Rich Chicken Stroganoff

This Rich Chicken Stroganoff is a comforting, deeply flavorful dish that turns simple pantry ingredients into a luxurious, creamy dinner. Tender pieces of chicken are lightly floured and pan-seared until golden, then folded into a savory mushroom and onion sauce enriched with butter, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and full-fat sour cream. The result is a silky, satisfying meal that feels indulgent yet achievable for any home cook.

If you love cozy, stovetop dinners that come together in under an hour, this recipe deserves a permanent place in your rotation. It’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for weeknights when you want something special without complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients.

Introduction

Chicken Stroganoff is a comforting twist on the classic beef-based dish, offering the same creamy, savory richness with a slightly lighter, more delicate protein. This version leans into bold, well-rounded flavors: earthy cremini mushrooms, tangy Dijon mustard, savory Worcestershire sauce, and a generous finish of sour cream for that signature stroganoff creaminess.

What makes this recipe stand out is its balance. Each step builds flavor carefully, from flour-coating the chicken to create a golden crust, to searing mushrooms until their moisture evaporates and their flavor concentrates. Nothing is rushed, yet the entire dish comes together in just over 40 minutes.

This Rich Chicken Stroganoff is ideal for:

• Cozy family dinners
• Casual entertaining
• Meal-prep friendly lunches
• Anyone craving a creamy, savory comfort meal

It’s a recipe that feels classic, reliable, and deeply satisfying—exactly the kind of dish you come back to again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deep, savory flavor from mushrooms, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce
• Perfectly tender chicken with a light golden crust
• Creamy, rich sauce made with full-fat sour cream
• One-skillet cooking for easy cleanup
• Ready in under an hour, ideal for busy evenings
• Restaurant-quality results using everyday ingredients

Ingredients Breakdown

This recipe yields 4 servings. All ingredients and measurements are listed exactly as used to ensure complete accuracy.

For the Chicken

• 2 chicken breast halves
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper, as desired
• Flour, for coating
• 2 tbsp olive oil, plus extra as needed

For the Creamy Mushroom Sauce

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter
• 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
• 1/2 medium onion, chopped
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (or add to taste)
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (or to taste)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2/3 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup full-fat sour cream

Tools & Equipment Needed

To prepare this dish efficiently, gather the following tools:

• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Shallow bowl or plate (for flour coating)
• Deep skillet or sauté pan
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Tongs or slotted spoon
• Instant-read thermometer (optional, for checking chicken doneness)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed steps carefully to ensure the best texture and flavor.

1. Prepare the Chicken

Cut the chicken breast halves into 1-inch pieces. Sprinkle them evenly with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to taste.

Place flour in a shallow bowl and coat each chicken piece lightly on all sides. This flour coating helps create a golden crust and also slightly thickens the sauce later.

2. Brown the Chicken

Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add half of the chicken pieces, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.

Cook for about 3 minutes per side, flipping once, until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate.

If the pan looks dry, add an additional tablespoon of olive oil before cooking the second batch. Cook the remaining chicken the same way and transfer it to the plate with the first batch.

3. Cook the Mushrooms and Onion

Reduce the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter.

Once the butter is melted, add the sliced mushrooms and chopped onion. Cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms release their moisture, the liquid evaporates, and the vegetables begin to brown. This step is crucial for building a rich, savory base.

4. Build the Flavor Base

Stir in the Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and minced garlic. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Avoid overcooking the garlic to prevent bitterness.

5. Deglaze and Simmer

Pour in the chicken broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. These bits add significant depth of flavor.

Return the browned chicken to the skillet and simmer for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is warmed through and the flavors begin to meld.

6. Finish with Sour Cream

Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the full-fat sour cream until the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Let the mixture heat through for about 1 minute, but do not allow it to boil, as this can cause the sour cream to curdle. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

Texture and Flavor Tips

• Avoid overcrowding the pan when browning chicken to ensure even searing.
• Allow mushrooms to cook until their moisture fully evaporates for maximum flavor.
• Always reduce heat before adding sour cream.

Dietary Variations

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour for coating the chicken.
• Dairy-Free: Replace butter and sour cream with dairy-free alternatives (texture may vary).
• Lower-Fat Option: Use reduced-fat sour cream, though the sauce will be less rich.

Seasoning Adjustments

• Dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce can be adjusted slightly to taste without changing the recipe’s structure.
• Black pepper can be increased for more warmth and depth.

Flavor Profile & Texture

This dish is deeply savory with a creamy, smooth sauce that clings beautifully to the chicken. The mushrooms add earthiness, the mustard brings gentle tang, and the Worcestershire sauce provides umami depth. The flour-coated chicken contributes both texture and body to the sauce, making it rich without feeling heavy.

Nutritional Overview

This is a high-calorie, indulgent dish designed for comfort and satisfaction.

• Calories: 1125 kcal per serving
• Protein-rich from chicken breast
• High in fats due to olive oil, butter, and sour cream
• Not low-carb due to flour coating

Dietary notes:

• Nut-free
• Contains dairy and gluten

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Chicken can be cut and seasoned in advance.
• Mushrooms and onions can be sliced and chopped ahead of time.
• The dish reheats well gently on the stovetop over low heat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

This recipe is written specifically for chicken breast halves. Substitutions may affect cooking time and texture.

Why flour the chicken?

The flour helps create a golden crust and slightly thickens the sauce as it cooks.

Can I boil the sauce after adding sour cream?

No. Boiling can cause the sour cream to curdle. Keep heat low.

What mushrooms work best?

Cremini mushrooms provide the best balance of flavor and texture for this recipe.

How do I know the chicken is done?

The internal temperature should reach 165°F.

Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)

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

Serving Suggestions

• Serve over cooked noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes.
• Garnish lightly with black pepper if desired.
• Pair with simple steamed vegetables for balance.

Recipe Variations (Using the Same Ingredients)

• Slice chicken more thinly for faster cooking.
• Increase mushrooms slightly for a more vegetable-forward dish.
• Simmer the sauce briefly longer for a thicker consistency.

Ingredient Spotlight

Cremini Mushrooms

Cremini mushrooms offer a deeper, more robust flavor than white mushrooms and hold up well during sautéing.

Selection Tip: Choose firm mushrooms with dry, smooth caps.

Storage Tip: Store unwashed mushrooms in a paper bag in the refrigerator.

Sour Cream

Full-fat sour cream creates a stable, velvety sauce.

Best Practice: Always add sour cream off direct high heat.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Use a heavy-bottomed skillet for even heat distribution.
• Scrape browned bits when adding broth for maximum flavor.
• Keep the sauce at a gentle heat once sour cream is added.

Storage & Freezing Guide

Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Freezing is not recommended due to the sour cream-based sauce, which may separate upon thawing.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Approximate Amount
Calories	1125 kcal
Protein	High
Carbohydrates	Moderate
Fat	High
Fiber	Low to moderate

Dietary notes: Nut-free, contains dairy and gluten.

Expanded Conclusion

This Rich Chicken Stroganoff is the kind of dish that delivers comfort in every bite. Creamy, savory, and deeply satisfying, it showcases how simple ingredients and thoughtful technique can create something truly memorable. Whether you’re cooking for family, guests, or just yourself, this recipe brings warmth and richness to the table without unnecessary complexity.

If you’re looking for a reliable, indulgent stovetop dinner that feels both classic and special, this Chicken Stroganoff is well worth making. Try it once, and it’s likely to become a regular favorite in your kitchen.

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