When it comes to ultimate comfort food, few dishes hit the spot quite like a classic stroganoff. But what if you could have all that creamy, savory goodness in a fraction of the time? Enter our Best Chicken Stroganoff Recipe – a dish that brings together tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and a lusciously rich sour cream sauce, all ready to delight your taste buds in under 35 minutes.
Forget complicated techniques or hours spent slaving over a stove. This recipe is designed for busy weeknights, offering maximum flavor with minimal fuss. It's hearty, satisfying, and guaranteed to become a new family favorite. Get ready to ditch the takeout menu and dive into a bowl of pure homemade deliciousness!
Why This is the Best Chicken Stroganoff Recipe
Our take on chicken stroganoff isn't just easy; it's packed with flavor. Here's why you'll love it:
- Speedy Preparation: From start to finish, you're looking at less than 35 minutes. Perfect for those hectic evenings.
- Rich & Creamy: A decadent sauce made with broth, a touch of Dijon, and plenty of sour cream creates an unbelievably silky texture.
- Tender Chicken & Mushrooms: Perfectly cooked chicken and savory cremini mushrooms provide a wonderful texture contrast.
- Family-Friendly: A classic dish that appeals to almost everyone, even picky eaters!
Key Ingredients for Perfect Stroganoff
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create something truly magical. You'll need:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Fresh cremini mushrooms for that deep, umami flavor.
- Aromatic onion and garlic powder to build the base.
- Good quality chicken broth and a hint of Worcestershire sauce for depth.
- Dijon mustard for a subtle tangy kick.
- And, of course, sour cream for that signature creamy finish!
Make sure your ingredients are prepped and ready to go before you start cooking. Using a quality chef's knife can make quick work of chopping your chicken and vegetables, ensuring even pieces for consistent cooking.
Step-by-Step Guide to Creamy Chicken Stroganoff
Cooking this stroganoff is a breeze! You'll start by searing the seasoned chicken until golden, then setting it aside. Next, sauté the mushrooms and onions until tender and fragrant. Deglaze the pan, whisk in the broth and seasonings, and let it simmer to thicken. Finally, return the chicken to the pan and gently stir in the sour cream for a silky smooth sauce. Serve it hot over your favorite pasta or mashed potatoes.
Tips for Success
- Don't Overcrowd the Pan: When searing the chicken and sautéing the mushrooms, work in batches if necessary. Overcrowding will steam the ingredients instead of browning them, preventing that delicious caramelized flavor.
- Temper Your Sour Cream: To avoid curdling, always temper the sour cream. Mix a spoonful or two of the hot sauce into the sour cream in a separate bowl before stirring the mixture into the main pot. Cook over low heat and avoid boiling once the sour cream is added.
- Adjust Seasoning: Always taste and adjust salt and pepper at the end. Different broths have varying sodium levels, so season to your preference.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy chicken stroganoff is incredibly versatile. While classic egg noodles are a perfect pairing, don't limit yourself! Try serving it with:
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Fluffy white rice
- Quinoa or couscous for a lighter option
- A side of steamed green beans or a fresh garden salad to cut through the richness.
Variations to Try
Feeling adventurous? Here are a few ways to customize your chicken stroganoff:
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic powder for a bit of heat.
- Herbaceous Notes: Fresh thyme or rosemary can be added with the mushrooms for an extra layer of flavor.
- Different Protein: While this is a chicken recipe, you can easily adapt it using thinly sliced beef (sirloin or flank steak) for a more traditional beef stroganoff.
Whether you're new to the kitchen or a seasoned chef, this Best Chicken Stroganoff Recipe is a must-try. It's a comforting classic made easy, promising a flavorful meal that will have everyone asking for seconds. Enjoy!
FAQs
What makes this chicken stroganoff recipe the best?
This recipe is cherished for its perfect balance of tender chicken, savory mushrooms, and a rich, creamy sauce, all ready in under 35 minutes. It uses readily available ingredients and straightforward steps, making it an ideal comforting meal for any night of the week.
Can I substitute some of the ingredients?
Yes! While cremini mushrooms are preferred, white button mushrooms work well too. If you don't have chicken broth, vegetable broth can be used. For a richer flavor, some people swap half the sour cream for cream cheese, but be sure to temper it to avoid curdling.
How do I prevent the sour cream from curdling?
The key to preventing sour cream from curdling is to temper it. Before adding it to the hot pan, mix a spoonful or two of the hot sauce into the sour cream first. This gradually brings its temperature up. Then, stir the tempered sour cream into the pan off the heat or over very low heat, and do not let the sauce boil after adding it.
What are the best serving suggestions for chicken stroganoff?
Chicken stroganoff is traditionally served over egg noodles, which soak up the creamy sauce beautifully. Other excellent choices include mashed potatoes, rice, or even a simple side of crusty bread to sop up every last bit of deliciousness. A fresh green salad or steamed vegetables make a great complement.
Best Creamy Chicken Stroganoff
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Standard
Description
A classic, comforting chicken stroganoff recipe featuring tender chicken and mushrooms in a rich, creamy sour cream sauce, perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
Ingredients
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1/4 cup all-purpose flour, for dredging
3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
1/2 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 cups chicken broth
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 cup sour cream, at room temperature
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Cooked egg noodles or rice, for serving
Instructions
Step 1: Pat chicken dry and season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Lightly dredge the chicken pieces in flour, shaking off any excess.
Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear chicken in batches until golden brown on all sides (it doesn't need to be cooked through). Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Add sliced mushrooms and chopped onion, cooking until softened and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 4: Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Stir in the chicken broth, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Step 5: Reduce heat to low. In a small bowl, whisk a couple of spoonfuls of the hot sauce into the sour cream to temper it. Gradually stir the tempered sour cream into the skillet until fully combined. Do not let the sauce boil after adding the sour cream.
Step 6: Return the seared chicken to the skillet, stirring to coat. Simmer gently for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 7: Serve immediately over hot egg noodles or rice, garnished with fresh chopped parsley.
Notes
For best results, ensure your sour cream is at room temperature before adding it to the sauce to help prevent curdling. You can also add a splash of white wine (like Chardonnay) after cooking the onions and mushrooms for extra depth of flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing, Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
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