Chicken Stroganoff is a creamy, comforting dish that brings together tender pieces of chicken with mushrooms and a rich sour cream sauce. The combination of savory flavors makes it a perfect meal when you want something warm and satisfying without too much fuss. The sauce is silky and smooth, coating every bite of chicken, and the mushrooms add this lovely earthy note that just pulls everything together.
I love making Chicken Stroganoff on a busy weeknight because it comes together quickly, and it feels like a special treat even though it’s so easy to prepare. One of my favorite tips is to use bone-in chicken thighs if I have them on hand—they stay juicy and flavorful, but boneless chicken works just fine too. I usually sneak in a little onion and garlic for extra flavor, and the sour cream adds a gentle tang that makes the sauce so delicious.
My go-to way to serve this dish is over buttered egg noodles or fluffy mashed potatoes—both soak up the sauce beautifully. It’s one of those meals that brings everyone to the table with smiles, reminding me of cozy dinners at home. Plus, leftovers are just as good the next day, which is always a win. I hope you’ll enjoy making and eating this simple, tasty comfort food as much as I do!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I like using boneless, skinless chicken thighs because they stay juicy, but chicken breasts work great too. For a lighter dish, turkey breast can be a nice substitute.
Mushrooms: White button or cremini mushrooms are perfect here for their mild, earthy flavor. If you can’t find fresh mushrooms, you could try adding a few tablespoons of mushroom powder or dried mushrooms rehydrated.
Sour Cream: This gives the sauce its creamy tanginess. If you want a dairy-free version, try Greek-style coconut yogurt or a plant-based sour cream alternative. Just add it off the heat to keep the sauce smooth.
Paprika: This is key for flavor and color. Smoked paprika adds a nice depth, but sweet paprika is a fine substitute. Avoid spicy paprika unless you like a bit of heat.
How Do You Keep the Sauce Creamy and Prevent Sour Cream from Curdling?
Adding sour cream can sometimes cause a sauce to split or curdle if not done right. Here’s how to get a smooth, creamy sauce every time:
- Lower the heat to medium-low or off the heat before stirring in the sour cream.
- Temper the sour cream by mixing in a small amount of the hot sauce to the sour cream first, then add it back to the pan slowly.
- Avoid boiling the sauce once the sour cream is added; gentle heat prevents curdling.
- If you’re using a non-dairy substitute, add it the same way and be gentle with heat to keep creaminess.
These steps help keep your Chicken Stroganoff silky and delicious without any unpleasant texture surprises.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet – I use this because it heats evenly and fits all the ingredients comfortably.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – helpful for stirring everything gently and avoiding scratching your pan.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for precision with liquids like broth and sour cream.
- Knife and cutting board – for chopping the onion, garlic, and chicken.
- Stirring spoon – to mix in ingredients gently without breaking down the chicken.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Replace chicken with cooked turkey or ham for a different meat twist.
- Add sautéed spinach or peas for some green and extra nutrients.
- Use different spices like thyme or cumin for a unique flavor profile.
- Top with crumbled feta or shredded cheese for a cheesy finish.
Chicken Stroganoff Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz (225g) mushrooms, sliced (white button or cremini)
- 1 teaspoon paprika (preferably smoked or sweet)
- 1/2 cup (120ml) chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
- 3/4 cup (180ml) sour cream
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked white rice or egg noodles, to serve
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Chicken Stroganoff recipe takes about 30 minutes total. You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping the ingredients and about 20 minutes cooking the dish. It’s a quick, comforting meal you can have on the table pretty fast!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté Onions and Mushrooms:
Heat the olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until they are soft and translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Next, add the garlic and sliced mushrooms. Keep cooking until the mushrooms have released their moisture and start to brown nicely, about 5–6 minutes.
2. Cook the Chicken:
Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on all sides and nearly cooked through, about 5–7 minutes.
3. Make the Sauce:
Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce (if using), and chicken broth. Let everything simmer gently for 5 minutes so the flavors blend and the sauce thickens slightly.
4. Finish with Sour Cream:
Lower the heat to medium-low. Stir in the sour cream carefully, warming the sauce gently—do not let it boil once the sour cream is added to avoid curdling. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
5. Serve:
Serve your creamy Chicken Stroganoff over hot cooked white rice or buttered egg noodles. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and added freshness.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. Thaw in the fridge overnight or use the cold water method by sealing the chicken in a plastic bag and submerging it in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes until thawed.
Can I Substitute Sour Cream in Chicken Stroganoff?
Absolutely! You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt or crème fraîche for a similar tangy creaminess. For a dairy-free option, use a plant-based sour cream alternative, but add it gently off the heat to prevent curdling.
How Should I Store Leftover Chicken Stroganoff?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to keep the sauce smooth.
What’s the Best Way to Serve Chicken Stroganoff?
This dish is delicious served over buttered egg noodles or fluffy white rice to soak up the creamy sauce. For a low-carb option, serve it alongside steamed vegetables or cauliflower rice.
