Chicken Stroganoff Recipe

The Creamiest Chicken Stroganoff Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Creamy and comforting, this chicken stroganoff recipe brings a classic Russian-inspired dish to your dinner table with a delightful twist.

Tender chicken pieces melt into a rich, velvety sauce that promises pure satisfaction.

The blend of sour cream, mushrooms, and fragrant herbs creates a harmony of flavors you’ll adore.

Every forkful tells a story of warmth and tradition, making this meal more than just sustenance.

Weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings become extraordinary with this simple yet elegant dish.

Serve over fluffy egg noodles for a complete meal that transforms an ordinary evening into a culinary celebration.

Prepare to fall in love with this irresistible comfort food that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Chicken Stroganoff: Creamy, Cozy, Classic

  • Transforms simple ingredients into a creamy, comforting meal that feels like a restaurant-quality dish right at home.
  • Perfect for home cooks of all levels, with straightforward steps that guarantee delicious results without complex techniques.
  • Minimizes kitchen cleanup by preparing the entire meal in a single skillet, making it a smart choice for busy families and weeknight dinners.
  • Combines rich, tangy sour cream sauce with tender chicken, creating a universally loved dish that satisfies both kids and adults.

Stroganoff Ingredients For Perfect Flavor

Main Protein:
  • Chicken: A lean and tender protein that forms the heart of this classic comfort dish.
Aromatics and Flavor Builders:
  • Onions, Garlic: These ingredients provide a rich, savory base that enhances the overall depth of flavor in the stroganoff.
Binding and Creamy Components:
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, velvety sauce.
  • Flour: Acts as a thickening agent to give the sauce its signature creamy consistency.
  • Chicken Stock: Provides a deep, savory liquid base for the sauce.
  • Heavy Cream: Contributes to the luxurious, creamy texture of the dish.
  • Sour Cream: Adds a tangy finish and helps create a smooth, silky sauce.
Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Worcestershire Sauce, Salt, Pepper: These ingredients balance and intensify the overall flavor profile of the stroganoff.
Serving Suggestion:
  • Egg Noodles: A classic pasta that perfectly complements the creamy chicken sauce.
  • Fresh Parsley: Optional garnish that adds a bright, fresh note to the dish.

Tools To Make Chicken Stroganoff Easy

  • Large Skillet: Essential for browning chicken and cooking the entire dish with even heat distribution.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring ingredients and scraping browned bits from pan bottom.
  • Whisk: Crucial for smoothly blending liquids and preventing flour lumps in sauce.
  • Cutting Board: Needed for preparing chicken and chopping onions and garlic.
  • Sharp Knife: Used for slicing chicken and chopping onions and garlic.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Necessary for accurate ingredient measurements.
  • Plate: Helpful for holding browned chicken between batches.

Steps To Silky, Rich Chicken Stroganoff

Step 1: Sizzle and Brown Chicken

Heat a large skillet over medium temperature.

Add butter and let it melt completely.

Carefully place chicken pieces into the skillet, ensuring they have space between them.

Brown the chicken on all sides until golden and crispy, which takes about 5 minutes per batch.

Transfer browned chicken to a separate plate.

Step 2: Caramelize Onions

In the same skillet, add remaining butter.

Toss in chopped onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally.

Allow onions to become soft and develop a light golden color, which takes approximately 10-15 minutes.

While cooking, scrape any delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

Step 3: Infuse with Garlic

Drop minced garlic into the skillet and stir quickly.

Cook until the garlic becomes wonderfully fragrant, which happens in about 30 seconds.

Step 4: Create Silky Sauce Base

Sprinkle flour over the onion and garlic mixture.

Stir thoroughly to ensure complete incorporation.

Cook for one minute to remove raw flour taste.

Step 5: Pour Liquid Gold

Gradually pour in:
  • Chicken stock
  • Heavy cream

Whisk continuously to prevent lumps from forming.

The mixture will begin to thicken and become smooth.

Step 6: Season and Enhance

Add:
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Whisk everything together until well combined.

Step 7: Reunite Chicken with Sauce

Return browned chicken pieces to the skillet, including any accumulated juices.

Gently stir to coat chicken completely in the creamy sauce.

Step 8: Simmer to Perfection

Allow the mixture to simmer gently.

Cook for 5-10 minutes until sauce thickens and chicken is fully cooked through.

Step 9: Finish with Creamy Twist

Remove skillet from heat.

Stir in sour cream until fully integrated.

Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.

Step 10: Plate and Garnish

Serve hot over cooked egg noodles.

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a beautiful presentation.

Tips For Luscious, Creamy Stroganoff

  • Cook chicken in separate batches to ensure each piece gets a perfect golden-brown exterior without overcrowding the skillet.
  • Use a wooden spoon to scrape up browned bits from the pan while cooking onions, as these caramelized pieces add incredible depth of flavor to the sauce.
  • Pour liquids slowly and whisk continuously to prevent lumpy sauce, creating a silky-smooth texture that coats the chicken beautifully.
  • Remove the pan from heat before adding sour cream to prevent curdling and maintain a creamy, velvety consistency.
  • This dish reheats wonderfully, making it perfect for make-ahead meals or next-day leftovers with flavors that continue to develop overnight.

Stroganoff Twists For Weeknight Dinners

  • Turkey Stroganoff: Replace chicken with lean ground turkey or turkey breast for a lighter protein option with similar cooking techniques.
  • Vegetarian Stroganoff: Swap chicken with sliced portobello mushrooms or plant-based chicken alternative, maintaining the creamy sauce's rich flavor profile.
  • Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and replace sour cream with dairy-free yogurt or cashew cream for lactose-intolerant individuals.
  • Low-Carb Option: Substitute egg noodles with spiralized zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrate content while keeping the classic stroganoff taste.

Serving Up Chicken Stroganoff Comfort

  • Comfort Plate Pairing: Serve this creamy chicken stroganoff over fluffy white rice or buttery mashed potatoes for a hearty, satisfying meal that hugs your taste buds.
  • Elegant Sidekick Suggestions: Pair with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette or roasted seasonal vegetables to balance the rich, creamy sauce and add a fresh crunch.
  • Herb Magic Finish: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley, chives, or dill on top just before serving to brighten the dish with a pop of color and a burst of fresh herbal flavor that elevates the entire meal.
  • Wine Companion Choice: Complement the creamy stroganoff with a medium-bodied white wine like Chardonnay or a light Pinot Noir that will enhance the dish's subtle flavors without overwhelming the delicate sauce.

Storing Stroganoff For The Next Day

  • Store leftover chicken stroganoff in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • Transfer cooled stroganoff to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal completely, and freeze for 2-3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
  • Place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap with a small vent. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.

FAQs

  • What makes chicken stroganoff different from beef stroganoff?

Chicken stroganoff uses chicken breast instead of beef, creating a lighter and milder flavor profile while maintaining the creamy sauce and rich texture of the traditional Russian dish.

  • Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?

Yes, Greek yogurt is an excellent substitute for sour cream. It provides similar tanginess and creaminess while adding extra protein and reducing overall fat content.

  • Is this recipe gluten-free friendly?

No, the recipe contains flour as a thickening agent. To make it gluten-free, you can replace wheat flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend to maintain the sauce’s consistency.

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Chicken Stroganoff Recipe

Chicken Stroganoff Recipe


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4.8 from 13 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Hearty chicken stroganoff blends tender meat with creamy sauce in a classic Russian-inspired dish. Comfort meets culinary tradition, satisfying home cooks with rich flavors and simple ingredients you’ll crave.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, small-diced
  • 4 tablespoons (60 milliliters) salted butter, divided use

Aromatics and Vegetables:

  • 1 small sweet onion, small diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

Seasoning and Additional Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) unsalted chicken stock
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) Worcestershire sauce
  • 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/3 cup (80 milliliters) sour cream

Serving Suggestions:

  • Cooked egg noodles
  • Fresh chopped parsley (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium temperature and melt butter, creating a smooth cooking surface for the chicken.
  2. Brown chicken pieces in batches, ensuring each piece develops a golden exterior without overcrowding the pan, approximately 5 minutes per batch. Transfer browned chicken to a separate plate.
  3. In the same skillet, sauté onions until they become translucent and develop a light caramel color, carefully scraping residual chicken bits from the pan’s bottom to enhance flavor depth, about 10-12 minutes.
  4. Introduce minced garlic and quickly toast until aromatic, releasing its robust essence, roughly 30 seconds.
  5. Sprinkle flour over the onion-garlic mixture, stirring thoroughly to eliminate dry pockets and create a smooth roux, cooking for one minute to remove raw flour taste.
  6. Gradually pour chicken stock and heavy cream into the skillet, whisking consistently to prevent lumps and create a silky sauce.
  7. Incorporate Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper, blending thoroughly to distribute seasonings evenly.
  8. Return browned chicken to the skillet, including any accumulated juices, and integrate with the developing sauce.
  9. Reduce heat and allow the mixture to simmer, letting flavors meld and sauce thicken, approximately 7-8 minutes, ensuring chicken reaches optimal internal temperature.
  10. Remove from heat and fold in sour cream, creating a luxurious, creamy texture. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
  11. Plate over warm egg noodles and optionally garnish with fresh parsley for a vibrant presentation.

Notes

  • Choose skinless, boneless chicken breasts for even cooking and easier slicing, ensuring tender meat that absorbs sauce perfectly.
  • Brown chicken in batches to prevent overcrowding, which steams meat instead of creating delicious golden-brown caramelization.
  • Use full-fat sour cream for richest flavor and smoothest texture, stirring gently at the end to prevent curdling.
  • Substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half for lighter versions, maintaining creamy consistency while reducing calories.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Russian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 487
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 610 mg
  • Fat: 27 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 27 g
  • Cholesterol: 106 mg
Marcus Reed

Marcus Reed

Founder & Food Content Creator

Expertise

Single-recipe development, Seasonal and local ingredient utilization, Food photography and styling, Culinary writing and content creation​

Education

Culinary Arts Certificate, Blue Ridge Community and Technical College, WV
Focus: Fundamentals of culinary techniques, emphasizing hands-on experience in small-scale kitchen settings.


Marcus’s story begins in Asheville, where good food and family kitchens shaped his earliest memories. After hands-on culinary training and a lot of trial (and a little error), he realized that real cooking isn’t about perfection, it’s about connection.
At Pan and Oven, Marcus crafts recipes that are easy to follow, packed with flavor, and built for real kitchens.

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