper as needed.
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Cook the Noodles: While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of dried egg noodles and cook according to package instructions. Drain them and return to the pot over medium-low heat.
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Butter the Noodles: Add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the noodles, stirring constantly until melted and evenly coating them. Taste and season with salt and black pepper as needed. Keep warm.
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Serve and Enjoy: Spoon the creamy chicken stroganoff over the egg noodles and finish with a sprinkle of scallions for a fresh touch.
Optional: Serve with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for extra flavor and color.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
Make your life easier with this creamy chicken stroganoff by prepping key components ahead of time! You can slice the mushrooms, shallots, and garlic up to 24 hours in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to preserve their freshness. Additionally, season and cut the chicken pieces and keep them refrigerated for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply sauté the refrigerated ingredients and follow the remaining steps to finish off the dish. This prep will allow you to whip up a comforting dinner on busy nights, ensuring just as delicious results with minimal effort!
How to Store and Freeze Creamy Chicken Stroganoff
Fridge: Store your creamy chicken stroganoff in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Be sure to let it cool completely before sealing to maintain freshness.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the stroganoff in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Make sure to leave some space at the top to allow for expansion.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring in a splash of chicken broth to restore creaminess and prevent drying.
Serving Tip: Pair the reheated stroganoff with freshly cooked egg noodles for the best experience, reviving its delicious flavors!
Expert Tips for Creamy Chicken Stroganoff
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Prep Ingredients First: Having all your ingredients prepped and ready to go makes the cooking process smoother and ensures even distribution of flavors in your creamy chicken stroganoff.
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Avoid Overcooking Chicken: Sauté the chicken until golden brown but not cooked through entirely before adding it back to the sauce; it will continue cooking later. This ensures juicy, tender bites.
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Deglaze Properly: When adding the white wine, be sure to scrape the bottom of the skillet well to incorporate those flavorful browned bits into your sauce, enhancing the depth of flavor.
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Adjust Sauce Thickness: If your sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth to reach your desired consistency. Conversely, let it simmer longer for a thicker texture.
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Final Seasoning Check: Always taste and adjust your seasoning just before serving. Every ingredient can have variations in flavor, which is important for a perfectly balanced creamy chicken stroganoff.
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Serve Immediately: For the best taste and texture, serve your stroganoff right after cooking. The creamy sauce is at its peak and the noodles will be perfectly sauced!
What to Serve with Creamy Chicken Stroganoff?
Elevate your dinner experience with delightful pairings that enhance the comforting flavors of your creamy dish.
- Garlic Bread: This crispy, buttery classic adds a guilt-free way to soak up that luscious stroganoff sauce.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Their sweet caramelization and slight crunch create a lovely contrast to the creamy texture of the noodles.
For a lighter meal, consider serving with a crisp or roasted vegetable salad. Toss in some fresh greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette; it adds brightness and freshness, balancing the richness of the stroganoff.
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Steamed Asparagus: The vibrant green and mild earthy flavor perfectly complement the dish, while the nutty characteristics meld well with the creaminess of the sauce.
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Crisp Green Salad: This offers a refreshing crunch that beautifully offsets the hearty richness of the stroganoff. Toss in slices of apple or walnuts for added flavor.
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Chardonnay: A chilled glass of white wine, particularly Chardonnay, pairs impeccably with the creamy sauce, enhancing the overall experience with its fruity notes.
Creamy Chicken Stroganoff Variations
Feel free to play around with your favorite ingredients and spices to make this dish truly your own!
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Dairy-Free: Substitute the sour cream with a dairy-free yogurt or cashew cream for a creamy alternative.
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Mushroom Medley: Use a mix of different mushrooms like shiitake or oyster mushrooms for a complex flavor profile. This twist enhances the umami essence of the dish.
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Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, to the sauce while it simmers for a fragrant boost. Not only does it elevate the taste, but it also makes your kitchen smell divine!
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Kick of Heat: Incorporate a dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to add a spicy kick. The heat beautifully balances the creamy sauce and adds depth to each mouthful.
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Pasta Alternatives: Instead of egg noodles, try serving the stroganoff over rice, quinoa, or even zucchini noodles for a lighter twist. Each will provide its unique flavor and texture, making a delightful change.
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Veggie Delight: Swap out half the chicken for sautéed spinach, kale, or bell peppers for added nutrition and color. This variation not only boosts the veggie content but also adds a vibrant visual appeal to your plate.
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Pesto Swirl: For a Mediterranean flair, mix in a couple of tablespoons of basil pesto right before serving. This adds a fresh burst of flavor and a pop of green.
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Slow Cooker Method: Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours for a hands-off version. The result will be tender chicken and a deeply infused sauce, ready when you are.
Make these variations your own, and let the comforting flavors of the creamy chicken stroganoff shine!
Creamy Chicken Stroganoff Recipe FAQs
How do I know if my mushrooms are ripe for use?
Absolutely! Look for firm baby bella or cremini mushrooms with a smooth surface. Avoid any with dark spots or excessive moisture. Fresh mushrooms will have a pleasant earthy aroma and a slight bounce when pressed.
What’s the best way to store leftover creamy chicken stroganoff?
To keep your stroganoff fresh, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure it cools completely before sealing. You can reheat it gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth for creaminess.
Can I freeze creamy chicken stroganoff?
Very! To freeze, transfer the stroganoff to a freezer-safe container, leaving room at the top for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat in a saucepan, adding a little chicken broth to revive its texture.
What should I do if my sauce is too thick?
No problem! If your sauce thickens too much while cooking, simply add a small splash of chicken broth gradually until you reach your desired consistency. Allow it to simmer gently for a minute to incorporate well.
Is this recipe suitable for people with food allergies?
Definitely consider dietary needs! If someone has a dairy allergy, replace sour cream with a dairy-free alternative, such as soaked cashews blended with a bit of water and lemon juice. Additionally, those who are gluten-sensitive can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
How can I ensure my chicken stays tender while cooking?
To keep the chicken tender, don’t overcrowd the pan when sautéing; this can lead to steaming rather than browning. Cook until golden and poach it in the sauce afterward to finish cooking, ensuring it remains juicy and flavorful.
Irresistibly Creamy Chicken Stroganoff That Satisfies Every Bite
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prep the Ingredients: Start by thinly slicing the mushrooms, shallots, garlic, and scallions.
- Cut the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into pieces and season with kosher salt and black pepper.
- Sauté the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté the chicken until golden brown.
- Cook the Vegetables: In the same skillet, cook the mushrooms and shallots until golden, then add garlic.
- Thicken the Sauce: Add flour and Dijon mustard, then mix well.
- Add Wine: Pour in the white wine and allow it to evaporate briefly.
- Create the Sauce: Add chicken broth, additional mustard, and Worcestershire sauce, then boil.
- Incorporate Chicken: Add the sautéed chicken back to the skillet and cook until done.
- Finish with Cream: Stir in sour cream and paprika, adjusting seasoning as needed.
- Cook the Noodles: Boil noodles until al dente before draining.
- Butter the Noodles: Stir butter into the hot noodles until melted.
- Serve and Enjoy: Spoon stroganoff over noodles and garnish with scallions.