Part 1: Creamy Comfort Food, Made Easy
(Inspired by The Recipe Critic – clear, helpful, and confidence-building)
There are some dishes that just feel like a hug in a bowl, and this Easy Chicken Stroganoff is exactly that kind of meal. With tender chunks of chicken, savory mushrooms, and a luxuriously creamy sauce, it’s comfort food at its finest—without needing hours in the kitchen.
I love this recipe because it strikes that perfect balance between hearty and fuss-free. It’s ready in just 30 minutes, uses everyday ingredients, and tastes like something you’d order from a cozy restaurant on a rainy evening. Whether you serve it over buttery egg noodles, fluffy rice, or even mashed potatoes, this stroganoff is bound to be a new weeknight favorite.
It’s also an incredibly versatile recipe. Not into mushrooms? You can leave them out or swap in another veggie. Prefer Greek yogurt to sour cream? That works too. The creamy Dijon-spiked sauce pulls everything together with rich flavor and just the right tang.
Let’s dive into how to make it—you’re only a few steps away from a warm, satisfying dinner the whole family will love.
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Stroganoff:
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2 large chicken breasts, diced
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 small onion, diced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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250g mushrooms, sliced
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1½ cups chicken broth
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1 cup sour cream
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2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
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1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
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Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
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300g egg noodles or pasta
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the diced chicken with a bit of salt and pepper, then add it to the pan.
Cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
💡 Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan. Let the chicken get a nice sear for added flavor.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same pan, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté for 2–3 minutes, until the onion is softened and the garlic is fragrant.
Next, stir in the sliced mushrooms. Cook for another 4–5 minutes, until the mushrooms release their moisture and turn golden brown. This step builds that rich, savory base the sauce is known for.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of flour over the mushroom mixture and stir well to coat. Cook for 1–2 minutes, which helps eliminate the raw flour taste and thickens the sauce.
Gradually pour in the 1½ cups chicken broth, stirring constantly to keep the sauce smooth. Bring it to a gentle simmer and cook for 3–4 minutes, until the sauce starts to thicken.
Stir in the 1 cup sour cream and 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, mixing until everything is combined. Simmer for another 2–3 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
💡 Optional tweak: For a lighter sauce, you can use half Greek yogurt and half sour cream.
Up next in Part 2: Combining It All, Serving Ideas, and Tips for Perfect Stroganoff Every Time
[Continue to Part 2 →]
Part 2: Bringing It All Together + Stroganoff Success Tips
You’ve built the sauce, cooked your chicken to golden perfection, and your kitchen smells like something out of a French bistro. Now let’s finish this dish the easy, delicious way.
🥣 Step 4: Combine & Finish
Add the cooked chicken back into the pan and stir to coat it in the creamy mushroom sauce. Let it simmer for about 2 minutes, just enough to warm through and absorb those lovely flavors.
Taste and adjust the seasoning—add a pinch more salt or pepper if needed.
🍽 Step 5: Serve & Garnish
Serve the chicken stroganoff over a bed of cooked egg noodles, pasta, or rice—whatever you love most. Garnish with a generous sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
💡 Serving Suggestions:
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Try with buttery mashed potatoes for ultra-comfort.
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Swap egg noodles for pappardelle or even wholegrain pasta for a twist.
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Add a side of steamed green beans or broccoli for a full meal.
💡 Tips for Stroganoff Success
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Brown the chicken properly – Give it space in the pan to get that golden crust. It adds extra flavor to the final dish.
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Don’t skip the flour – It’s what thickens the sauce and gives it that creamy, luscious texture.
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Adjust thickness – If your sauce gets too thick, stir in a splash of broth or milk. Too thin? Let it simmer a minute longer.
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Use full-fat sour cream – It adds richness and is less likely to curdle.
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Make ahead – This dish reheats beautifully, so it’s great for meal prep or next-day lunches.
This is one of those recipes you’ll reach for again and again. It’s quick enough for busy nights but cozy and satisfying enough to feel like a little indulgence—just what we all need sometimes.
[Continue to Part 3 for FAQs and Final Thoughts →]
Part 3: FAQs + Final Thoughts
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs are juicier and add even more flavor. Just trim the excess fat and dice as you would the breasts.
2. What if I don’t have sour cream?
You can use plain Greek yogurt (full-fat works best), crème fraîche, or even heavy cream in a pinch.
3. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes—just swap the flour for a gluten-free alternative like cornstarch or a 1:1 GF flour blend, and serve it over gluten-free pasta or rice.
4. How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed.
5. Can I freeze Chicken Stroganoff?
You can, but the sauce may separate slightly when reheated. If freezing, allow it to cool completely, freeze in portions, and stir well when reheating.
6. What type of mushrooms work best?
White button or cremini (chestnut) mushrooms are perfect. You can also use sliced portobello for a deeper flavor.
7. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely—just make sure to use a large enough pan and brown the chicken in batches if needed.
🥘 Final Thoughts
This Easy Chicken Stroganoff is the perfect example of how comforting food doesn’t have to be complicated. With tender chicken, golden mushrooms, and a creamy Dijon-sour cream sauce, it delivers big flavor in a short amount of time. It’s the kind of recipe you can whip up after a long day and still feel like you’ve treated yourself to something special.
Whether you’re feeding the family or meal prepping for the week, this one’s a keeper. So grab your pan, get those noodles boiling, and enjoy the creamy, savory goodness that is stroganoff—reimagined for busy home cooks like us.
