Nothing beats the rich, creamy comfort of homemade Chicken Stroganoff when you’re craving a hearty, satisfying meal. This classic dish transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. With tender chicken pieces, earthy mushrooms, and a luxurious sour cream sauce, this Chicken Stroganoff recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Stroganoff:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 450g/1 lb)
- 30g (1/4 cup) all-purpose flour for dredging
- 45ml (3 tablespoons) olive oil
- 15g (1 tablespoon) butter
- 225g (8 oz) cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 1 small yellow onion, chopped (about 150g)
- 5ml (1 teaspoon) dry mustard
- 15ml (1 tablespoon) Worcestershire sauce
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 240ml (1 cup) chicken broth
- 120ml (1/2 cup) sour cream
- Kosher salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 225g (8 oz) egg noodles for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Serves: 4-6 people
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, approximately 2.5cm (1 inch) cubes. Season generously with kosher salt and black pepper. Place the flour in a shallow dish and dredge each piece of chicken, ensuring all sides are coated. Shake off any excess flour and set aside on a clean plate.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat 30ml (2 tablespoons) of olive oil in a large skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, add the floured chicken pieces in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F). Remove the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
If needed, add the remaining 15ml (1 tablespoon) of olive oil to the same skillet and reduce heat to medium. Add the butter and let it melt completely. Add the sliced mushrooms and chopped onion to the pan. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms release their liquid and the onions become tender and translucent.
Step 4: Build the Flavor Base
Stir in the dry mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and minced garlic. Cook for 1 minute until the garlic becomes fragrant and the spices are well incorporated. This step is crucial for developing the deep, complex flavors that make this stroganoff exceptional.
Step 5: Create the Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon. These fond bits add incredible depth to the sauce. Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 6: Finish with Sour Cream
Reduce the heat to low and slowly stir in the sour cream. It’s important not to let the mixture boil after adding the sour cream, as this can cause it to curdle. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
Step 7: Serve
Serve the chicken stroganoff immediately over cooked egg noodles, mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered spaetzle. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or a sprinkle of paprika for color and extra flavor.
Nutritional Information
Per Serving (based on 4 servings):
- Calories: 485
- Protein: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 4g
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
Mushroom Variations
While cremini mushrooms provide an excellent earthy flavor, you can substitute with button mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms, or a combination of wild mushrooms for different flavor profiles. Portobello mushrooms, chopped into smaller pieces, add a meaty texture that works beautifully in this dish.
Protein Alternatives
This recipe works wonderfully with other proteins. Try using boneless chicken thighs for extra richness, or substitute with beef sirloin cut into strips for a more traditional stroganoff. Turkey breast or pork tenderloin also make excellent alternatives.
Dairy Substitutions
For those avoiding dairy, replace the sour cream with full-fat coconut cream or cashew cream. Greek yogurt can also substitute for sour cream, though add it off the heat to prevent curdling. For a lighter version, use reduced-fat sour cream or a mixture of Greek yogurt and low-fat cream cheese.
Gluten-Free Option
Replace the all-purpose flour with rice flour, almond flour, or a gluten-free flour blend for dredging the chicken. Serve over gluten-free pasta, rice, or quinoa instead of traditional egg noodles.
Vegetarian Version
Create a vegetarian stroganoff by replacing the chicken with extra mushrooms, firm tofu, or tempeh. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and ensure your Worcestershire sauce is vegetarian-friendly.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Leftover Chicken Stroganoff can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. When reheating, do so gently over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much. Avoid microwaving at high power, as this can cause the sour cream to separate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Chicken Stroganoff ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this dish up to one day in advance. However, add the sour cream just before serving rather than during the initial cooking process. This prevents the cream from breaking down during storage and reheating.
Why is my sour cream curdling in the stroganoff?
Sour cream curdles when exposed to high heat or rapid temperature changes. Always reduce the heat to low before adding sour cream, and stir it in gradually. If your sauce does curdle, try whisking in a tablespoon of cold sour cream to help smooth it out.
Can I freeze Chicken Stroganoff?
While possible, freezing isn’t recommended as the sour cream sauce may separate upon thawing. If you must freeze it, consider freezing the dish before adding the sour cream, then stir in fresh sour cream when reheating.
What’s the best cut of chicken for stroganoff?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work well for their lean texture, but chicken thighs provide more flavor and stay more tender during cooking. Cut either option into uniform pieces for even cooking.
How do I prevent the chicken from becoming tough?
Don’t overcook the chicken during the initial browning phase. The chicken will continue cooking when returned to the sauce, so aim for just golden brown on the outside. Also, cutting against the grain helps ensure tender pieces.
This Chicken Stroganoff recipe delivers all the comfort and satisfaction you crave in a homemade meal. The combination of tender chicken, savory mushrooms, and rich, creamy sauce creates a dish that’s both elegant enough for entertaining and simple enough for a weeknight dinner. With its perfect balance of flavors and textures, this stroganoff will quickly become a family favorite that you’ll return to again and again.