Welcome to the ultimate guide for crafting a truly exceptional Chicken Stroganoff! This beloved dish, celebrated for its rich, creamy sauce and tender chicken, offers a comforting embrace in every bite. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or new to the kitchen, our simplified, step-by-step recipe ensures a perfect meal every time. Prepare to indulge in a hearty dinner that promises to satisfy your cravings for warmth and deliciousness without demanding hours of your precious time.
EASY & ELEGANT: YOUR NEW FAVORITE CHICKEN STROGANOFF RECIPE
Chicken Stroganoff is a timeless comfort food classic, known for its ability to transform simple ingredients into an incredibly flavorful and satisfying meal. While traditionally made with beef, this chicken version offers a lighter, quicker alternative without sacrificing any of the creamy, savory indulgence. It’s the ideal solution for busy weeknights when you desire a homemade, wholesome dinner that tastes like it took all day to prepare. Our recipe focuses on creating a rich, from-scratch sauce that coats succulent pieces of chicken, bringing a touch of gourmet to your family table.
Inspired by the traditional Russian dish, our Chicken Stroganoff is designed for convenience and maximum flavor. We skip the shortcut soups and instead build a robust base with fresh ingredients, ensuring a depth of flavor that canned alternatives simply can’t match. This approach not only yields a superior taste but also gives you complete control over the quality of your meal. The result is a velvety, savory sauce brimming with tender chicken, perfectly suited to be served over a variety of comforting accompaniments.
YOUR TOP QUESTIONS ABOUT CHICKEN STROGANOFF ANSWERED
Our homemade Chicken Stroganoff features tender chicken, typically boneless and skinless chicken breasts or thighs, browned to perfection. The heart of the dish lies in its rich, creamy sauce, which is crafted from a harmonious blend of sautéed onions and fresh garlic, thickened with a roux made from butter and flour, then simmered with unsalted chicken stock and luxurious heavy cream. A dash of Worcestershire sauce adds an essential umami depth, while sour cream is stirred in at the end to provide that signature tangy creaminess and velvety texture. Salt and pepper are added to taste, ensuring a perfectly balanced flavor profile.
Chicken Stroganoff is incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides that can soak up its magnificent sauce. Classic choices include a generous bed of fluffy white rice, comforting egg noodles, or creamy mashed potatoes. For those who prefer pasta, fettuccine or wide pappardelle noodles also make excellent foundations. Beyond these, consider serving it with a simple green salad to add a fresh counterpoint, or some steamed green beans for a pop of color and nutrition. Crusty bread is also a fantastic option for soaking up every last drop of the delicious sauce.
While our recipe prides itself on a homemade sauce base using flour and heavy cream, you absolutely can adapt it to include a cream of chicken or cream of mushroom soup if you prefer a shortcut. If opting for a homemade cream of chicken soup or homemade cream of mushroom soup, either will integrate beautifully into the dish. Should you choose to use the canned variety, you will need to adjust the liquid content. In this case, omit the heavy cream entirely and add an additional 1/2 cup of chicken stock to achieve the desired consistency and flavor balance. This substitution offers a convenient way to still enjoy the comforting flavors of stroganoff.
For this recipe, boneless, skinless chicken breasts are our top recommendation due to their lean nature and quick cooking time, resulting in tender, juicy pieces. However, feel free to customize based on your preference. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are an excellent alternative if you prefer a richer flavor and slightly more tender texture; just be aware they may require a few extra minutes of cooking. Chicken tenderloins also work well and cook even faster, making them a great choice if you’re truly short on time. Regardless of the cut, ensure the chicken is diced into small, even pieces for uniform cooking.
Absolutely! Adding vegetables is a fantastic way to enhance the nutritional value and volume of your Chicken Stroganoff. Frozen veggies are particularly convenient and can be easily incorporated. For instance, you can add sliced mushrooms (a classic stroganoff addition), frozen peas, carrots, or even bell peppers to the skillet while sautéing the onions. This not only makes for a more substantial and well-balanced meal but also infuses the sauce with additional flavors and textures. Ensure any frozen vegetables are thawed and drained if necessary to prevent excess water from thinning the sauce.
While the primary flavor comes from the incredibly rich and savory sauce, which usually means separate seasoning isn’t strictly necessary, you absolutely can season the chicken independently if you desire. A simple sprinkle of salt and pepper before browning will enhance the chicken’s natural flavor. For a more adventurous kick, consider adding a pinch of Cajun seasoning, lemon pepper, or your favorite all-purpose chicken seasoning blend. This can add an extra layer of complexity to the dish. Just be mindful of the salt content when adding seasoned stock or Worcestershire sauce, and adjust accordingly to prevent over-salting.
Chicken Stroganoff makes for excellent leftovers! To ensure they stay fresh and delicious, transfer any remaining stroganoff to an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. When reheating, gently warm the stroganoff in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s heated through. If the sauce has thickened too much in the fridge, you can add a splash of chicken stock or milk to loosen it up. Alternatively, individual portions can be reheated in the microwave, stirring halfway through.
INGREDIENTS FOR THE PERFECT CHICKEN STROGANOFF
Crafting this delightful Chicken Stroganoff requires a selection of fresh, high-quality ingredients that work in harmony to create its signature flavor and texture. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need and why each component is crucial:
- Salted Butter: The foundation of our rich sauce. We specify real butter, not margarine, for its superior flavor and browning capabilities. The butter is used to sauté the chicken and onions, building the initial layers of taste.
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast: Chosen for its lean profile and quick cooking time, ensuring tender results. While chicken breasts are preferred, you can absolutely substitute with boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a richer flavor, though they may require a slightly longer cooking period. Dice them into uniform pieces for even cooking.
- Sweet Onion: Adds a foundational sweetness and aromatic depth to the sauce. A small sweet onion will caramelize beautifully, contributing to the rich flavor profile. If you prefer a milder onion flavor, a shallot can be used as an excellent alternative.
- Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic is paramount here. While jarred minced garlic is convenient for some dishes, for a recipe with fewer ingredients like stroganoff, fresh cloves provide an unparalleled pungent aroma and robust flavor that truly shines through. Mince them finely to release their full essence.
- All-Purpose Flour: This is our key thickening agent, forming a roux with the butter to create the creamy, luscious base for the sauce. It ensures a smooth, consistent texture without lumps.
- Unsalted Chicken Stock: Used as the liquid base for the sauce, providing savory chicken flavor. Opting for unsalted stock gives you precise control over the overall saltiness of your dish. If you only have salted chicken stock, remember to reduce the amount of added salt in the recipe to avoid an overly salty outcome.
- Heavy Cream: The secret to the sauce’s luxurious, velvety texture. Heavy cream provides unparalleled richness and body. If heavy cream isn’t available, half-and-half can be used as a lighter alternative, though it will result in a slightly less thick sauce. Regular milk is generally not recommended as it won’t yield the desired creamy consistency. (Refer to our FAQ section if considering cream of chicken soup as a substitute).
- Worcestershire Sauce: A crucial ingredient that adds a complex, savory, and slightly tangy umami depth to the sauce. You won’t taste it as a distinct flavor, but it wonderfully melds with and enhances all the other components, bringing a subtle tang and richness.
- Sour Cream: Stirred in at the final stage, sour cream delivers the iconic tangy kick and helps achieve that characteristic thick, smooth, and creamy consistency of traditional stroganoff. For a healthier twist, plain Greek yogurt can be used in place of sour cream, offering a similar tang and creaminess. If you absolutely dislike sour cream, you can omit it, but be prepared for a slightly less thick and tangy sauce.
- Cooked Egg Noodles: The classic accompaniment for Stroganoff, offering a comforting and ideal vehicle for the creamy sauce. However, feel free to serve it over rice, mashed potatoes, or your favorite pasta shape like fettuccine or penne.
- Fresh Chopped Parsley: (Optional garnish) Adds a vibrant touch of color and a fresh, herbaceous note, elevating the dish’s presentation and flavor.
STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE: MASTERING CHICKEN STROGANOFF
Follow these detailed steps to create a truly delicious and comforting Chicken Stroganoff right in your own kitchen. Precision and patience are key to building layers of flavor:
- Brown the Chicken: Begin by melting 2 tablespoons of salted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and slightly foamy, add the small-diced chicken pieces to the skillet. Brown the chicken evenly, stirring occasionally. To achieve a good sear and even cooking, it’s often best to do this in batches, especially if your skillet is not very large. Cook for about 5 minutes per batch until golden brown and cooked through. Once browned, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate; any juices that accumulate will be added back later, contributing extra flavor.
- Sauté the Onions: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the small-diced sweet onions. Cook the onions over medium heat, stirring frequently, until they become softened, translucent, and lightly browned. This process usually takes about 10-15 minutes. As the onions cook, use your spatula or spoon to scrape up any browned bits (fond) from the bottom of the pan left from the chicken. These bits are packed with flavor and will enrich your sauce.
- Add Garlic and Flour: Once the onions are perfectly tender and fragrant, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for just about 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until the garlic becomes aromatic. Be careful not to burn it, as burnt garlic can taste bitter. Immediately sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the onion and garlic mixture. Stir it in thoroughly until the flour is fully incorporated and coats all the vegetables, forming a thick paste. Cook this mixture for 1 minute, allowing the flour to cook out its raw taste, which is crucial for a smooth and flavorful sauce.
- Build the Creamy Sauce: Now, it’s time to create the luscious sauce. Slowly stream in the unsalted chicken stock into the skillet, whisking constantly as you pour. This continuous whisking is essential to prevent lumps and ensure a perfectly smooth sauce. Follow this by slowly streaming in the heavy cream, continuing to whisk until completely combined and smooth.
- Season the Sauce: Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, kosher salt, and black pepper into the creamy mixture. Whisk everything together thoroughly to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the sauce. The Worcestershire sauce will add a deep, savory complexity that is a hallmark of stroganoff.
- Return Chicken and Simmer: Carefully add the browned chicken pieces back into the pan, along with any accumulated juices from the plate. Stir the chicken into the sauce, ensuring each piece is well coated. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat. Let it simmer for 5-10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld beautifully, ensuring the chicken is fully cooked through and incredibly tender.
- Finish with Sour Cream: Once the sauce has thickened and the chicken is tender, remove the skillet from the heat. This is a crucial step for incorporating the sour cream without it curdling. Stir in the sour cream until it is fully incorporated, creating a silky-smooth, tangy, and rich sauce.
- Taste and Adjust: Before serving, taste the Chicken Stroganoff and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add a little more salt, pepper, or even a touch more Worcestershire sauce to suit your preference. This final adjustment ensures your dish is perfectly balanced.
- Serve: Ladle the warm Chicken Stroganoff generously over freshly cooked egg noodles. For an extra touch of freshness and visual appeal, garnish with some fresh chopped parsley, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy this hearty, comforting meal!
Serve over cooked egg noodles with a garnish of fresh parsley if desired.
CRAVING MORE COMFORT FOOD RECIPES?
If you loved this Chicken Stroganoff, you’ll be thrilled to explore more of our comforting and hearty recipes. From other Stroganoff variations to satisfying chicken dishes, we’ve got something for everyone. Dive into our collection and discover your next family favorite:
- Crock Pot Meatball Stroganoff
- Beef Stroganoff Cups
- Ground Beef Stroganoff (No Cream Soups)
- Classic Ground Beef Stroganoff
- Instant Pot Hamburger Helper Stroganoff
- Creamy Chicken a la King
- White Chicken Enchiladas
- Crock Pot Beef Stroganoff For Two
- 30 Delicious Chicken Breast Recipes
Chicken Stroganoff (+Video)
Chicken Stroganoff is a warm and comforting homemade meal. Creamy, flavorful, and saucy! You’ll love every bite of this hearty dinner recipe!
10 minutes
45 minutes
55 minutes
4 servings
Brandie Skibinski
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 Tablespoons salted butter, divided use
- 1 pound small-diced boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 1 small sweet onion, small diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted chicken stock
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ⅓ cup sour cream
- Cooked egg noodles, for serving
- Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Melt 2 Tablespoons of the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
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Add the chicken to the skillet and brown it, stirring occasionally. You may need to do this in batches (depending on how large your skillet is) so the chicken will brown evenly, about 5 minutes per batch. Place the chicken on a plate.
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Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and add the onions to the pan. Cook the onions until softened and lightly browned, 10-15 minutes; scrape off any browned bits from the chicken from the bottom of the pan while cooking the onions.
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Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, 30 seconds.
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Add the flour and stir it in until fully mixed in; cook for 1 minute.
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Slowly stream in the chicken stock, followed by the heavy cream, while whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
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Add the Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper, and whisk to combine.
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Add the chicken back to the pan along with any juices from it and stir it into the sauce.
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Bring to a simmer and simmer for 5-10 minutes until thickened and the chicken is cooked through.
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Take off the heat and stir in the sour cream. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
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Serve over cooked egg noodles with a garnish of fresh parsley if desired.
Video
Notes
- Please refer to our FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions) and the detailed ingredient list above for other substitutions, tips, or answers to the most common questions about this recipe.
Dinner, Main Course
American
Nutrition Information
Calories: 427kcal
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Carbohydrates: 14g
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Protein: 28g
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Fat: 29g
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Sodium: 752mg
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Fiber: 1g
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Sugar: 6g
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
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