Let me tell you, this Creamy Chicken Stroganoff with Mushrooms and Noodles Recipe is one of those comforting dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. The rich, velvety sauce mingles perfectly with tender chicken and earthy mushrooms, making it an absolute crowd-pleaser any night of the week. I love this recipe because it’s both simple to pull together and impressive enough to serve guests without stress.
When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how the flavors develop during the slow simmer, turning humble ingredients into something fancy without requiring hours in the kitchen. You’ll find that it works wonderfully as a cozy weeknight dinner but is also fantastic for leftovers—just reheat and enjoy. Plus, pairing it with egg noodles or even veggie noodles means it’s flexible enough to suit all sorts of tastes and dietary preferences.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comforting and Creamy: The sauce is rich yet light with sour cream that adds tang and silkiness.
- Simple Ingredients: You probably have most of these on hand, making it an easy midweek meal.
- Versatile Serving Options: Goes great with traditional egg noodles or healthier veggie noodles.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Sauce keeps well and reheats beautifully for quick lunches or dinners.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients in this Creamy Chicken Stroganoff with Mushrooms and Noodles Recipe really work in harmony to bring out that classic stroganoff flavor. I find that using cremini mushrooms adds a great depth without overpowering the chicken, and a touch of paprika gives a subtle warmth.
- Water: Helps thin the sauce and blend all the flavors smoothly.
- Sour cream: The star ingredient that creates a rich, creamy texture and slight tang.
- All-purpose flour: Acts as a gentle thickener for the sauce; you can swap for gluten-free if needed.
- Chicken bouillon: Boosts savory flavors—Better Than Bouillon is my go-to for a natural, robust taste.
- Sweet paprika: Adds a lovely mild smokiness and color—don’t skip this.
- Ground chicken: Lean and easy to cook; breaks up well for stroganoff’s texture.
- Kosher salt: Balances and enhances all the flavors.
- Black pepper: Freshly cracked for a bit of bite.
- Chopped onion: Sweetens and softens the base of the sauce.
- Tomato paste: Adds depth and umami without tomato overpowering the dish.
- Cremini mushrooms: Earthy and meaty, they soak up sauce beautifully.
- Worcestershire sauce: A secret umami booster that complements the chicken perfectly.
- Fresh thyme: Adds herbaceous brightness during cooking, then discarded.
- Chopped parsley: Fresh garnish to brighten every bite.
- Egg noodles or veggie noodles: The ideal vehicle to soak up the luscious sauce.
Variations
I love playing around with this creamy chicken stroganoff recipe depending on the time of year and who’s at the table. Feel free to tweak it to suit your palate or dietary needs — that’s the fun of home cooking!
- Mushroom Swap: I sometimes use shiitake or portobello mushrooms for an even more robust flavor.
- Protein Alternatives: Ground turkey or even finely chopped chicken breast work well if you want a leaner option.
- Dairy-Free Version: Substitute sour cream with a dairy-free yogurt for a similar tang and creaminess.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika if you like a little heat.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Stroganoff with Mushrooms and Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Whip up the Creamy Sauce Base
Start by blending together the water, sour cream, flour, chicken bouillon, and sweet paprika until completely smooth. This mixture is key to your luscious sauce, so make sure there are no lumps. I like using a blender because it speeds things up and guarantees a silky finish to the sauce later on.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Chicken
Heat a large, deep nonstick skillet over high heat and spray with a healthy coating of oil. Toss in your ground chicken with the salt, and cook it while breaking up the meat with your spatula. Aim for small crumbles and cook until it’s just browned, about 5 minutes. Don’t rush this step; browning the chicken well adds important flavor.
Step 3: Soften the Onions and Stir in Tomato Paste
Reduce heat to medium, then add the chopped onions and tomato paste to your skillet. Stir frequently and cook until the onions turn translucent and soft, around 4 to 5 minutes. This slow softening creates a sweet base that balances the tangy and savory notes to come.
Step 4: Add Mushrooms, Herbs & Worcestershire
Now toss in the sliced cremini mushrooms, fresh thyme sprigs, and Worcestershire sauce. Give everything a good stir to combine, letting the mushrooms start to release their earthy aroma. This is where your kitchen begins to smell like the coziest bistro you’ve ever been to.
Step 5: Pour in the Sauce and Simmer Low and Slow
Pour your blended sauce mixture over the chicken and veggies, then bring the whole pan to a boil. Once boiling, cover it up, drop the heat to low, and let it gently simmer for 35 to 45 minutes. This slow cooking tenderizes the chicken and melds all the flavors beautifully. Resist the urge to stir too much; the love is in the gentle bubble.
Step 6: Final Touches and Serve
When the sauce is thick and the chicken meltingly tender, fish out the thyme sprigs and season with black pepper to taste. Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top for a fresh pop of color and herby brightness. Serve this creamy chicken stroganoff on top of your favorite cooked noodles or veggie noodles, and prepare for lots of happy sighs around the table.
Pro Tips for Making Creamy Chicken Stroganoff with Mushrooms and Noodles Recipe
- Don’t Skip the Blender: Blending the sauce ingredients creates a perfectly smooth, lump-free creamy base every time.
- Brown Chicken Over High Heat: This locks in flavor and gives the right texture before simmering slowly in sauce.
- Use Fresh Thyme: Adds subtle herbal notes, but remember to remove sprigs before serving for the best texture.
- Simmer Gently: Low, slow cooking keeps the chicken tender without drying it out—avoid boiling too hard.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Stroganoff with Mushrooms and Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
I always finish this dish with a generous sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley. It adds a bright contrast to the creamy sauce and freshens up each bite. Sometimes, I’ll even add a little extra cracked black pepper on top for a punch of flavor and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
My favorite sides to serve alongside this stroganoff are simple roasted vegetables like asparagus or green beans, which balance out the richness nicely. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette also pairs well, adding a refreshing crunch to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to plate the stroganoff by twirling the noodles into neat nests before pouring the sauce on top. Garnishing with a sprig of thyme makes it look restaurant-worthy. You can also serve it in small casserole dishes topped with a sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs for added texture and flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover stroganoff stores beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. I usually portion it out into lunch containers for quick reheating, which saves me so much time on busy days. Just be sure to give it a gentle stir after reheating to bring the sauce back to life.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this creamy chicken stroganoff a few times with great results. Just make sure to cool it completely before freezing in portion-sized containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture, and then reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
Reheating
To keep the sauce creamy during reheating, I warm leftovers slowly over low heat on the stove, adding a splash of water or broth if it feels too thick. Stir often and avoid microwaving on high to prevent the sauce from breaking or getting grainy.
FAQs
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Can I use other types of chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for ground chicken, you can use diced chicken breast or thighs if that’s what you have. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure the chicken is cooked through and tender.
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Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch for thickening. Also, be sure to use gluten-free noodles to keep the dish entirely gluten-free.
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Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You sure can! The flavors actually develop more after resting, so making this a day ahead is a great idea. Just store it in the fridge and reheat gently before serving.
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What type of noodles work best for this stroganoff?
Egg noodles are the classic choice, but I also love using veggie noodles or gluten-free varieties to lighten up the meal or accommodate dietary needs. Just cook them according to package directions and serve as a cozy bed for the sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken Stroganoff with Mushrooms and Noodles Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s reliably delicious, comforting, and versatile. Whenever I’m craving something rich but not complicated, it’s my go-to. I hope you’ll give it a try and enjoy those cozy flavors as much as my family and I do — it’s like a little taste of warmth and home in every bite.
PrintCreamy Chicken Stroganoff with Mushrooms and Noodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Chicken Stroganoff is a comforting and creamy dish made with ground chicken, mushrooms, and a rich sour cream sauce flavored with paprika and Worcestershire sauce. This recipe offers a healthier twist on the classic beef stroganoff, featuring lean ground chicken and servings over noodles or veggie noodles for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
- 2 teaspoons chicken bouillon (I like Better Than Bouillon)
- 1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound 93% ground chicken
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- black pepper (to taste)
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 8 ounces sliced cremini mushrooms
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
Garnish and Serving
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (for garnish)
- Egg noodles, high-fiber pasta, veggie noodles, or gluten-free noodles (extra for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a blender, combine the water, sour cream, flour, chicken bouillon, and sweet paprika. Blend until smooth to create a well-mixed sauce base.
- Cook the chicken: Heat a large deep nonstick skillet on high heat and spray it lightly with oil. Add the ground chicken and kosher salt. Cook while breaking up the meat into small pieces with a spatula, about 5 minutes, until browned.
- Sauté the aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium and add the chopped onions and tomato paste to the pan. Stir and cook until the onions soften and become translucent, about 4 to 5 minutes.
- Add mushrooms and seasonings: Stir in the sliced cremini mushrooms, fresh thyme sprigs, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix everything together to combine.
- Simmer the stroganoff: Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken mixture and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer gently for 35 to 45 minutes until the chicken is tender and flavors meld.
- Finish and serve: Remove the thyme sprigs from the dish. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot over your preferred noodles or veggie noodles for a delicious meal.
Notes
- Serve this stroganoff over 2 ounces of your favorite egg noodles, high-fiber pasta, or vegetable-based noodles for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days and reheated as needed.
- This dish can be packed in a thermos and enjoyed warm for school or work lunches.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3/4 cup sauce
- Calories: 241
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 553.5mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 106mg