If you’re searching for a recipe that ticks every comfort food box, Chicken Stroganoff is about to become your new obsession. Creamy, savory, and brimming with golden chicken and tender mushrooms, this crowd-pleaser brings a soul-warming twist to the classic Stroganoff—without the fuss. A swirl of Dijon, a splash of Worcestershire, and a generous dollop of sour cream tie together flavors that look fancy but are utterly foolproof. Whether it’s a cozy night in or a weeknight dinner win, Chicken Stroganoff is always a good idea.

Chicken Stroganoff Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Chicken Stroganoff lies in its handful of humble ingredients working delicious magic together. Every component is thoughtfully chosen to bring richness, depth, and irresistible texture to each bite—no complicated shopping list required.

Chicken breasts: Boneless and cut into bite-size pieces for quick cooking and maximum tenderness.
Garlic powder: Delivers a subtle savory backbone without overpowering the dish.
Salt and pepper: Essential for coaxing out every bit of flavor from the chicken and sauce.
All-purpose flour: Lightly coats the chicken for a beautifully browned, lightly crisped exterior, and helps thicken the sauce.
Olive oil: Used in stages for browning the chicken and sautéing the veggies—choose a good, mellow olive oil for best results.
Butter: Adds depth and a velvety richness to the mushroom and onion mixture.
Cremini (baby bella) mushrooms: Their earthy flavor gives the sauce classic Stroganoff character and heartiness.
Onion: Sweetens and rounds out the base flavors as it softens and caramelizes.
Dijon mustard: A pop of tangy brightness enhances the classic creamy sauce.
Worcestershire sauce: A splash of umami for complexity and richness.
Garlic cloves: Fresh and fragrant, they add a punch of aromatics.
Chicken broth: Provides savory depth and keeps the sauce luscious while lightening things up.
Full-fat sour cream: Gives the sauce its unbeatable creamy texture and signature tang.

How to Make Chicken Stroganoff

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Start by cutting your chicken breasts into neat 1-inch pieces for even cooking. Toss them with garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then dredge each piece lightly in flour. Shake off any excess—you want a light coating that will brown and thicken the final sauce, not weigh down the chicken.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Working in two batches prevents overcrowding and makes sure each chicken piece gets golden and crisp. Sear each piece about 3 minutes per side, then transfer them to a plate. Don’t worry about cooking the chicken fully—it’ll finish in the sauce later.

Step 3: Sauté Mushrooms and Onions

To the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil along with a generous tablespoon of butter. Toss in the sliced cremini mushrooms and chopped onion. Let them cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring only occasionally, so they caramelize beautifully and their liquid evaporates. This step builds that deep, unforgettable flavor base for your Chicken Stroganoff sauce.

Step 4: Add Flavors

Now stir in your Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and minced garlic. Let them mingle with the warm mushrooms and onions for about one minute. This is when your kitchen will start smelling absolutely incredible.

Step 5: Deglaze and Simmer

Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any golden bits from the bottom of the skillet (those are flavor gold!). Return the browned chicken pieces to the pan and let them simmer for 2 minutes, soaking up all those savory juices.

Step 6: Make it Creamy

Take the skillet off the heat and gently fold in the full-fat sour cream. Stir until the sauce is smooth and the chicken is glossed in that creamy, dreamy blanket. Taste and season with extra salt and pepper if needed. Your Chicken Stroganoff is officially ready for serving!

How to Serve Chicken Stroganoff

Garnishes

A finishing sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives adds a pop of color and a subtle herbal lift, perfectly offsetting the creamy sauce. For a little crunch and restaurant-worthy flair, go wild with crispy fried shallots on top—trust me, it’s a game changer.

Side Dishes

Classic egg noodles are the traditional nest for Chicken Stroganoff, soaking up every last drop of that luscious sauce. If you want to switch things up, buttery mashed potatoes or fluffy rice turn this dish into pure comfort on a plate. For extra vibrancy, serve alongside steamed green beans, sautéed spinach, or even a simple green salad.

Creative Ways to Present

Feeling adventurous? Spoon Chicken Stroganoff over toasted rustic bread for a cozy open-faced sandwich, or stuff it inside baked potatoes for a hearty spin. Mini portions over crisp crostini make a fantastic party appetizer, giving guests a taste of creamy decadence in every bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Chicken Stroganoff keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors meld and intensify overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch even more irresistible. Just be sure to let the dish cool completely before storing.

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze portions for later, transfer cooled Chicken Stroganoff into lidded containers, leaving a little room for expansion. It’ll stay tasty in the freezer for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently to preserve the creamy texture.

Reheating

Warm leftover Chicken Stroganoff gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often so the sauce stays smooth and doesn’t separate. You may want to add a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen things up. Microwaving in short bursts with a cover works fine too—just stir halfway through for even heating.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are slightly juicier and more forgiving than breasts, so feel free to use them if you love a richer flavor. Just cut them into bite-size pieces and cook as directed in your Chicken Stroganoff.

What if I want a lighter version?

You can make a lighter Chicken Stroganoff by swapping the full-fat sour cream for Greek yogurt or a reduced-fat sour cream. The sauce will be a touch tangier and a bit lighter but still satisfyingly creamy.

Is there a vegetarian version?

Yes! Simply swap the chicken for extra mushrooms or use your favorite plant-based chicken alternative. Vegetable broth in place of chicken broth works perfectly, and you’ll still get that comforting, creamy flavor profile.

Why dredge the chicken in flour?

Dredging isn’t just for browning—it’s the secret behind that gorgeous silkiness in Chicken Stroganoff. The flour helps the chicken crisp up and naturally thickens the sauce as everything simmers together.

Can I make Chicken Stroganoff ahead of time?

Chicken Stroganoff is make-ahead friendly! Prepare the full dish a day ahead, then cool and refrigerate. The flavors meld wonderfully, making reheated leftovers a second-day treat. Just warm gently before serving.

Final Thoughts

If you’re longing for a dinner that’s equal parts comforting and celebratory, Chicken Stroganoff will absolutely deliver. Give this recipe a try—you might just find yourself making excuses to whip it up again and again!