If you’ve been craving a cozy, hearty meal that doesn’t take forever to make, you’re in for a treat! This Easy Chicken Stroganoff Recipe hits all the right notes — creamy, comforting, and packed with tender chicken and savory mushrooms. I absolutely love how simple it is to pull together, plus the tangy sour cream sauce adds a real punch of flavor. Whether you’re new to stroganoff or just want a fuss-free weeknight dish, you’ll find this recipe is a total winner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Creamy Comfort: The sour cream sauce is so rich and tangy, it’ll warm you right up.
- Family Favorite: My whole family goes crazy for this – even picky eaters!
- Simple Ingredients: Uses everyday pantry staples, so no last-minute store runs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Easy Chicken Stroganoff Recipe is in its straightforward ingredients — they all work together to build up that classic creamy mushroom flavor you crave. When shopping, opt for fresh cremini mushrooms since they add great earthiness, and don’t skip the Dijon mustard; it really brightens up the sauce!
- Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless works best for quick cooking and easy slicing.
- Garlic powder: A subtle flavor boost that melds well with fresh garlic.
- Salt & pepper: Season generously; it makes all the difference.
- Flour: For dredging the chicken—helps create a light crust and thickens the sauce.
- Olive oil: Use quality oil for sautéing; split the amount between steps for even cooking.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps brown your mushrooms and onions perfectly.
- Cremini mushrooms: Sliced; these bring that lovely meaty texture and flavor.
- Onion: Half a medium one, chopped finely to blend into the sauce seamlessly.
- Dijon mustard: A tangy little kick that brightens up the whole dish.
- Worcestershire sauce: Adds depth and umami; don’t skip it!
- Garlic: Fresh minced, for that unmistakable aroma.
- Chicken broth: Keeps things juicy and helps deglaze the pan for extra flavor.
- Full fat sour cream: The star of the sauce, giving creamy texture and a slight tang.
Variations
I love making this Easy Chicken Stroganoff Recipe my own by swapping in different mushrooms or adjusting the tang to my mood. Feel free to make it your own — I encourage playing around with the flavors to suit your family’s taste buds.
- Mushroom mix: I sometimes swap half the cremini for shiitake or button mushrooms to add more texture variety, which my guests rave about.
- Spicy twist: Adding a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne works wonders if you want a little warmth.
- Dairy-free option: Use coconut cream or a vegan sour cream substitute — it’s not quite traditional but still delicious.
- Herb boost: Fresh parsley or thyme sprinkled on top at the end gives a fresh note that brightens the hearty sauce.
How to Make Easy Chicken Stroganoff Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken
Start by cutting your chicken breasts into roughly 1-inch pieces — I find smaller chunks cook quicker and soak up the sauce better. Sprinkle them well with garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then dredge each piece lightly in flour. The flour not only helps brown the chicken beautifully but also thickens your sauce, so don’t be shy with it.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken in Batches
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. When the pan is hot, add the chicken in a single layer — don’t overcrowd! Cooking in batches is key to getting that perfect sear without steaming. Cook each side for about 3 minutes, flipping once with tongs. You’re aiming for a nice golden crust and fully cooked chicken (165°F internal temp). The second batch tends to cook a bit faster since the pan’s hotter, so keep an eye on it and adjust the heat as needed. Before starting the next batch, add another tablespoon of oil if the pan looks dry. Set the cooked chicken aside on a plate.
Step 3: Cook Mushrooms and Onions
Add the butter to the now-empty pan and let it melt. Toss in the sliced mushrooms and chopped onion, stirring occasionally. This step takes about 6-8 minutes — the goal is to release the moisture, let it evaporate, and get the mushrooms nicely browned and flavorful. Trust me, well-seared mushrooms make all the difference here.
Step 4: Add Mustard, Worcestershire, and Garlic
Stir in the Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and minced garlic. Cook it all for about a minute until fragrant — this is where the sauce really builds its flavor base. Keep stirring so nothing sticks or burns.
Step 5: Deglaze and Combine
Pour in the chicken broth and use your spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan — that’s flavor gold right there. Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet, stir everything together, and let it cook for an additional 2 minutes. This melds the flavors and warms the chicken back up perfectly.
Step 6: Finish with Sour Cream and Season
Lower the heat and gently fold in the full-fat sour cream. Let it heat through for about a minute, but be careful not to let it bubble or boil — that can cause the sour cream to curdle, and nobody wants that texture! Taste and adjust seasoning with a little more salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately for best results.
Pro Tips for Making Easy Chicken Stroganoff Recipe
- Don’t Rush the Browning: Patience browning both chicken and mushrooms really amps up the flavor.
- Control the Heat: Keeping the heat medium-high but adjusting during cooking prevents burning or drying out.
- Sour Cream Care: Stir it in off the heat or on very low to avoid curdling your creamy sauce.
- Use a Deep Skillet: A deeper pan helps keep ingredients from spilling over and makes stirring easier.
How to Serve Easy Chicken Stroganoff Recipe
Garnishes
When I serve this stroganoff, I always sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top — it adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous note that cuts through the richness perfectly. A little extra cracked black pepper on top doesn’t hurt either!
Side Dishes
This dish is incredible over buttery egg noodles, which soak up all that luscious sauce. Mashed potatoes are another cozy choice, and occasionally I serve it alongside steamed green beans or roasted asparagus to balance out the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For special dinners, I like to plate individual portions in shallow bowls and garnish with a small dollop of sour cream swirled on top and a sprinkle of smoked paprika. It feels fancy but is still totally homey. You can also try it served in a bread bowl for a fun twist that impresses guests!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After making this Easy Chicken Stroganoff Recipe, I let leftovers cool to room temperature, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps beautifully for up to 3 days — perfect for a quick lunch or dinner on a busy day.
Freezing
Freezing works okay, but I recommend freezing the sauce and chicken separately from any noodles or sides to avoid sogginess. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop for best texture.
Reheating
I reheat leftovers over low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth or water if the sauce thickened too much. Avoid the microwave if you can because gentle reheating preserves the creamy texture best.
FAQs
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Can I use other cuts of chicken for this Easy Chicken Stroganoff Recipe?
Absolutely! While chicken breasts are lean and cook quickly, you can swap in boneless, skinless chicken thighs if you prefer a juicier, more flavorful result. Just adjust the cooking time slightly since thighs may take a little longer to cook through.
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What can I use instead of sour cream if I don’t have any?
You can substitute Greek yogurt or crème fraîche for sour cream, though crème fraîche tends to be less tangy and creamier. Just add it at the end and warm gently to prevent curdling. For dairy-free options, coconut cream or a vegan sour cream substitute also works.
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How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?
The key is to add the sour cream off the heat or on very low heat and never let the sauce come to a boil afterward. Stir gently and warm it just enough to combine and thicken, avoiding high temperatures that cause curdling.
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Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for dredging, and make sure your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free, as some brands contain wheat. This way, you still get all the delicious flavors with no gluten worries.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Chicken Stroganoff Recipe has become one of my go-to dinners because it’s reliable, comforting, and surprisingly quick to make. I love how the sauce feels indulgent but is built from simple ingredients I always have on hand. Next time you want a delicious meal that feels special without hours in the kitchen, give this recipe a whirl — I promise it’ll become a favorite in your rotation, just like it did for mine.
Print
Easy Chicken Stroganoff Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 20 min
- Total Time: 30 min
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Chicken Stroganoff recipe is a comforting, creamy dish featuring tender chicken pieces sautéed with cremini mushrooms and onions in a tangy sour cream sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it combines classic flavors with an easy cooking process that yields a hearty and satisfying meal ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
- Flour (for dredging)
Cooking
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms (sliced)
- 1/2 medium onion (chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (or more, to taste)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (or more, to taste)
- 2/3 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup full fat sour cream
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Cut the chicken into 1″ pieces. Sprinkle with garlic powder and generously season with salt and pepper. Coat each piece evenly in flour for a light dredge.
- Cook the chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. In batches to avoid crowding, cook the chicken pieces for about 3 minutes per side or until fully cooked (internal temperature 165°F) and lightly browned, flipping once with tongs. Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil before cooking the second batch as the pan will dry out. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Sauté mushrooms and onions: Add butter to the skillet and let it melt. Then add the sliced mushrooms and chopped onion. Sauté for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until their water releases, evaporates, and the mushrooms develop a nice sear.
- Add flavor components: Stir in the Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and minced garlic. Cook this mixture for about 1 minute to release aromas and meld flavors.
- Deglaze and combine: Pour in the chicken broth and use a spatula to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and cook together for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally to incorporate flavors.
- Finish with sour cream: Stir in the sour cream gently and heat through for about 1 minute, being careful not to let the sauce boil to prevent curdling. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve immediately: Once heated through and well combined, serve the chicken stroganoff immediately, pairing it perfectly with egg noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes.
Notes
- This easy chicken stroganoff is a classic comfort food with a rich and creamy sauce made from sour cream and mushrooms.
- Cook the chicken in batches to ensure it browns nicely without steaming.
- Do not let the sauce boil after adding sour cream to avoid curdling.
- Add more Dijon mustard or Worcestershire sauce according to your taste preference for extra tanginess.
- Pair with egg noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
- Ready in just 30 minutes, ideal for quick dinners.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 345
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 411 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg