Creamy Chicken Stroganoff with Mushrooms in a Garlic Sour Cream Sauce

Creamy Chicken Stroganoff Recipe – Easy Family Dinner

This Creamy Chicken Stroganoff with mushrooms is the kind of comforting, reliable dinner that earns a permanent place in your weekly rotation. Rich yet balanced, simple but deeply flavorful, this dish brings together tender chicken breast, earthy mushrooms, aromatic garlic, and a velvety sour cream sauce all made in one skillet for minimal cleanup.

Originally inspired by the classic beef stroganoff, this chicken version is lighter, faster, and more approachable for busy home cooks, without sacrificing the cozy, indulgent feel that makes stroganoff so beloved. Ready in just 42 minutes from start to finish, it’s ideal for weeknight dinners, relaxed weekend meals, or even casual entertaining when you want something impressive but stress-free.

This recipe stays true to its ingredients and technique, focusing on proper browning, gentle simmering, and careful finishing to ensure a smooth, creamy sauce that coats every bite of chicken perfectly. Whether you’re cooking for family, guests, or simply yourself, this Chicken Stroganoff delivers dependable comfort every single time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-pan convenience: Everything is cooked in a single skillet, which means fewer dishes and easier cleanup.
• Quick yet satisfying: With a total time of 42 minutes, it’s perfect for busy evenings without feeling rushed.
• Rich, creamy flavor: Full-fat sour cream, butter, and mushrooms create a luxurious sauce without being overly complicated.
• Family-friendly: Mild, savory flavors appeal to both adults and kids.
• Flexible and adaptable: Easy to adjust for gluten-free needs or to add extra vegetables.
• Comfort food classic: Familiar flavors with a cozy, homemade feel that never goes out of style.

Ingredients Breakdown

This recipe yields 4 servings and uses straightforward, easy-to-find ingredients. Measurements are listed exactly as provided and grouped by function for clarity.

Chicken and Seasoning

• 2 chicken breast halves
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Flour, for coating

Cooking Fats

• 2 tbsp olive oil, plus more as needed
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter

Vegetables and Aromatics

• 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
• 1/2 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Sauce Components

• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (adjust to taste)
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (adjust to taste)
• 2/3 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup full-fat sour cream

Tools & Equipment Needed

To prepare this Chicken Stroganoff smoothly and efficiently, you’ll need the following kitchen tools:

• Large skillet or sauté pan (preferably heavy-bottomed)
• Sharp chef’s knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Shallow bowl or plate (for flour dredging)
• Tongs or spatula
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
• Plate (for resting cooked chicken)

Having everything ready before you start will make the cooking process seamless and enjoyable.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps carefully for the best results. Each stage builds flavor and ensures the final dish is creamy, balanced, and perfectly cooked.

1. Prepare and Season the Chicken

Slice the chicken breast halves into 1-inch pieces. Keeping the pieces uniform ensures even cooking. Season them evenly with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.

2. Dredge the Chicken

Lightly coat each piece of chicken in flour, shaking off any excess. This thin coating helps the chicken brown beautifully and slightly thickens the sauce later without making it heavy.

3. Brown the Chicken

Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 3 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

4. Sauté the Mushrooms and Onions

In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter. Lower the heat to medium. Add the sliced mushrooms and chopped onion. Sauté for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms release their moisture and turn golden brown and the onions soften.

5. Build the Flavor Base

Stir in the Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and minced garlic. Cook for about 1 minute, just until the garlic becomes fragrant. Avoid browning the garlic, as this can introduce bitterness.

6. Deglaze with Chicken Broth

Pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. These bits are packed with flavor and will enrich the sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

7. Return the Chicken

Add the cooked chicken and any accumulated juices back into the skillet. Simmer for 2–3 minutes so the flavors can meld together and the chicken can absorb some of the sauce.

8. Finish with Sour Cream

Reduce the heat to low. Gently stir in the full-fat sour cream until fully incorporated. Heat the sauce gently without allowing it to boil, which helps prevent curdling. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and black pepper if needed.

9. Serve

Once warmed through and creamy, the Chicken Stroganoff is ready to serve. The sauce should be smooth, rich, and lightly thickened, coating the chicken and mushrooms evenly.

Tips & Variations

Dietary Adjustments

• Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch for dredging the chicken.
• Dairy-free: This recipe relies heavily on sour cream and butter, so dairy-free substitutions will significantly change the flavor and texture.

Flavor Tweaks

• Add spinach or peas during the final minutes of cooking for added color and nutrition.
• Adjust Dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce to suit your taste preference.

Texture Control

• If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of chicken broth to loosen it.
• If the sauce seems thin, allow it to simmer gently for an extra minute before adding sour cream.

Flavor Profile & Pairings

This Chicken Stroganoff is savory, creamy, and gently tangy. The mushrooms bring earthy depth, the Dijon adds subtle sharpness, and the sour cream provides richness without overwhelming the dish. The overall texture is silky and comforting, with tender chicken pieces and a sauce that clings beautifully to each bite.

Best Side Dishes

• Egg noodles
• Mashed potatoes
• Steamed rice
• Buttered pasta
• Simple green salad with a light vinaigrette

Nutritional Overview

This dish is hearty and filling, making it ideal for satisfying dinners. It is high in protein and fats, thanks to the chicken, olive oil, butter, and sour cream. While rich, it can be enjoyed as part of a balanced meal when paired with lighter sides such as vegetables or salad.

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• The chicken and mushroom base can be cooked ahead of time.
• Store without adding sour cream if you plan to freeze.
• Add sour cream only when reheating for best texture.

Storage

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Reheat gently over low heat, stirring frequently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, but cooking time may vary slightly. Ensure they are fully cooked before serving.

Why shouldn’t the sauce boil after adding sour cream?

Boiling can cause the sour cream to curdle, resulting in a grainy texture.

Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, but freeze it without the sour cream added. Stir in fresh sour cream when reheating.

What mushrooms work best?

Cremini mushrooms are ideal for their flavor and texture, but white mushrooms can also be used.

How do I prevent dry chicken?

Avoid overcooking and cook in batches to maintain proper pan temperature.

Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)

Stage	Time
Prep Time	14 minutes
Cook Time	28 minutes
Total Time	42 minutes

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Chicken Stroganoff hot, spooned generously over your chosen base. Garnish with freshly ground black pepper if desired. A shallow bowl works well to showcase the creamy sauce and ensure every bite is coated.

Recipe Variations (Using the Same Ingredients)

1. Extra Creamy Version: Add a touch more sour cream at the end for a richer finish.
2. Mushroom-Forward Stroganoff: Increase mushrooms slightly for a more earthy flavor balance.
3. Garlic Lover’s Twist: Add one extra clove of garlic for a bolder aroma.
4. Rustic Skillet Style: Serve directly from the pan for a family-style presentation.

Ingredient Spotlight

Cremini Mushrooms

Cremini mushrooms, also known as baby bella mushrooms, have a deeper flavor than white mushrooms. Choose firm, dry mushrooms without slimy spots. Store them in a paper bag in the refrigerator and avoid washing until just before use.

Sour Cream

Full-fat sour cream is essential for achieving a smooth, creamy sauce. Lower-fat versions are more likely to curdle when heated. Always stir it in over low heat.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Always let the skillet reheat between chicken batches to ensure proper browning.
• Scrape the pan thoroughly when adding broth to capture maximum flavor.
• Keep heat low when finishing with sour cream for the best texture.

Storage & Freezing Guide

Refrigeration

• Store fully cooked stroganoff in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezing

• Freeze without sour cream added.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
• Reheat gently and stir in sour cream before serving.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	1125
Protein	48g
Carbohydrates	19g
Fiber	2g
Fat	92g
Saturated Fat	32g
Sodium	620mg
Cholesterol	210mg

Dietary Notes: Halal-friendly, nut-free.

Expanded Conclusion

This Creamy Chicken Stroganoff with mushrooms is the definition of dependable comfort food. It’s rich without being complicated, indulgent without being overwhelming, and familiar in the best possible way. With simple ingredients, one-pan cooking, and a foolproof method, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.

Whether you’re cooking for family, hosting friends, or simply craving something warm and satisfying, this dish delivers every time. Try it once, make it your own, and let it become part of your regular dinner rotation.

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