Unforgettable Creamy Chicken Stroganoff: Your Ultimate Easy Weeknight Dinner Recipe
This Creamy Chicken Stroganoff is more than just a meal; it’s a comforting hug in a bowl, a classic dish reimagined for modern, busy lives. It features succulent, tender pieces of chicken and earthy mushrooms, all enveloped in a rich, velvety smooth, and incredibly flavorful cream sauce. This hearty and satisfying dinner is perfectly served over a bed of egg noodles, fluffy white rice, or even creamy mashed potatoes, making it a versatile choice for any palate. It’s surprisingly easy to prepare, bursting with flavor, and ideal for a cozy weeknight meal that the whole family will adore.
When those cravings for something truly cozy and deeply satisfying strike, this Creamy Chicken Stroganoff recipe consistently delivers. It’s generously loaded with juicy, perfectly cooked chicken, tender, savory mushrooms, and an undeniably smooth, luxurious cream sauce that promises warmth and comfort with every single bite. Unlike its traditional beef counterpart, this chicken version offers a delightful twist that is not only quicker to prepare for a busy evening but also tends to be a bit lighter and more budget-friendly, without sacrificing any of that signature stroganoff richness.
This dish masterfully takes the beloved flavors of the classic Beef Stroganoff and transforms them into an accessible, delicious, and easy weeknight option. It’s designed to be simple enough for even the most hectic evenings, requiring minimal fuss but delivering maximum flavor. The result is a homemade comfort meal that tastes truly special, making it a recipe you’ll want to add to your regular rotation and prepare again and again. Its heartwarming appeal makes it a perfect dish to gather your loved ones around the dinner table.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Chicken Stroganoff
There are countless reasons why this creamy chicken stroganoff will become a staple in your kitchen. First, its **simplicity** makes it perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks alike. With straightforward steps and readily available ingredients, you can have a gourmet-tasting meal on the table in about 30 minutes. Second, the **flavor profile** is incredibly satisfying. The combination of tender chicken, savory mushrooms, aromatic garlic, and a tangy Dijon mustard-spiked cream sauce creates a symphony of tastes that is both familiar and exciting. Third, it’s wonderfully **versatile**. While traditionally served with noodles, it pairs beautifully with rice, mashed potatoes, or even low-carb alternatives. Finally, it’s a fantastic way to enjoy a **hearty, homemade meal** without breaking the bank, offering a more economical alternative to beef while still delivering that classic stroganoff experience.
What You’ll Need for Creamy Chicken Stroganoff
Before diving into the cooking process, ensure you have all these essential ingredients ready. Be sure to scroll to the bottom of the post for the FULL PRINTABLE recipe card with exact measurements.
- Chicken Breasts – Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a lean choice that cooks quickly and absorbs flavors beautifully. For an even richer, juicier result, you can easily substitute chicken thighs, which offer more fat and a deeper flavor. Slice them into thin strips for even cooking.
- All-Purpose Flour – This essential pantry staple plays a dual role: it helps to lightly coat the chicken, aiding in browning, and it serves as a thickening agent for our luscious cream sauce, creating that desirable velvety consistency.
- Salt & Pepper – The fundamental seasonings. Use kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting as needed to enhance all the other flavors in the dish.
- Oil – A neutral oil like olive oil or vegetable oil is used for browning the chicken and sautéing the mushrooms. It helps achieve a beautiful sear and prevents sticking.
- Butter – Unsalted butter adds a rich, creamy flavor and contributes to the golden-brown crust on both the chicken and mushrooms, offering a depth of flavor that oil alone cannot provide.
- Mushrooms – I typically use baby bella (cremini) mushrooms for their robust, earthy flavor and firm texture, which holds up well in the sauce. However, feel free to use your favorite variety, such as white button mushrooms for a milder taste, or even shiitake for a more intense umami punch.
- Garlic – Freshly minced garlic is crucial for building a flavorful aromatic base. It infuses the sauce with its pungent, sweet notes, elevating the overall taste.
- Fresh Thyme – The herbaceous notes of fresh thyme perfectly complement the mushrooms and chicken, adding a subtle, elegant aroma and taste. If fresh thyme isn’t available, a smaller amount of dried thyme can be used.
- Chicken Broth – Low-sodium chicken broth forms the liquid base of the sauce, adding savory depth and allowing you to control the final saltiness of the dish.
- Dijon Mustard – This is the secret ingredient that gives the stroganoff its characteristic tang and depth. Dijon mustard provides a subtle, complex flavor that cuts through the richness of the cream, balancing the dish beautifully without overpowering it.
- Sour Cream – The cornerstone of any authentic stroganoff sauce, sour cream delivers a classic creamy texture and a delightful tangy finish. Its acidity is key to balancing the richness of the dish.
- Fresh Parsley (for garnish) – A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley at the end adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous note that brightens the entire dish.
- Egg Noodles or Rice (for serving) – While egg noodles are the traditional choice, white rice or even mashed potatoes make excellent accompaniments, soaking up the delicious creamy sauce.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Stroganoff: Step-by-Step Guide
Creating this delicious Creamy Chicken Stroganoff is a straightforward process. Follow these steps for a perfect, comforting meal every time.
- Prep the Chicken. Begin by thinly slicing your boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs) into even strips, about 1/2-inch thick. This ensures quick and uniform cooking. In a medium bowl, combine the thinly sliced chicken with the all-purpose flour, salt, and black pepper. Toss vigorously until each piece of chicken is thoroughly coated. This flour coating will help the chicken brown beautifully and will also contribute to thickening the sauce later.
- Brown the Chicken. Heat half of the oil and half of the butter in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and shimmering, add the flour-coated chicken in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. If necessary, work in batches to achieve proper browning. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until the chicken is golden brown. It does not need to be cooked through at this stage; we are simply looking to develop flavor and color. Remove the browned chicken from the pan and transfer it to a plate, covering it loosely with foil to keep warm while you prepare the rest of the dish.
- Sauté the Mushrooms. Return the skillet to the heat and add the remaining oil and butter. Once melted, add the thinly sliced mushrooms to the pan. Cook the mushrooms for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they release their moisture, begin to brown, and soften significantly. This browning process is key to developing their deep, earthy flavor. Next, add the minced garlic and fresh thyme to the pan and cook for another minute, stirring constantly, until the garlic becomes fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Build the Sauce. Sprinkle the remaining tablespoon of all-purpose flour over the sautéed mushrooms and garlic mixture. Stir well, cooking for about 1-2 minutes, until the flour is fully incorporated and no white streaks remain. This creates a roux that will thicken your sauce. Gradually pour in the chicken broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue to whisk until the sauce is smooth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then return the browned chicken back to the pan. Allow the stroganoff to simmer for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency and the chicken is fully cooked through and tender.
- Finish with Creaminess. Once you have a beautifully thick and rich sauce surrounding the tender chicken and mushrooms, remove the pan from the heat. This step is crucial for preventing the sour cream from curdling. Stir in the Dijon mustard and then gently fold in the sour cream until it is fully incorporated and the sauce is uniformly creamy. Taste the stroganoff and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and black pepper as needed. Serve immediately over your choice of egg noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Pro Tips & Variations for Perfect Chicken Stroganoff
Achieving the perfect creamy chicken stroganoff is easy with a few expert tips and optional variations to suit your taste.
- Serving Suggestions. How you serve your chicken stroganoff is entirely up to your preference, but classic pairings truly elevate the experience. I personally find it incredibly satisfying over fluffy egg noodles, which are perfect for soaking up every drop of that rich, creamy sauce. Many people also love stroganoff over perfectly cooked white rice, offering a different texture and a lighter feel. For a heartier alternative, consider serving it with creamy mashed potatoes, which create a wonderfully decadent combination. You could also try polenta or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
- The Importance of Fat. The recipe calls for a mix of both butter and olive oil for a reason – you get the best of both worlds! Butter contributes a deep, nutty flavor and aids in browning, while olive oil has a higher smoke point, preventing the butter from burning quickly. Don’t skip one; the combination is key for optimal flavor and cooking.
- Mushroom Choices & Preparation. I typically use baby bella (cremini) mushrooms for their robust flavor and good texture, but feel free to use button mushrooms for a milder taste, or brown mushrooms for a deeper, earthier profile – whatever you have on hand will work. If you are a mushroom enthusiast and want a ton of mushrooms, don’t hesitate to add more! Just be sure to sauté them in batches if your pan isn’t large enough to prevent overcrowding, which can lead to steaming instead of browning. For an entirely mushroom-focused dish, try our delicious Mushroom Stroganoff.
- Handling Sour Cream with Care. Sour cream is the star of the stroganoff sauce, but it requires a gentle touch. If sour cream heats too quickly or is boiled, it can curdle and separate, resulting in a grainy, unappetizing sauce. To avoid this, always remove the pan from the heat before stirring in the sour cream. For an extra layer of protection, I like to measure out my sour cream at the beginning of the cooking process so it can come to room temperature, reducing the thermal shock when it’s added to the warm sauce at the very end.
- Flavor Boosters: Consider adding a splash of dry white wine to the pan after the mushrooms are browned but before adding the broth. This will deglaze the pan and add another layer of sophisticated flavor. A pinch of nutmeg can also enhance the creamy sauce, adding warmth and complexity.
- Chicken Variations: While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are convenient, chicken thighs offer more flavor and tend to stay juicier. If you prefer, you can also use cubed rotisserie chicken for an even faster prep time; just add it at the very end to warm through, as it’s already cooked.
What Goes With Creamy Chicken Stroganoff
Trust me, you’ll definitely want to add this super easy chicken dinner to your regular menu rotation. It has the power to make your family rethink what chicken dinner can be! Since this hearty dish is traditionally served over comforting noodles or rice, you often won’t need a lot of additional sides to create a filling and complete meal. However, a few carefully chosen accompaniments can truly enhance the dining experience and balance the richness of the stroganoff.
- Roasted Green Beans: A crisp and vibrant green vegetable provides a refreshing contrast to the creamy sauce. Roasting them brings out their natural sweetness and a slight char that is simply delicious.
- Tossed Salad: A light, fresh green salad with a simple vinaigrette can cut through the richness of the stroganoff, offering a healthy and bright counterpoint.
- Easy Biscuit Recipe: Fluffy, warm biscuits are perfect for soaking up any leftover creamy sauce, adding another layer of comfort to your meal.
- Italian Cheese Pull Apart Bread: For those who love a cheesy, garlicky side, this bread is fantastic for scooping up the savory sauce and adding a wonderful texture.
- Steamed Asparagus: Lightly steamed asparagus spears with a squeeze of lemon offer a delicate yet flavorful green side that won’t overpower the main dish.
- Crusty French Bread: A simple, crusty baguette is always a winner. Tear off pieces to sop up every last bit of the incredible stroganoff sauce.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
Having leftovers of this delicious Creamy Chicken Stroganoff is a treat! Proper storage ensures you can enjoy its comforting flavors again.
Storage: Store any leftover Creamy Chicken Stroganoff in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, it’s best to do so gently to maintain the sauce’s creamy texture. I recommend microwaving at 50% power, stirring frequently and checking often, or reheating on the stovetop over low heat, stirring continuously, to make sure the sauce stays creamy and doesn’t separate or curdle. If the sauce appears a bit too thick, you can add a splash of chicken broth or milk while reheating to loosen it up.
Freezing
For longer storage, it is generally best to freeze just the chicken and sauce portion of the stroganoff, separate from any noodles or rice. Cooked pasta can become mushy and unpleasant in texture after being frozen and thawed. Place the chicken and sauce mixture in a freezer-safe, airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag, ensuring there is minimal air to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To thaw, transfer the container to the refrigerator overnight. Reheat gently over low heat in a skillet on the stovetop, stirring constantly. You may need to add a tablespoon or two of chicken broth or milk to bring the sauce back to its original consistency. Once reheated, prepare fresh noodles or rice to serve alongside.
More Easy Chicken Dinner Recipes You’ll Love
If you’re looking for more simple and delicious ways to enjoy chicken, these recipes are fantastic additions to your weekly meal plan:
- Tuscan Chicken Pasta
- Chicken Bacon Ranch Wrap
- Instant Pot White Chicken Chili
- French Onion Chicken
- Chicken Pot Pie Noodles
Creamy Chicken Stroganoff
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Equipment
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Measuring Spoons
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Pot and Pan Set
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into thin strips
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 Tablespoons oil, divided
- 2 Tablespoons butter, divided
- 8 oz mushrooms, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 Tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 Tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- salt and pepper to taste
- 8 oz egg noodles, cooked according to package directions
Instructions
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Toss together the 1/4 cup flour, chicken, salt and pepper until well coated.1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
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In a large skillet heat 1 Tablespoon oil and 1 Tablespoon butter together over medium high heat. Add chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally, until done. Remove from pan and cover to keep warm.2 Tablespoons oil, 2 Tablespoons butter
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Add remaining butter and oil to the pan. Add mushrooms and cook for 5 minutes.8 oz mushrooms
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Stir in garlic and thyme and cook until mushrooms are browned and garlic is soft.3 cloves garlic, 2 teaspoon fresh thyme
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Sprinkle 1 Tablespoon of flour over the mushroom and stir until mushrooms are coated, and no white flour remains.1 Tablespoon all-purpose flour
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Whisk in chicken stock and bring to a simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes until it starts to thicken.1 cup chicken broth
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Add chicken back to the pan and cook for 1 minute to make sure chicken is hot.
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Remove from heat and stir in Dijon mustard and sour cream. Season with salt and pepper.1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1/2 cup sour cream, salt and pepper to taste
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Serve over cooked egg noodles. Garnish with fresh parsley.1 Tablespoon fresh parsley, 8 oz egg noodles
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
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