This is comfort food with a silk robe on. Creamy Chicken Stroganoff takes the beloved Russian-inspired dish and gives it a lighter, modern twist using tender chicken instead of beef—while keeping all the rich, tangy, ultra-satisfying flavor you crave. Think juicy golden-seared chicken bathed in a luxurious mushroom sour cream sauce, all spooned over buttery noodles or fluffy rice. It’s weeknight-fast but worthy of weekend indulgence, and it all comes together in under 40 minutes.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, sliced into thin strips
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional but recommended)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces cremini or white mushrooms, sliced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
- ½ cup sour cream (full-fat preferred)
- ¼ cup heavy cream (or more broth for a lighter option)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
To Serve:
- Egg noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes
- Extra sour cream or Parmesan (optional)
Equipment Needed:
- Large sauté pan or skillet
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Tongs
- Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions
- Sear the Chicken: Pat chicken dry and season with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer and sear 3–4 minutes per side until golden. Remove to a plate and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: Reduce heat to medium. Add butter, then onions. Cook 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and mushrooms; sauté 5–6 minutes until mushrooms are browned and reduced in size.
- Make the Sauce: Sprinkle flour over the mushroom mixture and stir to coat. Cook 1 minute. Gradually whisk in chicken broth, scraping up any brown bits. Simmer 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add the Cream: Stir in sour cream, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer gently (don’t boil!) for 3–4 minutes until creamy and cohesive. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
- Return Chicken: Add chicken and any juices back to the pan. Simmer 4–5 minutes until chicken is cooked through and sauce clings to every piece.
- Serve: Spoon over buttered egg noodles or your starch of choice. Garnish with fresh parsley and an extra dollop of sour cream, if desired.
Recipe Notes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Calories: ~460 per serving (not including noodles)
Why Chicken Stroganoff?
While traditional beef stroganoff is rich and hearty, chicken brings a lighter, weeknight-friendly vibe. The result is faster to cook, a bit leaner, and every bit as comforting. Chicken’s mild flavor soaks up the velvety sauce beautifully, while the paprika and garlic add depth and warmth without overpowering.
It’s ideal for families, picky eaters, or anyone looking for creamy satisfaction without a red meat commitment.
Sauce Secrets
What makes this dish sing is the balance of the sauce. Sour cream gives it signature tang, while heavy cream adds velvety richness. Dijon and Worcestershire add complexity and umami, turning pantry staples into something restaurant-worthy.
Avoid curdling by not letting the sauce boil after adding the sour cream. Keep the heat at a gentle simmer and stir frequently. Full-fat sour cream holds better in sauces than low-fat versions.
The flour provides just enough structure to coat noodles without feeling heavy, and the sautéed mushrooms contribute both body and earthy depth.
Choosing the Chicken
Both chicken breasts and thighs work beautifully in this dish. Breasts are leaner and quicker to cook; thighs are more forgiving and flavorful. Either way, slicing the chicken thinly ensures fast, even cooking.
For extra convenience, rotisserie chicken can be substituted—just skip the searing step and warm it in the sauce at the end.
Make It Yours
Add Veggies: Stir in spinach, kale, or frozen peas for color and nutrition.
Boost the Herbs: Try fresh dill or tarragon instead of parsley for a more Eastern European profile.
Swap the Protein: Use turkey, tofu, or even sautéed tempeh for different dietary needs.
Go Gluten-Free: Use cornstarch instead of flour to thicken the sauce, and serve over gluten-free noodles or rice.
Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes for gentle heat.
Storage and Meal Prep
This dish keeps well for meal prep. Store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed.
Freezing: Not ideal due to the sour cream, which can separate, but still possible. Freeze without noodles and reheat slowly, stirring frequently.
Pairing & Presentation
Serve with:
- Buttery egg noodles (the classic)
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Steamed jasmine rice
- Garlic toast for scooping
Pair with a crisp green salad or roasted broccoli to offset the richness. A chilled glass of Chardonnay or dry Riesling makes a great match.
Cost Breakdown
This dish feels luxurious but is wallet-friendly:
- Chicken: ~$5
- Mushrooms: ~$2
- Dairy + pantry staples: ~$4
- Noodles: ~$1.50
Total cost: under $13 for four full servings—less than $3.50 per person for something that tastes like it came from a bistro.
Why You’ll Crave It
Creamy Chicken Stroganoff delivers silky sauce, juicy chicken, and bold flavor with minimal effort. It’s the kind of meal that makes you pause mid-bite, nod to yourself, and say, “Yeah, I’m making this again.”
It’s approachable, nostalgic, and endlessly riffable. And best of all, it’s one of those rare dishes that truly satisfies comfort-food cravings while fitting neatly into a weeknight rotation.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken Stroganoff is more than a dinner—it’s a warm hug in a bowl. It respects the classic while evolving it into something more accessible, more adaptable, and arguably, even more delicious. Whether you’re cooking for family, guests, or just yourself after a long day, this dish promises satisfaction with every bite. Rich, creamy, and deeply savory—it’s comfort food perfected.