Easy Chicken Stroganoff Recipe

If you’re craving a comforting, creamy dinner that’s quick and fuss-free, you’re going to love this Easy Chicken Stroganoff Recipe. It’s one of those cozy classics I’ve turned to more times than I can count, especially when I want something flavorful on the table in under 30 minutes. Trust me, once you try this version with tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and that tangy sour cream sauce, it’ll become your new weeknight favorite.

this …

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Easy Chicken Stroganoff Recipe uses familiar ingredients that complement each other perfectly — the juicy chicken gets a light crust from dredging in flour, the cremini mushrooms bring that earthy umami, and the sour cream finishes it with that signature creamy tang. When shopping, pick firm chicken breasts and fresh mushrooms for the best texture and flavor.

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: These cook quickly and soak up the sauce beautifully — slice into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
• All-purpose flour: This helps create a light crust on the chicken and thickens the sauce slightly.
• Olive oil: Use it for browning the chicken and sautéing veggies, it adds subtle fruitiness.
• Butter: Brings richness when cooking mushrooms and onions, making the sauce luxurious.
• Cremini mushrooms: Their earthy flavor deepens the dish — baby bellas work great here.
• Yellow onion: Adds natural sweetness and aroma.
• Dry mustard powder: A little zing that brightens the sauce without overpowering.
• Worcestershire sauce: Boosts umami and adds tangy complexity.
• Garlic: Minced fresh garlic gives that savory kick and aroma.
• Chicken broth: Forms the base of the sauce and lifts all the flavors.
• Sour cream: The star for creamy tanginess that defines stroganoff — add it off the heat to keep it smooth.
• Kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning at every step to make flavors pop.
• Egg noodles: Traditional serving option that soaks up the saucy goodness perfectly.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of the best things about this Easy Chicken Stroganoff Recipe is how adaptable it is. I’ve played around with different add-ins and tweaks depending on what’s in my fridge or what my family’s craving that night — and it takes the dish in fun new directions.

• Mushroom Mix: Sometimes I swap cremini for a combo of shiitake and button mushrooms to add more texture and earthiness — it’s a personal favorite twist.
• Vegetarian Version: Using hearty portobello mushrooms and vegetable broth instead of chicken broth works surprisingly well to keep the richness without the chicken.
• Spicy Kick: A pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne amps up the warmth and depth for those who like some heat.
• Herbs: Fresh parsley stirred in at the end adds brightness and freshness that balances the creamy sauce beautifully.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Chicken Stroganoff Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken

I start by cutting the chicken breasts into 1-inch chunks — about bite-size, so they cook evenly and quickly. Then, I season them liberally with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper. Dredging the pieces in flour is key here; it not only gives the chicken a lovely, lightly crisped coating but also helps thicken the sauce later on. Just toss the chicken pieces gently in the flour until they’re all coated and ready.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in your skillet over medium-high heat. When it’s shimmering, add the chicken pieces in a single layer—don’t overcrowd the pan or they’ll steam instead of brown. Cook the chicken about 3 minutes per side, until they get that beautiful golden color. I usually do this in batches, adding the last tablespoon of olive oil if needed before the second round. Remove the browned chicken and set it aside on a plate while you cook the veggies.

Step 3: Sauté Mushrooms and Onions

Turn the heat to medium and add the tablespoon of butter to the same pan. Once melted, toss in the sliced mushrooms and chopped onions. Let these cook slowly for about 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the mushrooms to release their moisture and then cook it off, creating that rich base flavor. This step really brings the heartiness to your stroganoff.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Stir in the dry mustard powder, Worcestershire sauce, and minced garlic, cooking it all together for about a minute until fragrant. Then pour in the chicken broth while scraping up all those delicious browned bits stuck to the pan with your wooden spoon—trust me, those bits are flavor gold. Once the broth is in, add the chicken pieces back to the pan and let everything simmer gently for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to marry.

Step 5: Finish with Sour Cream and Seasoning

Lower the heat to low, then gently stir in the sour cream. I always add sour cream off the direct heat to prevent it from curdling and to keep the sauce silky smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Now your sauce is creamy, tangy, and perfectly balanced — ready to coat your chicken deliciously.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Traditionally, I serve this over egg noodles; they’re ideal for soaking up every bit of the creamy sauce. But mashed potatoes work just as well if you want extra comfort food vibes. Spoon the stroganoff over your chosen base, maybe add a sprinkle of fresh herbs, and dig in!

How to Serve Easy Chicken Stroganoff Recipe

Garnishes

I usually finish this stroganoff with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives. The little burst of green adds freshness and a pop of color that lifts the whole dish. Sometimes I add a small dollop of extra sour cream on top for creaminess and a touch of tang right before serving—it’s my little indulgence.

Side Dishes

While egg noodles are traditional and my go-to, I love pairing this with buttery mashed potatoes or even a bed of fluffy rice for a twist. If you’re looking to add some crunch and freshness, a simple side salad with a bright vinaigrette complements the richness beautifully. Roasted green beans or steamed broccoli also balance the meal nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I’ll serve this stroganoff in individual shallow bowls layered with ribbons of egg noodles. Adding a swirl of sour cream on top and a few fresh herbs makes it look restaurant-worthy without extra effort. Another fun idea is to spoon the stroganoff into puff pastry shells for a cozy handheld twist that impresses guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover stroganoff in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I’ve noticed the flavors actually meld and deepen overnight — bonus! Just be sure to cool it before refrigerating to keep everything tasty and safe.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well, too, which is a lifesaver for busy weeks. I portion it out into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When thawed, the sauce may separate a bit but stirring it gently while reheating brings it back to creamy perfection.

Reheating

The best way I’ve found to reheat leftover stroganoff is on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If it looks a little thick, adding a splash of chicken broth or water helps loosen the sauce without diluting flavor. Avoid microwaving if you can because it can cause the sour cream to curdle or dry out the chicken.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Easy Chicken Stroganoff Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug at the end of a busy day. I’ve enjoyed making it for my family countless times because it’s reliable, comforting, and endlessly satisfying. Give this recipe a try—you don’t need to be a professional chef to nail it, and I promise it’ll be just what your weeknight dinners have been missing. Serve it up, relax, and enjoy every creamy, flavorful bite!

Print