The Creamy Chicken Stroganoff Recipe is one of those irresistibly comforting dishes that wraps you in a warm hug with every bite. Tender chicken thighs cooked to perfection are enveloped in a luscious, velvety sauce loaded with earthy mushrooms, fragrant garlic, and a touch of tangy sour cream. This dish strikes the perfect balance between hearty and elegant, making it a family favorite that’s both simple to prepare and impressive enough for guests. If you’re craving a rich and satisfying meal that feels like a special occasion on a weeknight, this Creamy Chicken Stroganoff Recipe is exactly what you need.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to delicious success, and this Creamy Chicken Stroganoff Recipe is no exception. Each component plays a vital role—from the juicy chicken thighs that offer tenderness and flavor, to the mushrooms that provide an earthy depth and satisfyingly meaty texture. Even the spices and broth work together to build layers of complexity, while sour cream lends its iconic creamy tang to finish the sauce perfectly.
- Olive oil: Use for cooking the chicken and sautéing the vegetables to add a subtle richness.
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: These deliver juicy, tender bites that stay moist throughout cooking.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken and vegetables to bring out their natural flavors.
- Onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the sauce once softened.
- Garlic: Provides a fragrant, savory aroma that makes the dish feel homey and inviting.
- Mushrooms: Sliced and browned to infuse the sauce with hearty, earthy notes.
- Italian seasoning and paprika: These spices build warmth and subtle complexity.
- Worcestershire sauce: Brings an umami boost that rounds out the sauce’s flavor.
- Dry white wine: Adds brightness and helps deglaze the pan to capture all those delicious browned bits.
- All-purpose flour: Used to thicken the sauce into a creamy consistency.
- Sour cream: The star ingredient that gives this stroganoff its famously rich, tangy creaminess.
- Chicken broth: Keeps the sauce flavorful and ensures it’s perfectly saucy.
- Fresh parsley: A sprinkle at the end for a pop of color and fresh herbaceous notes.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Stroganoff Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Start by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season your bite-sized chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then add them to the pan. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through—this usually takes about 6 to 8 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside to rest while we move on to the sauce. Cooking the chicken first not only locks in its juiciness but also leaves behind flavorful bits in the pan that are essential for the next steps.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil. Toss in the chopped onion and let it soften until translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and stir for another 30 seconds until fragrant. It’s this aromatic base that sets the tone for the creamy sauce. Next, add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they are golden brown and their moisture has evaporated—this step is crucial for developing that deep, earthy flavor. Finally, season with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper to build layers of warmth and spice.
Step 3: Deglaze and Thicken the Sauce
This is where magic happens! Pour in Worcestershire sauce and white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up all those delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom—they hold incredible flavor. Let this simmer for 2 to 3 minutes so the alcohol cooks off and the liquids reduce slightly. Next, sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly for about a minute, which will help thicken the sauce without lumps. Gradually add the chicken broth while stirring continuously and allow the sauce to simmer until it reaches a lovely, thick consistency.
Step 4: Finish with Sour Cream and Chicken
Lower the heat to prevent curdling, and gently stir in the sour cream until the sauce is luxuriously smooth and creamy. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and let everything warm through together. The sour cream brings a tangy richness that truly transforms this dish and lives up to the classic Creamy Chicken Stroganoff Recipe name. Before serving, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a fresh, vibrant finish.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Stroganoff Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes make a dish feel complete. A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives not only adds a gorgeous pop of color but also provides a subtle herbal freshness that balances the rich sauce beautifully. If you like a little extra tang, a light squeeze of lemon or a few shavings of Parmesan can elevate your serving even more.
Side Dishes
This Creamy Chicken Stroganoff Recipe pairs wonderfully with classic buttered egg noodles, which soak up the sauce like a dream. If you prefer something lighter, steamed rice or creamy mashed potatoes are excellent options. For a low-carb twist, try serving it over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles—the creamy sauce makes every alternative just as satisfying!
Creative Ways to Present
For a lovely dinner presentation, serve the stroganoff in shallow bowls topped with a sprig of fresh parsley. Another fun idea is to spoon the sauce and chicken over halved baked potatoes for a cozy, rustic meal. You can even use puff pastry cups or crostini as unexpected vessel options for parties. The versatility of this Creamy Chicken Stroganoff Recipe means you can dress it up or down with ease.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Chicken Stroganoff can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld more wonderfully after resting, making it a great choice for next-day meals. Just be sure to cool it completely before refrigerating to keep things fresh.
Freezing
If you want to make this recipe ahead for busy days, freezing is a fantastic option. Place cooled stroganoff into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags, removing as much air as possible. It will keep well for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the stroganoff over low to medium heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to prevent the sauce from separating. Adding a splash of chicken broth or water can help loosen the sauce if it thickens too much. Avoid microwaving at high power as this can curdle the sour cream and alter the creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts will work fine, but since they are leaner, be careful not to overcook them as they can dry out more easily than thighs.
Is it necessary to use white wine in the sauce?
While white wine adds brightness and depth, you can substitute with extra chicken broth or a splash of white grape juice if you prefer a non-alcoholic version.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, swap the sour cream for a dairy-free alternative like coconut yogurt or cashew cream, keeping in mind it may slightly change the flavor and texture.
What can I serve alongside Creamy Chicken Stroganoff Recipe for a complete meal?
Traditional egg noodles or mashed potatoes are perfect staples, but steamed green beans or a crisp salad can provide a fresh contrast and round out the meal nicely.
How do I prevent the sour cream from curdling?
Be sure to add the sour cream off the heat or on very low heat and stir it in gently. Avoid boiling the sauce once sour cream has been added to keep it smooth.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the Creamy Chicken Stroganoff Recipe that just makes any mealtime feel cozy and satisfying. With its rich, flavorful sauce and tender chicken, it’s a dish that delights both the cook and everyone at the table. Don’t hesitate to give it a try soon—you might just find your new favorite weeknight dinner to share with family and friends!
Print
Creamy Chicken Stroganoff Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Russian-American
Description
This Chicken Stroganoff recipe is a creamy, comforting dish featuring tender chicken thighs cooked in a savory mushroom and onion sauce enriched with sour cream. Perfect for a hearty dinner, it combines the rich flavors of garlic, paprika, and Worcestershire sauce to create a flavorful twist on the classic stroganoff.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
Stroganoff Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound mushrooms, cleaned and sliced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ cup dry white wine
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup sour cream
- 2 cups low-sodium or no-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken thighs, season with salt and black pepper, and cook until the chicken is fully cooked through and browned. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and become browned.
- Season Vegetables: Season the vegetables with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper, stirring to combine evenly.
- Deglaze and Thicken Sauce: Pour in the Worcestershire sauce and dry white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Allow the mixture to simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to reduce slightly. Stir in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute to eliminate raw flour taste.
- Add Broth and Thicken: Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring continuously. Continue to simmer the sauce until it thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- Finish Sauce and Combine: Lower the heat to low and stir in the sour cream until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and heat through for 2-3 minutes.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the dish. Serve the Chicken Stroganoff hot, ideally over egg noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes.
Notes
- Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for best flavor and tenderness.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, add a bit more flour or reduce the broth slightly.
- Dry white wine adds brightness; substitute with more broth if you prefer no alcohol.
- Fresh parsley adds a nice color and freshness; you may substitute with dried parsley if needed.
- Sour cream should be added at low heat to prevent curdling.
