Chicken Stroganoff is a quick, comforting dish that combines tender chicken with a creamy, flavorful sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s easy to make and pairs beautifully with egg noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes. This lighter version of the classic Stroganoff is full of rich flavors from mushrooms, onions, and garlic, giving you a restaurant-quality meal at home. Homemade Stroganoff also allows you to control the ingredients, keeping it fresh, wholesome, and completely free from pork, bacon, wine, or any alcohol. With minimal prep, you can enjoy a warm, satisfying dinner that the whole family will love.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Stroganoff
This Chicken Stroganoff is quick, versatile, and family-friendly. In under 30 minutes, you can turn simple ingredients into a creamy, satisfying meal. Chicken cooks fast and stays tender, making it perfect for picky eaters. You can customize the sauce to your liking—add extra mushrooms, herbs, or even vegetables for a nutritious boost. It’s also a great option for meal prep since it reheats beautifully. Whether you’re craving comfort food or a simple weeknight dinner, this dish delivers creamy richness, flavor, and ease in every bite.
What You’ll Need
To make this creamy Chicken Stroganoff, you’ll need simple, everyday ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs (700g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz (225g) mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cups (480ml) chicken broth, low-sodium preferred
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 cup (240ml) sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked egg noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes, for serving
All ingredients are easy to find in most grocery stores, and you can substitute sour cream with a dairy-free alternative if desired.
How to Make Chicken Stroganoff
- Cook the chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1.5 lbs chicken pieces and cook until golden brown on all sides, about 5–7 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Sauté the veggies: In the same skillet, add 1 chopped onion and 3 minced garlic cloves. Cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Add 8 oz sliced mushrooms and cook another 5 minutes until tender.
- Make the sauce: Pour in 2 cups chicken broth, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, and 1 teaspoon smoked paprika. Stir well and let simmer for 3–4 minutes.
- Combine and finish: Lower heat, stir in 1 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt), then return the cooked chicken to the pan. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Heat gently—do not boil—to keep the sauce creamy.
- Serve: Spoon over cooked egg noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes, and garnish with chopped parsley.
You Must Know
To make perfect Chicken Stroganoff, don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking chicken—browning adds flavor. Sauté mushrooms well to release moisture and deepen the sauce’s taste. After adding sour cream or Greek yogurt, keep heat low to prevent curdling. Season in stages and taste as you go, and choose a base like noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes that soaks up the creamy sauce perfectly. These small steps make a big difference in flavor and texture.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Timing is key for creamy, tender Stroganoff. Brown the chicken, sauté onions and mushrooms for deep flavor, and reduce the broth slightly before adding sour cream. Simmer gently so the chicken absorbs the sauce, stirring occasionally. For thicker sauce, simmer a bit longer or add a cornstarch slurry. Finish with parsley or paprika for color and freshness—simple steps for a rich, comforting meal.
Add Your Touch Chicken Stroganoff
Make this Chicken Stroganoff your own by customizing flavors. Add garlic or smoked paprika for extra depth, or toss in spinach, peas, or bell peppers for color and nutrition. Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt or a dairy-free alternative to suit your taste. A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives at the end brightens the dish. Small tweaks can transform this classic into a meal that’s uniquely yours.
Storing & Reheating
Chicken Stroganoff stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat to keep the sauce creamy—avoid boiling. You can also freeze portions for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Serve with fresh noodles or rice to enjoy it as if freshly made.
Chef’s Helpful Tips FOR Chicken Stroganoff
Healthy twists on classic recipes
For a smooth, flavorful Stroganoff, use room-temperature chicken so it cooks evenly. Don’t rush the sautéing—letting onions and mushrooms caramelize adds depth. Always taste and adjust seasoning at the end. If the sauce is too thin, simmer a few extra minutes or add a small cornstarch slurry. Finally, serve immediately over noodles or rice to enjoy the creamy sauce at its best.
FAQ FOR Chicken Stroganoff
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Yes! Thighs are juicier and more forgiving, making them perfect for this recipe.
Try these family-friendly meal ideas
Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
A: Absolutely! Use coconut yogurt or cashew cream instead of sour cream.
Q: Can I prep it ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can cook everything except the noodles, then store in the fridge for 2–3 days.
Q: Can I freeze it?
A: Yes, freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Conclusion
Easy Chicken Stroganoff is a quick, comforting meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or special dinners. With tender chicken, sautéed mushrooms, and a creamy, flavorful sauce, it’s a dish the whole family will love. Simple tweaks like adding vegetables, herbs, or dairy-free alternatives let you make it your own, while proper cooking ensures a smooth, rich sauce every time. Serve it over noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes, and you’ve got a satisfying, heartwarming dinner that’s ready in under 30 minutes.
The Best Easy Chicken Stroganoff | Simple & Flavorful Dinner
Description
This Easy Chicken Stroganoff is creamy, comforting, and ready in under 30 minutes! Tender chicken, sautéed mushrooms, and a rich, flavorful sauce make it a family favorite for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Instructions
Heat oil in a skillet and cook chicken until golden. Remove and set aside.
Sauté onion, garlic, and mushrooms until softened.
Stir in broth, mustard, and paprika; simmer 3–4 minutes.
Reduce heat, add sour cream, and return chicken. Stir gently until creamy.
Serve over noodles, rice, or potatoes. Garnish with parsley.
Notes
- Don’t boil after adding sour cream—keep heat low to prevent curdling.
Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt or dairy-free alternatives.
Add veggies like spinach or peas for extra nutrition.
Best served fresh, but can be stored up to 3 days in the fridge.