Creamy Chicken Stroganoff | Quick, Flavorful & Easy Dinner

There’s something about a big skillet of creamy chicken stroganoff that feels like a hug at the end of the day. Tender bites of chicken, earthy mushrooms, and that silky sauce ready in just 30 minutes. It’s cozy, quick, and perfect for any weeknight when comfort meets simplicity.

Why This Creamy Chicken Stroganoff Works

This recipe takes all the best parts of classic beef stroganoff and makes it lighter and faster. Using chicken keeps it tender and budget-friendly, while the mix of butter, Dijon mustard, and sour cream adds rich flavor without heaviness. The dish builds flavor in layers from searing the chicken to browning mushrooms and onions which makes every bite satisfying. Plus, it pairs beautifully with simple sides and requires only one skillet, so cleanup stays easy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Key Ingredients Explained

Chicken breasts: Lean and tender, they cook quickly and soak up all that flavorful sauce.

Garlic powder, salt, and pepper: A simple, reliable seasoning base that boosts the chicken’s natural taste.

Flour: Creates a light coating that helps the chicken brown beautifully and thickens the sauce.

Olive oil and butter: Olive oil keeps the recipe lighter, while butter adds depth and richness.

Cremini mushrooms: Offer an earthy, meaty flavor that rounds out the dish. If needed, white mushrooms make a fine substitute.

Onion: Once sautéed, it adds natural sweetness and a gentle savory base.

Dijon mustard: Brings that signature tangy warmth to the creamy sauce.

Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami depth and a savory punch that ties the flavors together.

Garlic: Fresh and fragrant, it brightens the creamy base and adds a homey aroma.

Chicken broth: Keeps the sauce balanced and prevents it from becoming too heavy.

Sour cream: The heart of that creamy, tangy finish. Don’t skip it Greek yogurt doesn’t replicate the same flavor or smooth texture.

Optional nutmeg: Just a pinch adds gentle warmth and subtle spice to the sauce.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Stroganoff

Prepare and Cook the Chicken

Cut the chicken into 1-inch pieces, then season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Dredge each piece in flour to create a light coating. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken in batches so the pieces sear instead of steam. Each batch takes about 3 minutes per side. Add more oil if needed. Once golden and cooked through, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

Build the Sauce

Add the butter to the same skillet, scraping up any browned bits left from the chicken. Toss in mushrooms and onions, then cook for about 6–8 minutes until they’re browned and fragrant. Stir in Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and minced garlic, letting everything cook for another minute to bloom the flavors. Pour in chicken broth and gently scrape the pan again. Bring it to a simmer, then return the chicken and any juices to the pan. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring well. Finally, reduce heat and fold in the sour cream. Warm the sauce gently never boil it to keep it silky and smooth. Taste and adjust with more salt and pepper if needed.

Tips for Success

Keep your skillet hot for searing, but if it starts smoking, reduce the heat slightly. Don’t overcrowd the pan or the chicken will steam instead of brown. Once you add sour cream, keep the heat low to prevent curdling. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of broth. If it’s too thin, simmer for another minute. Season gradually tasting as you go makes all the difference.

Substitutions and Variations

White mushrooms can replace cremini if that’s what you have. You can also add a touch more Dijon or Worcestershire for stronger flavor. However, sour cream is non-negotiable—it gives the sauce that creamy tang traditional to stroganoff. For a fun twist, add a small pinch of nutmeg or a sprinkle of fresh parsley just before serving.

What to Serve With Chicken Stroganoff

This creamy chicken stroganoff goes beautifully over buttered egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice. The sauce clings perfectly to each bite. For balance, pair it with roasted or sautéed vegetables or a crisp Caesar salad. It’s also a great companion to a light one-pan meal like One pot chicken orzo dinner or something rich like Creamy chicken pesto pasta.

Storage and Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. Reheat slowly on low heat so the sauce stays smooth. Freezing isn’t ideal since sour cream can separate once thawed. Nutrition values may vary, but this recipe typically fits within balanced meal ranges.

FAQs

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• Garlic parmesan chicken recipe

Conclusion

Creamy chicken stroganoff is the kind of dinner that feels comforting yet effortless. In half an hour, you can bring together tender chicken, rich sauce, and earthy mushrooms into a meal that works any night of the week. It’s family-friendly, flexible, and every bit as cozy as it sounds. You can find more kitchen inspiration and step-by-step guides on my Pinterest page or follow along on Facebook.

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