Chicken Mushroom Stroganoff

There’s something undeniably satisfying about a warm, creamy, and flavorful dish served over a bed of noodles or rice—especially when it comes together in just one pan. Enter the creamy chicken mushroom stroganoff, a modern twist on the classic Russian dish that swaps out beef for lean, tender chicken and adds the earthy depth of fresh mushrooms.

While beef stroganoff has a rich culinary history dating back to 19th-century Russia (source), this chicken version has quickly earned its place in home kitchens across the globe. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, make-ahead meal preps, or even as a cozy weekend indulgence. The use of sour cream and paprika enhances the sauce with tang and warmth, creating a deeply satisfying meal that feels gourmet—but comes together in under 30 minutes.

For fans of one-pot comfort food, this dish joins the ranks of other hearty favorites like shepherd’s pie and creamy chicken skillet meals. If you’re looking for inspiration, check out these delicious comfort food dinner ideas and even more one-pot dinner ideas that make cooking and cleanup a breeze.

🥘 Introduction to chicken mushroom stroganoff (Word count: 200)

Chicken mushroom stroganoff combines tender chicken breast, sautéed mushrooms, and onions in a creamy, tangy sour cream sauce. It’s a spin on the traditional beef stroganoff, made lighter and faster by using lean protein and fresh vegetables.

What makes chicken mushroom stroganoff so appealing is its versatility and accessibility. You don’t need exotic ingredients—everything is likely already in your fridge or pantry. It’s budget-friendly, quick to prepare, and packs a punch when it comes to flavor.

Originally, stroganoff was a dish that relied heavily on sour cream and tender strips of beef, named after the Stroganov family of Russia. Over time, variations have emerged across cultures, with ingredients adapted to suit local tastes and dietary preferences. Today, it’s not uncommon to see stroganoff made with chicken, mushrooms, or even vegetarian proteins.

This recipe stands out for its balanced richness, simple ingredients, and foolproof technique. Whether you’re an experienced cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this is a recipe that delivers satisfying results every time.

🧂 Ingredients breakdown & substitution guide (Word count: 250)

Here’s a full breakdown of what you’ll need to make the perfect creamy chicken mushroom stroganoff:

• 1 lb chicken breast, thinly sliced

• 2 cups fresh mushrooms, sliced (white, cremini, or baby bella)

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp butter

• 1 tsp paprika

• 1 cup chicken broth

• 1 cup sour cream

• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

• Cooked egg noodles or rice, for serving

🔄 Ingredient substitutions

• Chicken: You can substitute with turkey breast or even tofu for a vegetarian twist.

• Mushrooms: Use any variety of edible mushrooms (learn more here) such as shiitake or oyster mushrooms for a deeper umami flavor.

• Sour cream: Swap with Greek yogurt or plant-based sour cream for a lighter or dairy-free option (read about sour cream types).

• Flour: If you’re gluten-free, replace flour with cornstarch or rice flour.

🧈 Why olive oil and butter?

Using both gives a balanced flavor—olive oil prevents the butter from burning, while butter adds richness to the dish. This combination is often used in comfort food to enhance the savory profile.

🔪 Step-by-step cooking instructions (Word count: 300)

Making this dish is easier than you think. Here’s how to put it all together in under 30 minutes.

🍗 Step 1: Brown the chicken

Heat 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced chicken breast and sear until browned on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and set aside.

🧅 Step 2: Sauté the aromatics

In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the onions are translucent and fragrant.

🍄 Step 3: Add mushrooms

Toss in the sliced mushrooms and cook until they begin to brown and release their moisture. This should take about 5-6 minutes.

🌾 Step 4: Add flour and broth

Sprinkle 2 tbsp of all-purpose flour over the mushrooms and stir well to coat evenly. Cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste. Slowly add 1 cup of chicken broth, stirring constantly to create a smooth sauce.

🥣 Step 5: Simmer

Return the browned chicken to the skillet. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.

🧂 Step 6: Add sour cream and paprika

Stir in 1 cup of sour cream and 1 tsp of paprika (learn about paprika). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let cook for an additional 5 minutes until the sauce is creamy and chicken is cooked through.

🌿 Step 7: Serve

Serve hot over cooked egg noodles (how to cook egg noodles) or rice. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for color and freshness.

🍝 Serving suggestions and pairings (Word count: 150)

The creamy sauce of this stroganoff pairs wonderfully with starchy sides that soak up all the goodness. Here are a few top choices:

• Egg noodles (traditional and best pairing)

• Steamed rice (jasmine or basmati)

• Mashed potatoes

• Zucchini noodles (for a low-carb option)

• Cauliflower rice (for keto or paleo diets)

For vegetables, consider:

• Roasted broccoli

• Steamed green beans

• Mixed leaf salad with lemon vinaigrette

Want more pairing inspiration? Check out these easy mushroom recipes for more ideas on using leftover mushrooms.

🧊 Make-ahead, storage & reheating tips (Word count: 100)

This dish is ideal for meal prepping or making ahead for busy weeknights. Here’s how to store it:

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Freezer: Freeze without the sour cream component. Add sour cream only after reheating to prevent separation.

• Reheating: Gently reheat on the stove over low heat or in the microwave in short intervals, stirring frequently to maintain creaminess.

This makes it a great candidate for batch cooking—just double the ingredients and you’ve got meals for the week!

🥗 Nutrition information & healthier tweaks (Word count: 150)

Per serving (excluding noodles or rice), the average nutrition is:

• Calories: 320

• Protein: 28g

• Fat: 18g

• Carbohydrates: 12g

• Sugar: 3g

🥦 Healthier tips:

• Use low-fat sour cream to reduce calories.

• Skip the butter and double the olive oil for healthier fats.

• Replace flour with arrowroot or cornstarch for a gluten-free version.

Want to learn more about chicken’s nutritional value? Here’s an in-depth look at chicken as food.

🍛 Variations of chicken mushroom stroganoff (Word count: 300)

This dish is highly adaptable. Here are some delicious variations to try:

🍖 Protein variations

• Turkey breast: Works just like chicken but adds a slightly deeper flavor.

• Tofu: Marinated tofu cubes create a satisfying vegetarian version.

• Ground chicken or turkey: For a quick skillet adaptation.

🥫 Sauce variations

• Cream cheese: For a tangier, thicker sauce.

• Greek yogurt: Adds a health boost and high protein.

• Tomato paste: Adds acidity and color—some Hungarian stroganoff recipes use this twist.

🌍 Cultural twists

• Swedish-style: Add dill and serve with mashed potatoes.

• French-style: Add thyme and serve with roasted carrots or leeks.

• Brazilian version: Often uses corn and ketchup for a sweeter profile.

No matter the variation, the creamy consistency and balanced spice make it a crowd-pleaser every time.

🥣 How to make stroganoff in the Instant Pot or slow cooker (Word count: 150)

If you prefer hands-off cooking, here are two simple methods.

🍲 Instant Pot version:

• Sauté onions, garlic, and mushrooms using the Sauté function.

• Add sliced chicken, broth, and paprika.

• Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes.

• Quick release pressure, stir in sour cream and serve.

🐢 Slow cooker version:

• Add all ingredients except sour cream.

• Cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours.

• Stir in sour cream in the last 10 minutes of cooking.

These methods preserve the dish’s creamy texture while giving you more freedom in the kitchen.

❓ FAQs – Chicken mushroom stroganoff (Word count: 200)

What can I use instead of sour cream in stroganoff?

You can substitute Greek yogurt, cream cheese, or plant-based sour cream. Each provides a slightly different tang and texture.

Can I freeze chicken stroganoff?

Yes, but freeze it before adding sour cream. Add sour cream after reheating to prevent curdling.

What’s the best type of mushroom to use?

Cremini or baby bella mushrooms offer the best flavor. Learn about other types of edible mushrooms.

Is stroganoff better with rice or noodles?

It depends on preference. Egg noodles (how to cook them here) are traditional, but rice is just as tasty.

How do I make stroganoff without flour?

Use cornstarch or arrowroot powder to thicken the sauce. This makes the dish gluten-free while maintaining its creamy texture.

🍽️ Final tips and conclusion (Word count: 200)

Chicken mushroom stroganoff is more than just a weeknight dinner—it’s a comfort classic that can be customized endlessly. The creamy, rich sauce and tender chicken make it a family favorite, while its simplicity keeps prep stress-free.

✅ Final cooking tips:

• Slice chicken thinly for faster cooking.

• Brown your mushrooms for maximum flavor.

• Add sour cream off heat to avoid curdling.

For more sauce inspiration, check out this overview of flour types and how they impact consistency. Looking to expand your one-pot dinner rotation? Don’t miss these Pinterest boards for dinner ideas.

Whether you’re serving this dish with egg noodles, rice, or low-carb veggies, you’ll get a hearty, restaurant-quality meal that’s ready in no time.

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