Name: Creamy Chicken Stroganoff
Prep time: 12 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 32 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized chunks; 8 oz cremini or white mushrooms, sliced; 1 medium onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp butter; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp all-purpose flour; 1 cup chicken broth; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1/4 cup heavy cream; 1 tsp Dijon mustard; 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste); 1/4 tsp black pepper; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

On busy evenings when I want something rich, hearty, and ready in under 30 minutes, I always turn to this Creamy Chicken Stroganoff. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug at the end of a long day—tender seared chicken, earthy mushrooms, and a silky, garlic-kissed sour cream sauce that clings to every bite. It’s pure comfort food, elevated just enough to serve to guests but simple enough for a weeknight.

What I love most about this dish is how the flavors build in layers—the caramelized onions, the umami of the mushrooms, and the richness of the sauce. It’s a perfect one-pan dinner served over buttered noodles, rice, or even mashed potatoes. And the best part? It doesn’t take fancy ingredients or hours of prep—just a few pantry staples and a skillet.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken Stroganoff

It’s a comforting and satisfying meal with tender chicken and a rich, creamy sauce.
Quick to prepare—ready in about 30 minutes.
A family favorite that pleases even picky eaters.
Adaptable to low-carb or gluten-free diets.
Uses pantry staples and simple ingredients you probably already have on hand.

What Kind of Mushrooms Should I Use?

While white button mushrooms work well, I prefer cremini (baby bella) mushrooms for their deeper flavor. If you want something fancier, a mix of wild mushrooms like shiitake or oyster adds a more gourmet twist. Just be sure to sauté them well to develop that irresistible golden edge and umami depth.

Options for Substitutions

Chicken: Swap with turkey breast or boneless thighs for a darker, juicier flavor.
Sour Cream: Greek yogurt is a great alternative if you want it lighter.
Heavy Cream: Use half-and-half or a splash of milk with a bit of flour to thicken.
Gluten-Free: Choose a gluten-free flour or cornstarch to thicken the sauce instead of traditional flour.
Vegetarian: Sub in seared tofu or hearty portobello mushrooms and veggie broth.

Ingredients for this Creamy Chicken Stroganoff

Chicken breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breast cut into bite-sized chunks cooks quickly and stays juicy in the sauce.
Mushrooms: Cremini or white button mushrooms bring umami and texture to the dish.
Onion: Adds sweetness and depth as it caramelizes.
Garlic: Essential for rich flavor and aroma.
Butter: For sautéing and building the base of the sauce.
Olive oil: Helps achieve a golden sear on the chicken.
All-purpose flour: Used to thicken the sauce.
Chicken broth: Adds savory depth and helps deglaze the pan.
Sour cream: The key to the creamy, tangy stroganoff sauce.
Heavy cream: Balances the tang of sour cream with luxurious richness.
Dijon mustard: Adds complexity and a subtle sharpness.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning each component.
Fresh parsley: A pop of color and freshness at the end.

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Before you start cooking, have everything ready: slice the mushrooms, dice the onion, mince the garlic, and cut the chicken into chunks. This will make the cooking process smooth and quick.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil and a bit of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then add it to the pan in a single layer. Sear for about 4–5 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pan, add a touch more butter if needed and toss in the onions. Cook until they become translucent and slightly caramelized. Then add the mushrooms and sauté until browned and all their moisture has evaporated. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Sprinkle the flour over the mushroom-onion mixture and stir to coat everything evenly. This helps thicken the sauce later. Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Let it simmer for a few minutes to reduce slightly.

Step 5: Stir in the Creams and Mustard

Lower the heat and mix in the sour cream, heavy cream, and Dijon mustard. Stir until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Let it gently bubble, but don’t let it boil—this keeps the sour cream from curdling.

Step 6: Return the Chicken

Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet and simmer everything together for another 2–3 minutes until heated through and coated in sauce. Taste and adjust salt or pepper if needed.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top just before serving. Spoon the creamy chicken and mushroom mixture over noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes and enjoy every comforting bite.

How Long to Prepare the Creamy Chicken Stroganoff

Prep Time: Most of your prep involves chopping the chicken, mushrooms, onions, and garlic. This takes around 10–12 minutes if you’re organized. I like to measure out the rest of the ingredients ahead of time so everything flows smoothly.

Cook Time: From searing the chicken to finishing the creamy sauce, the cooking time is about 20 minutes. That brings your total time to just around 30 minutes for a complete, homemade meal with rich flavor and comforting texture.

Tips for Perfect Creamy Chicken Stroganoff

Use a heavy-bottomed skillet to get a nice sear on the chicken and avoid burning the sauce.
Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking the chicken—work in batches if needed.
Let the mushrooms cook until all their liquid evaporates; this intensifies the flavor.
Avoid boiling the sauce once you’ve added sour cream—keep it at a gentle simmer.
Stir in the sour cream slowly to prevent curdling and keep the texture silky.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Adding chicken to a cold pan: You won’t get a good sear, and the meat will steam.
Undercooked mushrooms: Mushrooms need time to release and reabsorb their liquid—don’t rush them.
Boiling the sauce: High heat can break the sour cream, making the sauce grainy.
Skipping the flour: Without it, your sauce may be too runny.
Not seasoning in layers: Salt the chicken, veggies, and sauce individually for the best flavor.

What to Serve With Creamy Chicken Stroganoff?

1. Buttered Egg Noodles

A classic pairing that soaks up the sauce beautifully.

2. Mashed Potatoes

Creamy and hearty, a great option if you want extra comfort.

3. Steamed Rice

Simple and great for absorbing the rich sauce.

4. Roasted Green Beans

Provides a crisp, fresh contrast to the creamy dish.

5. Garlic Bread

Perfect for sopping up every last bit of that luscious stroganoff sauce.

Storage Instructions

Refrigeration: Let the stroganoff cool to room temperature, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat to maintain the sauce’s texture.

Freezing: While you can freeze it, the sauce may slightly change in texture upon thawing due to the sour cream. If freezing, store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Reheat slowly and stir in a splash of cream or broth to restore smoothness.

Estimated Nutrition (per serving)

Calories: ~420 kcal
Protein: 32g
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 480mg
Cholesterol: 105mg

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep the sauce from curdling?

Keep the heat low after adding sour cream and avoid boiling. Stir it in slowly for a smooth, creamy finish.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! It reheats well. Just store the sauce and pasta separately and reheat gently.

Can I use chicken thighs instead?

Absolutely—chicken thighs add more flavor and stay very tender.

Is there a dairy-free version?

You can use dairy-free sour cream and coconut cream, though the flavor will be slightly different.

What if I don’t have Dijon mustard?

A little yellow mustard or even a touch of Worcestershire sauce can substitute in a pinch.

Conclusion

Creamy Chicken Stroganoff is one of those dishes that hits every note—rich, hearty, quick to make, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or want to impress guests with minimal effort, this recipe delivers comfort and flavor in every creamy bite. Serve it with your favorite side and enjoy the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table with a smile.