Creamy Chicken Stroganoff Recipe

If ever there was a soul-warming comfort food that delivers on both flavor and satisfying creaminess, it’s Creamy Chicken Stroganoff. Imagine tender strips of chicken, a symphony of golden mushrooms, and a velvety, tangy sauce all spooned over fluffy egg noodles or steaming rice—pure weeknight perfection! This dish’s roots are classically Russian but with a lighter, brighter twist thanks to fresh ingredients and a cozy, home-cooked feel. Whether you’re gathering your family for a special dinner or treating yourself on a quiet night in, Creamy Chicken Stroganoff is that perfect blend of hearty and elegant you’ll want to keep making again and again.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Creamy Chicken Stroganoff comes from a handful of simple ingredients, each lending depth, color, and just the right texture to uplift the entire dish. These staples are easy to find, yet each plays a starring role in creating that luscious, crave-worthy result.

• Chicken: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs cut into strips; thighs add extra juiciness while breasts keep it light.
• Olive oil: A couple tablespoons for browning ensures your chicken develops that beautiful golden crust and flavor to start things off right.
• Yellow onion: A finely chopped onion brings sweetness and depth as it softens and melds into the sauce.
• Garlic: Freshly minced for a subtle kick—there’s truly nothing like that fragrance mingling with onions and mushrooms.
• Mushrooms: Cremini or white mushrooms lend earthy flavor and soak up all those delicious pan juices for extra richness.
• All-purpose flour: Just enough to thicken your sauce and give it that signature silkiness.
• Paprika: Adds gentle warmth and a subtle hint of smokiness—so essential for the iconic stroganoff taste.
• Salt and black pepper: For perfectly balanced seasoning from the start.
• Chicken broth: This forms the base of the sauce, bringing everything together in savory harmony.
• Worcestershire sauce: Just a splash adds umami depth, amplifying that authentic flavor profile.
• Sour cream: The tangy lift that makes the sauce luxuriously creamy—don’t skip it!
• Heavy cream: Contributes ultra-smooth body and richness for the ultimate comfort bite.
• Egg noodles or rice: The ideal canvas to catch all that velvety sauce—choose your favorite!
• Fresh parsley: Chopped and sprinkled on top for a burst of vibrant color and freshness.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Stroganoff

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Start by heating your olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, arrange the chicken strips in a single layer and let them sizzle undisturbed for a few minutes to develop a beautiful golden crust. Turn and cook until the chicken is just cooked through—about 5 to 7 minutes altogether. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside; this resting time keeps it juicy for later!

Step 2: Sauté Onion, Garlic, and Mushrooms

In the flavorful drippings left in the pan, toss in your finely chopped onion. Stir for a couple of minutes until it softens and turns translucent (your kitchen will smell incredible at this point). Add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms, and keep stirring until those mushrooms are deeply golden and any moisture has cooked off—this step builds major flavor for your Creamy Chicken Stroganoff sauce.

Step 3: Build the Sauce Base

Now sprinkle in the flour, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat the veggies—this helps thicken your sauce later and evenly distributes the spice. Pour in the chicken broth and Worcestershire sauce slowly, whisking and scraping the bottom of your skillet. This is where all those caramelized flavors lift off the pan and melt into what will become the most luscious sauce. Bring to a gentle simmer and let it bubble until thickened (around 3–4 minutes).

Step 4: Add Creaminess

Lower the heat and gently stir in the sour cream and heavy cream. Mix until smooth and your sauce is beautifully creamy and pale golden. The combination of sour cream’s tang and heavy cream’s silkiness makes Creamy Chicken Stroganoff truly irresistible. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed here.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Return the cooked chicken (and any accumulated juices!) to the skillet, nestling the pieces into the sauce. Let everything simmer together for another 2 to 3 minutes until the chicken is heated through and every bite is coated in that irresistible sauce. Spoon generously over a mound of egg noodles or rice, and finish with a shower of fresh parsley. Dinner’s ready!

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Stroganoff

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley not only adds a burst of green but brings a light, herby note that perfectly complements the richness of the dish. For a little extra zing, try a twist of black pepper or even a dash of smoked paprika over the top before serving. Don’t underestimate how those finishing touches can make your Creamy Chicken Stroganoff feel truly special.

Side Dishes

Creamy Chicken Stroganoff truly shines when served over classic egg noodles, but fluffy steamed rice is just as delicious if you’re in the mood for something different. Pair it with a crisp green salad or some simply sautéed green beans for a fresh, balancing contrast. Crusty bread on the side is always a bonus for soaking up every last bit of sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve your Creamy Chicken Stroganoff in individual bowls with a dollop of extra sour cream and a sprinkle of chives. It’s also gorgeous ladled over mashed potatoes for serious comfort food vibes. If you’re entertaining, fill small puff pastry shells with the chicken and sauce for elegant, bite-sized appetizers that are almost guaranteed to disappear first.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Creamy Chicken Stroganoff keeps beautifully covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store it separately from your noodles or rice to preserve each component’s flavor and texture. Just seal in an airtight container once cooled, and you’ll have a quick, delicious meal ready for tomorrow’s lunch or dinner.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze Creamy Chicken Stroganoff, though keep in mind dairy-rich sauces can sometimes change texture once thawed. Let the dish cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, place the stroganoff in a saucepan over low heat. Stir frequently and add a splash of chicken broth, cream, or milk to help loosen the sauce and bring back that creamy consistency. Avoid boiling, as that can cause the sauce to separate. Warm gently until piping hot, then serve as usual over fresh noodles or rice.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs add extra juiciness and flavor, so feel free to swap them in for breasts in your Creamy Chicken Stroganoff. Just be sure to trim excess fat for the best bite.

How do I make Creamy Chicken Stroganoff lighter?

For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream and swap out heavy cream for whole milk. This retains the creamy tang without all the richness, while still delivering plenty of flavor.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

Definitely! Substitute a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular flour, and serve over your favorite gluten-free pasta or rice. Everything else in Creamy Chicken Stroganoff is naturally gluten-free.

What mushrooms work best?

Cremini or white button mushrooms are classic, but you can get creative! Baby bellas, shiitake, or even a mix of varieties add extra earthiness and texture—feel free to use what you love or have on hand.

Is it okay to prep Creamy Chicken Stroganoff ahead of time?

Creamy Chicken Stroganoff is make-ahead friendly! Simply cook as directed, allow to cool, and store in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, gently reheat and serve over freshly prepared noodles or rice for best results.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely can’t wait for you to try this Creamy Chicken Stroganoff—it’s pure comfort in a bowl, but still feels fresh and inviting. Whether you follow the classic recipe or give it a few creative tweaks, it’s bound to become one of your new go-to dinners. Gather your loved ones and dig in—you’re in for a seriously satisfying meal!

Print