Chicken Mushroom Stroganoff

Name: Chicken Mushroom Stroganoff
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 2 chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; Salt & pepper, to taste; Flour (for dredging); 3 tbsp olive oil, divided; 1 tbsp butter; 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced; 1/2 medium onion, chopped; 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (or more, to taste); 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (or more, to taste); 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2/3 cup chicken broth; 1/2 cup full-fat sour cream

by Sophia

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Let me tell you, this Chicken Mushroom Stroganoff isn’t just another dinner recipe—it’s comfort food royalty. Think of it as a cozy hug in a bowl, with tender chicken pieces, earthy mushrooms, and a creamy, dreamy sauce that’s just irresistible. Trust me, you’ll want seconds (maybe thirds).

Why This Recipe Is Special

What sets this dish apart is its versatility. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or something impressive for guests, this recipe checks all the boxes. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and has a rustic charm that feels like home.

Oh, and did I mention? This entire dish comes together in just 40 minutes! So, you can enjoy a hearty, satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Getting Started with Chicken Mushroom Stroganoff

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about why you’re going to fall in love with it. Picture this: golden-brown chicken bites, a luscious sauce made with sour cream and Dijon mustard, and mushrooms sautéed to perfection. Pair it with noodles, rice, or even mashed potatoes, and you’ve got a meal that feels indulgent yet achievable.

Now, let’s get cooking!

Step 1: Preparing the Chicken

Start by grabbing two chicken breasts and cutting them into bite-sized pieces. Don’t worry about being too precise here; we’re going for rustic, not restaurant-perfect. Season those pieces with a sprinkle of garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Here’s a pro tip: lightly dredge the chicken in flour before cooking. This not only helps achieve that beautiful golden crust but also thickens the sauce later on. Shake off the excess flour—no one likes clumps!

Heat up your skillet with two tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. When the oil is shimmering, it’s time to sear the chicken. Work in batches, cooking each piece for about 3 minutes per side. The goal is golden-brown, not fully cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside while we work on the magic: the sauce.

Step 2: Sautéing the Vegetables

In the same skillet (don’t you dare wash it—we want all those flavorful browned bits!), melt a tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add 8 ounces of sliced cremini mushrooms and half a medium onion, finely chopped. Sauté these beauties for 6-8 minutes until they’re golden and the mushrooms have released their liquid.

Not a fan of mushrooms? No problem! You can substitute them with zucchini or even bell peppers for a different twist.

Building the Sauce

This is where the magic truly happens. Stir in a tablespoon each of Dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce, followed by three cloves of minced garlic. Let it cook for about a minute to wake up those flavors—your kitchen will smell divine.

Next, it’s time to deglaze the pan. Pour in two-thirds of a cup of chicken broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape up all those caramelized bits stuck to the bottom. Trust me, this step is key to achieving that depth of flavor.

Now that we’ve got the chicken and veggies ready, it’s time to bring it all together with the pièce de résistance: the rich, creamy sauce. This is where the dish transforms from delicious to downright divine. Let’s keep that momentum going!

Step 3: Simmering the Chicken in the Sauce

With your skillet still on medium heat, it’s time to reintroduce those golden chicken pieces. Stir them into the bubbling chicken broth mixture we created earlier. Let everything simmer together for about 2 minutes. This step helps marry the flavors while ensuring the chicken finishes cooking to tender perfection.

Here’s a quick tip: Stir occasionally to make sure the sauce doesn’t stick or scorch on the bottom of the skillet. The aroma at this point will have your family wandering into the kitchen asking, “What’s for dinner?”

Step 4: Adding the Creamy Element

Now for the moment we’ve all been waiting for: the sour cream. Reduce the heat to low before stirring in half a cup of full-fat sour cream. This step transforms the sauce into that velvety goodness Stroganoff is famous for. Be gentle and avoid letting the sauce boil—too much heat can cause the sour cream to curdle, and we don’t want that.

Adjusting the Flavor: Once the sour cream is mixed in, give the sauce a taste test. Need more tang? Add a smidge more Dijon mustard. Craving a touch more umami? A dash of Worcestershire sauce should do the trick. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste!

Step 5: Serving Suggestions

Your Chicken Mushroom Stroganoff is now ready to steal the show. But the real fun is deciding what to serve it with! Here are a few ideas to complement this creamy masterpiece:

Egg Noodles: The classic choice. Their wide, tender texture soaks up all that sauce perfectly.
Mashed Potatoes: Looking for an extra cozy option? Pile this stroganoff over creamy mashed potatoes for ultimate comfort food vibes.

Rice: A great choice to balance the richness of the dish, especially if you’re feeding a crowd.
Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb twist, this option is both light and satisfying.

Pro Tips for Stroganoff Success

Choose the Right Mushrooms: Cremini mushrooms bring a deeper, earthier flavor compared to white button mushrooms, but you can use either depending on your taste.
Don’t Rush the Sauté: Let the mushrooms and onions caramelize properly to unlock their natural sweetness and depth.
Avoid Curdling: Always keep the heat low when adding sour cream. If the sauce gets too hot, it may separate, and nobody wants that.

Make It Your Own: Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a pinch of smoked paprika before serving for an extra layer of flavor and a pop of color.

Variations to Try

If you’re feeling adventurous, here are a few fun ways to tweak the recipe:

Make It Vegetarian: Swap the chicken for tofu or omit it altogether, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Add Some Spice: A pinch of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes can give this dish a subtle kick.
Herb It Up: Add thyme or rosemary for a more herbaceous flavor profile.
Use Greek Yogurt: For a healthier twist, you can substitute sour cream with full-fat Greek yogurt.

By now, you’ve got a skillet brimming with creamy Chicken Mushroom Stroganoff goodness. But before you dig in, let’s tackle some common questions and share a few final thoughts to ensure your dish is a smashing success.

FAQs About Chicken Mushroom Stroganoff

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great option and tend to stay juicier during cooking. Just make sure they’re cut into bite-sized pieces and cooked thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the Stroganoff ahead of time. However, for the best texture, I recommend storing the sauce and chicken separately from any noodles or rice. Reheat the sauce gently on the stove before serving to avoid overcooking the chicken or curdling the sour cream.

3. Can I freeze Chicken Mushroom Stroganoff?
While you can freeze the chicken and sauce, sour cream can sometimes separate when thawed. If you plan to freeze it, consider leaving out the sour cream and adding it fresh when reheating.

4. What can I substitute for sour cream?
If you don’t have sour cream on hand, you can use plain full-fat Greek yogurt or crème fraîche. Just make sure to add it over low heat to avoid curdling.

5. What are the best mushrooms to use?
Cremini mushrooms are my favorite for this recipe because of their rich, earthy flavor. If you prefer, you can use white button mushrooms, portobello slices, or even shiitake for a gourmet twist.

6. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free flour to dredge the chicken, and serve the Stroganoff over gluten-free noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes. Check the Worcestershire sauce label to ensure it’s gluten-free as well.

7. How can I make the sauce thicker?
If you’d like a thicker sauce, mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water, then stir it into the simmering sauce. Let it cook for another minute or two until it thickens to your liking.

Conclusion: A Meal to Remember

And there you have it—Chicken Mushroom Stroganoff that’s creamy, flavorful, and absolutely satisfying. This dish is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner, a date night, or just treating yourself, this recipe is bound to impress.