There’s nothing quite like the rich, creamy goodness of a homemade Chicken Stroganoff to turn a long day around. The moment that silky sauce bubbles away in the pan, releasing the mouthwatering aroma of mushrooms and seasoned chicken, I know I’m in for a cozy meal. Whether you’re feeling uninspired by takeout or simply searching for a comforting dish that your whole family will adore, this Quick One-Pan Creamy Chicken Stroganoff is the answer.
In just under 30 minutes, you can whip up this delicious recipe that satisfies your cravings and brightens your kitchen. Tender chunks of chicken nestled in a luscious mushroom sauce promise to make any night feel special—even if dinner was a last-minute decision. Trust me; this dish is destined to become your go-to weeknight staple. Let’s dive into how easy it is to create this comforting classic!
Why is this Rich Chicken Stroganoff irresistible?
Simplicity: This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, perfect for those busy evenings!
One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup means you can enjoy your meal without the hassle.
Comforting Flavors: The creamy mushroom sauce hugs the tender chicken, delivering that cozy feeling we all crave.
Versatile: Serve it over noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes for a delightful meal that suits your preferences.
Crowd-Pleasing: Whether cooking for family or friends, everyone will be asking for seconds of this delicious dish.
Check out more of my favorite one-pan meals for effortless weeknight dinners!
Rich Chicken Stroganoff Ingredients
• Get ready to create comfort on a plate!
For the Chicken
- Chicken Breast Halves – Boneless and skinless for tenderness; substitute with chicken thighs for extra moisture.
For the Sauce
- Garlic Powder – Adds a savory punch; fresh garlic works well for a bolder flavor.
- Salt and Black Pepper – Essential for enhancing flavors; adjust to your taste preference.
- Flour – Coats chicken for a nice crust while helping thicken the sauce; gluten-free flour can work instead.
- Olive Oil – Perfect for browning chicken; use vegetable oil if preferred.
- Butter – Adds a richness to the sauce; replace with more olive oil for a dairy-free option.
- Cremini Mushrooms – Bring earthiness and texture to the dish; button mushrooms can substitute in a pinch.
- Onion – Forms the flavor base of the sauce; shallots give a milder taste if desired.
- Dijon Mustard – Imparts a tangy note to the sauce; yellow mustard can stand in for it.
- Worcestershire Sauce – Deepens flavor complexity; soy sauce is a good alternative if needed.
- Chicken Broth – Acts as the sauce base, delivering moisture and flavor; swap for vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
- Full-Fat Sour Cream – Creates creaminess in the sauce; room temperature ensures smooth blending; Greek yogurt is a lighter alternative.
This Rich Chicken Stroganoff is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavor that transforms any evening into a cozy dining experience!
How to Make Rich Chicken Stroganoff
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Prepare Chicken: Cut the chicken breast into 1-inch pieces and season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Coat evenly with flour to create a nice crust when cooked.
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Brown Chicken: In a deep skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add half of the chicken pieces, cooking for about 3 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
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Repeat: If necessary, add a bit more oil, then brown the remaining chicken pieces in the skillet, cooking until golden. Set aside again to keep them warm.
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Sauté Vegetables: Lower the heat and melt butter in the same skillet. Add sliced mushrooms and diced onion; cook for about 6-8 minutes until the mushrooms turn golden and most moisture has evaporated.
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Add Flavorings: Stir in Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and a little garlic. Cook for 1 minute, allowing the mixture to become fragrant and flavorful.
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Combine with Broth: Pour in chicken broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the pan. Return the chicken to the skillet and simmer for an additional 2 minutes.
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Finish with Sour Cream: Turn the heat to low, and gently stir in the sour cream until smooth. Heat through, being careful not to boil to prevent curdling.
Optional: Garnish with fresh parsley for additional flavor and a pop of color.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Rich Chicken Stroganoff?
Creating a delightful meal around your creamy chicken stroganoff opens the door to an array of delicious pairings that will leave your family asking for more.
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Wide Egg Noodles: These tender noodles perfectly cradle the creamy sauce, making every bite a comforting experience. The smooth texture complements the richness of the stroganoff effortlessly.
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Steamed Broccoli: A fresh and vibrant addition, steamed broccoli adds a touch of crunch and a pop of color to your plate. The slight bitterness of the broccoli balances the creamy sauce beautifully.
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Garlic Bread: Crisp garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the sauce, adding both flavor and texture. This classic accompaniment brings a satisfying crunch that contrasts nicely with the soft stroganoff.
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Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic comfort food that would complement the dish well. Their velvety texture pairs harmoniously with the rich sauce, creating a joyful dining experience.
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Roasted Carrots: Sweet, tender roasted carrots add a hint of sweetness and a delightful texture to your meal. Their caramelized edges provide a lovely contrast to the creamy chicken.
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Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with a zesty vinaigrette offers freshness that cuts through the richness of the stroganoff. The crunchy greens provide a refreshing complement to the comforting flavors on your plate.
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Chardonnay: A chilled glass of Chardonnay makes for a lovely pairing, enhancing the creaminess of the sauce while providing a refreshing finish. The wine’s fruity notes can elevate your meal experience.
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Chocolate Mousse: For dessert, a light and airy chocolate mousse rounds off the meal beautifully. Its rich yet delicate nature is the perfect sweet ending to your savory dinner.
Expert Tips for Rich Chicken Stroganoff
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Uniform Pieces: Cut chicken evenly into 1-inch pieces for even cooking; avoid large chunks that may remain undercooked.
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Flavor Boost: Consider adding a splash of white wine along with the chicken broth for an extra layer of flavor in your Rich Chicken Stroganoff.
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Avoid Curds: Always remove the skillet from heat before adding sour cream to prevent curdling; gentle stirring will ensure a smooth sauce.
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Sautéing Mushrooms: Allow mushrooms enough cooking time to caramelize and release moisture; this enhances the sauce’s richness.
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Thickening Tips: If the sauce becomes too thin, let it simmer a bit longer uncovered for natural thickening; adding a little more flour can also help.
Rich Chicken Stroganoff Variations
Feel free to get creative and make this dish your own with these delicious twists!
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Thighs: Swap chicken breast for thighs to enhance moisture and tenderness, giving it an even richer flavor.
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Creamy Mushroom Medley: Use a mix of mushrooms like shiitake and portobello for added depth and a unique earthy twist.
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Pasta Swap: Instead of serving over noodles, try it on a bed of creamy polenta for a hearty alternative.
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Vegetarian Delight: Replace chicken with hearty vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers, plus chickpeas for protein.
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Extra Veggies: Stir in some spinach or kale just before serving for a burst of color and nutrition without compromising the flavor.
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes while sautéing onions for a subtle heat that elevates the dish.
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Lighter Sauce: Replace sour cream with a dollop of cashew cream for a vegan-friendly creamy finish.
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Herbal Freshness: Finish with fresh dill or parsley sprinkled on top for a fragrant pop that complements the creamy sauce beautifully.
Make Ahead Options
These Rich Chicken Stroganoff ingredients are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to save time on busy weeknights! You can season and coat the chicken pieces with flour up to 24 hours in advance. For an added convenience, sauté the mushrooms and onions ahead of time and refrigerate them for up to 3 days in an airtight container; this enhances their flavors while simplifying the cooking process. When you’re ready to serve, simply brown the chicken and combine it with the prepped vegetables, chicken broth, and sour cream. Follow the final steps, and you’ll enjoy a creamy, comforting dinner that’s just as delicious as if made fresh.
Storage Tips for Rich Chicken Stroganoff
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Fridge: Refrigerate the Stroganoff in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors develop even more after a day, making it a delightful leftover!
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Freezer: You can freeze the dish for up to 3 months. Note that the sour cream may separate upon thawing. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave at reduced power.
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Reheating: For best results, reheat on low heat to maintain creaminess and texture. Stir occasionally to blend the sauce back together smoothly.
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Serving Tips: When ready to enjoy your frozen Rich Chicken Stroganoff, consider serving it over freshly cooked noodles or rice to elevate the meal!
Rich Chicken Stroganoff Recipe FAQs
What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken breast halves are ideal as they cook quickly and remain tender. If you prefer a juicier texture, I often use chicken thighs instead, as they provide extra moisture that complements the creamy sauce wonderfully.
How should I store leftover Rich Chicken Stroganoff?
To keep your leftovers fresh, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors actually develop and improve the longer they sit, making them a delightful treat for meal prep. Just reheat gently before enjoying!
Can I freeze Rich Chicken Stroganoff?
Yes, you can freeze this dish for up to 3 months! To do this, cool the Stroganoff completely, then transfer it into a freezer-safe container. Just be aware that the sour cream may separate upon thawing; simply stir it back together when reheating on the stovetop over low heat.
What should I do if the sauce is too thin?
Very good question! If you find the sauce is thinner than you’d like, let it simmer uncovered for about 5-7 minutes, allowing excess moisture to evaporate and natural thickening to occur. Alternatively, whisk in a little more flour, mixed with a small amount of broth to avoid clumping, making the sauce creamy and delicious.
Is this recipe suitable for those with dietary restrictions?
Certainly! If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, simply substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. For a dairy-free version, replace the butter with more olive oil and exchange sour cream for a non-dairy yogurt or cream. Always check your substitutes for allergens, especially if you’re cooking for someone with food allergies.
How do I know when my chicken is cooked through?
To ensure your chicken pieces are perfectly cooked, use a meat thermometer to check that they’ve reached an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). The chicken should be golden brown on the outside, and when you slice it, the center should be opaque and juices run clear. This will guarantee that your Rich Chicken Stroganoff is safe and delicious!
Creamy Rich Chicken Stroganoff in 30 Minutes or Less
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cut the chicken breast into 1-inch pieces and season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Coat evenly with flour.
- In a deep skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add half of the chicken pieces, cooking for about 3 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- If necessary, add a bit more oil, then brown the remaining chicken pieces in the skillet, cooking until golden. Set aside again to keep them warm.
- Lower the heat and melt butter in the same skillet. Add sliced mushrooms and diced onion; cook for about 6-8 minutes until the mushrooms turn golden and most moisture has evaporated.
- Stir in Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and a little garlic. Cook for 1 minute, allowing the mixture to become fragrant and flavorful.
- Pour in chicken broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the pan. Return the chicken to the skillet and simmer for an additional 2 minutes.
- Turn the heat to low, and gently stir in the sour cream until smooth. Heat through, being careful not to boil to prevent curdling.