Chicken Stroganoff – An Irresistible Family Favorite

The onions sizzle first, then the garlic hits the pansmells like something my mom would’ve made on a rainy Thursday. This chicken stroganoff brings all that nostalgic, stick-to-your-ribs joy, but with a little weekday simplicity. It’s making a comeback lately because we’re all craving meals that feel like hugs.

It’s creamy, cozy, and comes together fast. Tender chicken, mushrooms, and a light-but-luscious sour cream saucethis dish is like your grandma’s stroganoff but sped up and lightened just enough. You can make it with pantry staples, and it’s naturally adaptable. I keep it balanced enough for a weekday dinner, but still rich enough to call comfort food. Even better? Leftovers make a great lunch. Like creamy chicken stroganoff, only quicker and easier.

First made this back in fall 2016, when I was deep into researching grocery swaps for busy families. My sister grabbed seconds and said, “Waitthis is actually healthy?” That’s when I knew it worked. I trimmed the butter, swapped the usual heavy cream, and kept the flavor rich by building in layers. Ten years writing and sourcing real-food recipes taught me this: simple tweaks make old favorites shineand stick around.

Yesica Andrews

Chicken Stroganoff Recipe – Simple and Delicious Dinner

When comfort food calls, this creamy chicken stroganoff answers with tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and a rich, tangy sour cream sauce. This easy, one-pan chicken stroganoff is ready in just 30 minutes, making it a perfect cozy dinner option that pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 350

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 chicken breasts, cut into 1” pieces
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Salt & pepper to taste
• Flour (for dredging)
• 3 tbsp olive oil, divided
• 1 tbsp butter
• 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
• ½ medium onion, chopped
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (or more to taste)
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (or more to taste)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ⅔ cup chicken broth
• ½ cup full-fat sour cream

Method

 

1. Season & coat chicken in garlic powder, salt, pepper, and flour.
2. Sear the chicken in hot olive oil, cooking in batches until browned. Set aside.
3. In the same pan, sauté butter, mushrooms, and onions until soft and golden.
4. Stir in Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic, cooking for 1 minute.
5. Add chicken broth, scrape up the flavorful bits, and return chicken to the pan. Cook for 2 minutes.
6. Stir in sour cream, heating through without boiling. Season & serve immediately!

Notes

• For best results, do not boil after adding sour cream to prevent curdling. Serve over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Why You’ll Love It

Craving classic comfort but short on time? This Chicken Stroganoff is your answer! It’s everything you adore in a nostalgic, comforting dinner, yet it comes together effortlessly in just 30 minutes. This recipe strikes the perfect balance: wonderfully cozy and rich, but streamlined for busy evenings using minimal, everyday ingredients. Imagine tender chicken, savory mushrooms, and a light-but-luscious sour cream sauce – it’s truly like a warm hug from the stove.

• Fast and Practical: Enjoy a homemade meal just 30 minutes from prep to plate.
• Family-Friendly: A beloved dish by kids and adults alike, making it perfect for any weeknight or casual gathering.
• Flexible: Effortlessly pair it with classic egg noodles, fluffy rice, or pillowy mashed potatoes for your ideal cozy meal.

It’s the comfort food we all grew up with, refreshed just enough to keep it light without losing any of that cherished richness!

The Story Behind My Best Chicken Stroganoff

This chicken stroganoff recipe took quite a few rounds to nail down. At one point, I overcooked the chicken, and in another attempt, the sauce was too thin. But each experiment taught me exactly how to balance the creaminess with perfectly tender chicken. What I’m sharing here is the result of plenty of patience, a dash of stubbornness, and a few happy kitchen accidents that led to this reliably delicious version.

Key Ingredients and Substitutions

This recipe spotlights a few key players and relies on common pantry staples for maximum flavor. Here’s what you’ll need for the main components, plus ideas for easy swaps:

Step-by-Step Instructions: How It Comes Together

This truly is a one-pan wonder! With a little prep, it all comes together beautifully. Before you start, gather your ingredients and cut your chicken.

1. Prep the chicken: Cut chicken breasts into 1-inch bite-sized pieces or thin strips. Season them generously with garlic powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Lightly dredge the seasoned chicken in flour; this helps create a beautiful golden crust and slightly thickens the sauce later.
2. Brown the chicken: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken pieces in batches until lightly golden brown. Don’t overcrowd the pan. Once browned, set the chicken aside to keep it tender.
3. Sauté the veggies: In the same pan, melt a little butter. Add sliced mushrooms and diced onions, cooking them until they are soft, golden, and fragrant. This step is key for building a deep, savory flavor base.
4. Build the sauce: Stir in minced garlic, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, scraping up any flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it cook for 1-2 minutes to meld the flavors.
5. Add the chicken and finish: Return the browned chicken to the pan. Simmer for about 2 minutes to allow the chicken to warm through and absorb some sauce. Remove the pan from the heat, then stir in the sour cream. Heat gently over very low heat, stirring constantly, until the sauce is warmed through and silky. **Important:** Do not let the sauce boil once sour cream is added, as it can curdle. Serve immediately!

Pro Tip: Achieving a silky sauce with sour cream is all about gentle heating. Always stir it in off the heat or over the lowest possible setting to prevent any curdling.

Pro Tips and Tweaks

Want to adapt this recipe for specific preferences or make it even easier? Here are my top tips:

• For Extra Veggies: Toss in a handful of fresh spinach or some frozen peas during the last minute of cooking, just when you add the sour cream. They’ll wilt beautifully and add a pop of green.
• For Gluten-Free: Skip the flour dredge entirely. If you find the sauce isn’t thick enough, you can create a slurry with a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with two tablespoons of cold water, then whisk it into the simmering sauce gradually until desired thickness is reached.
• If Your Sauce Looks Too Thick: Don’t worry! Add an extra splash of chicken broth, water, or even a little milk to loosen it up to your desired consistency.
• Spice it Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce can add a subtle kick if you enjoy a little heat.

This recipe is incredibly forgiving, so feel free to tweak it to suit your tastes without a lot of guesswork!

Serving and Storage Suggestions

Chicken Stroganoff is undoubtedly at its best served immediately, but rest assured, the leftovers are absolutely fantastic too. For a complete meal that feels like home, pair it with creamy mashed potatoes, classic buttered egg noodles, or fluffy white rice. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or dill makes a lovely garnish.

Note: The sauce may thicken a bit as it chills in the fridge. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to bring it back to its ideal consistency.

Expert Insight: Mastering Chicken Stroganoff

To truly master this quick Chicken Stroganoff, focus on searing the chicken for optimal texture and allowing the mushrooms to deeply brown – this is where much of the savory depth comes from. While the recipe is fast, these small steps build layers of flavor that make every bite comforting and consistently delicious. If you opt for boneless thighs, their natural moisture will forgive slight overcooking, making the dish even more foolproof.

FAQs ( Chicken Stroganoff
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Conclusion

This chicken stroganoff is a quick, cozy winnerready in about 30 minutes with simple, family-friendly ingredients. Tender chicken and creamy sauce come together effortlessly for a dish that’s both comforting and light enough to enjoy any night of the week. You’ll love how it fills your kitchen with warmth and nostalgic flavors, without any fuss.

Feeling creative? Try swapping in spinach or peas for a fresh pop, or go gluten-free by using cornstarch instead of flour. Leftovers store well, so pack them for an easy lunch that tastes just as good. These little tips come from kitchen wisdom I’ve picked up over the years, making this creamy chicken stroganoff feel like a reliable friend in your recipe box.

Made this your own yet? I’d love to see your photos or hear your favorite twistsdid this dish remind you of a family meal? Share the love by passing it on or cooking it for someone special. Cozy meals like this are meant to be savored and shared, after all.

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