Chicken Mushroom Stroganoff

Introduction

Chicken Mushroom Stroganoff is a comforting and creamy dish that combines tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and a rich, savory sauce made with sour cream and herbs. Tossed with your favorite pasta or served over rice or mashed potatoes, this hearty meal is both satisfying and easy to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy family gatherings.

I first made Chicken Mushroom Stroganoff on a chilly evening when I wanted something warm and indulgent. The combination of juicy chicken and meaty mushrooms in a velvety sauce was pure comfort in a bowl. The subtle tanginess of the sour cream balanced the richness beautifully, and the dish quickly became a staple in my recipe collection.

What I love most about this Stroganoff is its flexibility. You can swap chicken for turkey or tofu, add a splash of white wine for extra depth, or experiment with different mushrooms like cremini or shiitake for a variety of textures and flavors. No matter how you make it, Chicken Mushroom Stroganoff is a crowd-pleaser that always hits the spot.

Perfect for:

  • Family dinners
  • Weeknight meals
  • Potlucks
  • Comfort food cravings
  • Mushroom and creamy sauce lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why this Chicken Mushroom Stroganoff will become your go-to recipe:

  • Comfort Food Classic: A warm, creamy dish that feels like a hug in a bowl.
  • Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy evenings.
  • Protein-Packed: Combines lean chicken with nutrient-rich mushrooms.
  • Rich and Creamy Sauce: Made with sour cream for a luxurious texture.
  • Customizable: Swap chicken for beef or tofu for a unique twist.
  • Kid-Friendly: A dish the whole family will love, including picky eaters.
  • Pairs with Everything: Serve over noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes.
  • One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup required.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly: Tastes even better the next day.
  • Versatile: Works well with a variety of mushrooms and herbs.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Total Time: 25-30 minutes
  • Preparation Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
  • Servings: 4 servings
  • Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
  • Key Nutrients: Protein: 25g, Carbs: 15g, Fat: 18g

Ingredients

For the Stroganoff:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into strips
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 8 oz mushrooms (button, cremini, or mixed), sliced
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

For Serving:

  • 12 oz egg noodles or cooked rice

Ingredient Highlights

  • Fresh Mushrooms: Provide a rich, earthy flavor to the dish.
  • Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and creaminess to the sauce.
  • Dijon Mustard: Enhances the depth of flavor in the sauce.
  • Paprika: Adds warmth and a subtle smoky flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Chicken:

  1. Heat Oil: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
  2. Cook Chicken: Add chicken strips, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned on both sides, about 4-5 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Prepare the Sauce:

  1. Sauté Onions and Garlic: In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed and sauté onions until soft and translucent, about 2 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
  2. Cook Mushrooms: Add sliced mushrooms and cook until browned and tender, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add Paprika and Flour: Stir in paprika and sprinkle flour over the mushroom mixture. Cook for 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste.

Make the Sauce:

  1. Add Broth: Gradually pour in chicken broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook until slightly thickened.
  2. Add Creamy Ingredients: Stir in sour cream and Dijon mustard until smooth. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Combine and Serve:

  1. Return Chicken to Sauce: Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet and simmer for 5 minutes to heat through and meld flavors.
  2. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve over egg noodles or rice.

How to Serve

Here are 10 serving suggestions for Chicken Mushroom Stroganoff:

  • Classic Style: Over egg noodles for a traditional stroganoff experience.
  • With Rice: Serve over fluffy white or brown rice for a hearty meal.
  • With Mashed Potatoes: Pair with creamy mashed potatoes for ultimate comfort food.
  • Over Quinoa: A healthier twist with added protein.
  • With Crusty Bread: Mop up the creamy sauce with a slice of crusty bread.
  • On a Bed of Greens: Serve over steamed spinach or kale for a lighter option.
  • With Roasted Veggies: Accompany with roasted carrots, asparagus, or zucchini.
  • In a Bread Bowl: Transform into a fun and interactive dish by serving in a hollowed-out bread bowl.
  • As a Casserole: Mix with cooked noodles, top with cheese, and bake for a bubbly casserole.
  • With Grated Parmesan: Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top for an extra savory finish.

Additional Tips

  • Enhance the Mushrooms: Sauté the mushrooms separately in butter before adding them to the dish. This enhances their flavor and prevents them from becoming soggy.
  • Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh thyme or parsley can add a burst of freshness. Sprinkle them on top just before serving.
  • Add Depth with Wine: Deglaze the pan with white wine or a splash of sherry before adding the broth. This adds depth to the sauce.
  • Creamy Perfection: Mix sour cream with a little cornstarch or flour before adding it to prevent curdling.
  • Broth Choice Matters: Use low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth to control the saltiness of the dish.
  • Include a Touch of Mustard: A teaspoon of Dijon mustard enhances the savory flavor without overpowering the dish.
  • Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for a hint of spice.
  • Balance with Lemon: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens the sauce and balances the richness.
  • Cook the Pasta Separately: Always cook pasta or noodles separately and toss them in the sauce just before serving to avoid mushiness.
  • Garnish for Texture: Top with crispy fried onions or toasted breadcrumbs for added crunch and flavor.

Recipe Variations

  • Beef Stroganoff: Substitute chicken with strips of beef sirloin.
  • Vegetarian Stroganoff: Use tofu, tempeh, or extra mushrooms instead of chicken.
  • Spicy Stroganoff: Add a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes for heat.
  • Cream Cheese Version: Mix in a dollop of cream cheese for extra richness.
  • Herby Stroganoff: Add rosemary or tarragon for a unique flavor twist.
  • Cheesy Stroganoff: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or Gruyère into the sauce.
  • Vegan Option: Use plant-based chicken, dairy-free sour cream, and vegetable broth.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Serve over gluten-free pasta or use cornstarch instead of flour.
  • Wine Infusion: Replace some of the chicken broth with white wine for depth.
  • Tomato Stroganoff: Add a splash of tomato paste for a slightly tangy variation.

Special Equipment

  • Cutting Board – For chopping vegetables, mushrooms, and chicken.
  • Chef’s Knife – A sharp, versatile knife for precise chopping and slicing.
  • Skillet or Sauté Pan – A deep pan for browning chicken and sautéing mushrooms.
  • Dutch Oven or Large Pot – For simmering the stroganoff sauce and ensuring even cooking.
  • Wooden Spoon – For stirring ingredients and preventing sticking.
  • Meat Mallet (optional) – If you need to flatten chicken breasts for even cooking.
  • Spatula – For flipping and stirring ingredients while sautéing.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons – For accurate measurement of liquids, spices, and flour.
  • Whisk – For mixing flour or cream to ensure a smooth sauce.
  • Ladle – For serving the stroganoff evenly onto plates.

FAQ Section

  1. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
    Yes, add pre-cooked chicken at the end to heat through without overcooking.
  2. What mushrooms work best?
    Cremini, button, or portobello mushrooms are great choices.
  3. Can I freeze this dish?
    It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it. Reheat gently to prevent the sauce from splitting.
  4. How do I thicken the sauce more?
    Add a slurry of cornstarch and water if needed.
  5. Can I make it dairy-free?
    Use a plant-based cream substitute for the sour cream.
  6. What can I serve alongside?
    Steamed vegetables or a green salad complement this dish nicely.
  7. How do I reheat leftovers?
    Gently heat on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of broth to loosen the sauce.
  8. Can I double the recipe?
    Yes, it scales well—just use a larger skillet.
  9. What’s the best way to store leftovers?
    Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  10. Is this recipe gluten-free?
    Not as written, but swapping flour for cornstarch and serving over gluten-free pasta makes it gluten-free.

Conclusion

Chicken Mushroom Stroganoff is a hearty and comforting dish that combines tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and a creamy, savory sauce. This dish is a flavorful twist on the classic stroganoff, featuring perfectly sautéed mushrooms and juicy chicken pieces in a rich sauce made with sour cream, garlic, and a hint of paprika. Served over egg noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes, it’s a meal that’s as satisfying as it is delicious.

This recipe is easy to customize—add a splash of white wine for depth, fresh parsley for a burst of freshness, or swap out the chicken for turkey or tofu for a different take. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, Chicken Mushroom Stroganoff is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

I’d love to see your Chicken Mushroom Stroganoff creations! Share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I can’t wait to see how you brought this dish to life. Don’t forget to leave a comment and share any creative twists or personal touches you added!

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