Craving a comforting meal with a blend of creamy textures and rich flavors? Let me introduce you to Chicken Stroganoff , a dish that’s simple to make yet bursting with flavor. Originating from Russia, this creamy mushroom-laden dish has many global variations, making its way into countless homes. My version of Chicken Stroganoff delivers a delightful mix of tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and a creamy sauce that’s perfect when paired with rice, pasta, or potatoes. It’s a family-approved dinner you’ll want to make again and again!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy and Rich : The combination of double cream and sour cream gives this dish an unbeatable luscious texture.
- Perfect Comfort Food : It’s hearty, filling, and perfect for those colder evenings.
- Versatile : Serve it with rice, pasta, or potatoes for a complete meal.
Let’s dive into the ingredients and then walk through the simple steps to make this delicious chicken dinner.
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to create this savory Chicken Stroganoff:
Main Ingredients
- 2 tbsp oil : For sautéing the ingredients.
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter : Adds richness to the sauce.
- 1 medium onion – peeled and finely sliced : Brings depth and sweetness to the dish.
- 200 g (7 oz) baby chestnut mushrooms – thickly sliced : For that earthy mushroom flavor.
- 3 chicken breasts (around 525g/18.5oz) – chopped into bite-sized pieces: Tender chunks of chicken as the protein base.
- ¼ tsp salt : For seasoning.
- ¼ tsp black pepper : Adds just the right amount of spice.
- 1 tsp paprika : Provides a subtle smoky warmth.
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce : A secret ingredient for that extra savory umami flavor.
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard : Adds a bit of tang and depth.
- 240 ml (1 cup) double (heavy) cream : For velvety richness.
- 160 ml (⅔ cup) full-fat sour cream : Adds a tangy, creamy component to balance out the flavors.
For Serving:
- Pinch of paprika : As a garnish to add a touch of color and flavor at the end.
- Finely chopped curly parsley : For freshness and color contrast.
- Rice, pasta, or potatoes : Choose your favorite starch; any of these will soak up the delicious sauce.
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s move on to the next crucial step: cooking the chicken stroganoff to silky perfection!
Cooking the Chicken Stroganoff
Now that we’ve gathered all the ingredients, let’s dive into the cooking process. It’s really simple and comes together in no time, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or even a special treat for your family. Get your apron on, and follow these easy steps!
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1. Sauté the Vegetables
Begin by heating 2 tablespoons of oil and 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. The mix of oil and butter creates a beautiful foundation for frying as oil prevents the butter from burning, and the butter adds a rich flavor.
Once heated, add the onion to the pan. Fry for 2-3 minutes, stirring often, until it starts to soften and become translucent.
Now, it’s time to add the heart of the dish, the mushrooms . Toss in the 200 g (7 oz) baby chestnut mushrooms and continue frying everything together for another 5 minutes. You’ll want the mushrooms to soften and get a little caramelization for extra flavor. Stir occasionally to avoid any burning, but let those mushrooms brown nicely.
2. Cook the Chicken
Now, let’s bring our chicken into the mix. Add the 3 chicken breasts (around 525g/18.5 oz) that you’ve already chopped into bite-sized pieces. Stir them into the pan with the onions and mushrooms, ensuring all the pieces have direct contact with the heat.
As the chicken begins to cook, add ¼ teaspoon salt , ¼ teaspoon black pepper , and 1 teaspoon paprika to season the dish. Stir well to make sure all the chicken pieces are evenly coated with the paprika and seasoning. The paprika also adds a lovely color to the chicken.
Cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes over medium heat until it is sealed. At this point, you’re not looking to fully cook the chicken; just ensure the outer layer is a nice golden brown, locking in the juices. Continue stirring frequently to prevent sticking or burning.
3. Create the Creamy Sauce
Now that the chicken is browned, it’s time to let the magic happen with our creamy sauce!
Turn the heat down slightly to medium and stir in the 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce and 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard . These ingredients will add that signature depth and mild tanginess that makes Stroganoff so irresistibly flavorful.
Next, pour in the 240 ml (1 cup) double (heavy) cream and 160 ml (⅔ cup) full-fat sour cream . Stir everything together thoroughly, ensuring the creams mix well with the chicken and vegetables, creating a luscious sauce.
Simmering and Finishing Touches
Great! Now that we have everything mixed together, let’s focus on perfecting the sauce and making sure the chicken is fully cooked while infusing it with all that creamy, savory goodness.
4. Simmer the Stroganoff
With the heavy cream and sour cream now mixed in, let the sauce come to a gentle bubble over medium heat. You don’t want it to boil vigorously, as that can cause the cream to separate. A gentle simmer will incorporate all the flavors evenly while keeping the sauce smooth and rich.
Once it starts to bubble, turn the heat down to medium-low . Allow the dish to simmer for 5-6 minutes , stirring occasionally. This will allow the sauce to thicken and the chicken to finish cooking. You’ll know the chicken is cooked through when the pieces reach an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F) or cut through easily and show no signs of pink.
While simmering, the sauce will slightly reduce and become velvety in texture. You want it to coat the back of a spoon but still be pourable. Stirring occasionally ensures that the cream doesn’t burn and the chicken stays tender.
5. Check the Consistency and Seasoning
Try a spoonful of the sauce at this point – isn’t it divine? If needed, adjust the seasoning by adding a pinch more of salt or pepper.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can let it simmer for an additional 1-2 minutes. Conversely, if it feels too thick, add a splash of chicken stock or water to thin it out to your desired consistency.
Don’t forget the final touches! Sprinkle in a pinch of paprika right before serving to intensify that warm, smoky flavor.
Serving and Garnishing
You’ve made it! The creamy, flavorful Chicken Stroganoff is ready to be served. Let’s finish it off with some simple garnishes and discuss how best to serve this delicious dish.
6. Serving Suggestions
Now that your Chicken Stroganoff is bubbling beautifully and the kitchen smells incredible, it’s time for the final step—plating!
This dish pairs beautifully with various starchy sides. Here are a few serving options:
- Rice : Fluffy white or brown rice will readily soak up that savory sauce, offering a delightful accompaniment to every bite.
- Pasta : Classic egg noodles or tagliatelle are traditional choices for Stroganoff and create the perfect vehicle for all that creamy richness.
- Mashed Potatoes : Looking for ultimate comfort? Creamy mashed potatoes are the answer! The sauce and chicken will melt right into the fluffy potatoes.
Spoon a generous portion of Chicken Stroganoff over your chosen base, ensuring each plate has a good balance of chicken, mushrooms, and that luscious sauce.
7. Final Touches: Garnishing
To enhance both the look and flavor of your dish, finish it off with a couple of simple garnishes:
- Pinch of Paprika : Lightly dust each serving with a pinch of paprika for a bit more color and a smoky undertone.
- Finely Chopped Curly Parsley : Sprinkle freshly chopped curly parsley on top. This adds a bright color contrast to the richness of the dish and gives it a fresh, herby flavor to balance out the cream.
The garnishes aren’t just for aesthetics—they really elevate the overall taste and texture of the dish, so don’t skip them!
8. Time to Eat!
Serve your Chicken Stroganoff hot and fresh, straight from the skillet. This meal is best enjoyed immediately to maintain the good balance of creaminess and texture.
You now have a complete Chicken Stroganoff that’s comforting, satisfying, and absolutely brimming with rich flavors. It’s time to gather everyone around the table and enjoy the fruits of your labor! 🍽️🥂
Storage Instructions
If you have leftovers (unlikely, because it’s so delicious!), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days . When reheating, do so gently, preferably over low heat, to keep the cream from separating. You may need to add a splash of cream or milk to bring the sauce back to life.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve just mastered a classic Chicken Stroganoff recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. With its rich, creamy sauce, succulent chicken, and hearty mushrooms, this dish is the epitome of comfort food. Whether you’re serving it with rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes, it’s a meal guaranteed to satisfy cravings and impress anyone who tastes it.
By following the steps carefully, you now have the know-how to create restaurant-worthy Chicken Stroganoff right at home. Plus, it’s versatile enough to customize—so feel free to experiment by adding extra ingredients like herbs, spices, or different vegetables to suit your personal taste.