I still remember coming home from school on a cold winter afternoon, greeted by the aromatic scent of something wonderful simmering. That warm memory always brings me back to my mom’s Creamy Chicken Stroganoff.
My first solo attempt at Creamy Chicken Stroganoff was a culinary catastrophe. I made a sauce both too thin and lumpy, and the chicken was drier than the Sahara. My family politely suggested ordering pizza instead.
But after much trial and error, I perfected this recipe. Now, it’s a truly comforting and satisfying dish, bringing that same cozy feeling to my family’s dinner table.
Ingredients for Creamy Chicken Stroganoff 30 Minutes
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein for this Creamy Chicken Stroganoff, providing tender, juicy bites. Essential for a satisfying meal. Look for organic.
- Cremini mushrooms: Adds earthy depth and a meaty texture, complementing the chicken beautifully. Don’t overcrowd the pan for better browning.
- Yellow onion: Aromatic base that builds foundational flavor for the sauce. Sauté until translucent for sweetness. Choose firm onions.
- Garlic cloves: Punches up the flavor profile with its pungent, savory notes. Add at the end to prevent burning for best taste.
- Chicken broth: Provides the liquid base for our rich, savory sauce. Use low-sodium to control the overall saltiness of the dish.
- Wide egg noodles: The classic, comforting companion to stroganoff, soaking up all that creamy sauce. Cook al dente for perfect texture.
- Unsalted butter: Creates a rich, buttery base for sautéing and building the roux. Unsalted allows precise seasoning control.
- All-purpose flour: The thickening agent for our luscious, smooth sauce. Whisk well into butter to avoid lumps in your stroganoff.
- Full-fat sour cream: The essential ingredient for that signature creamy, tangy stroganoff sauce. Ensure it’s full-fat for best texture.
- Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle, sophisticated tang and depth, balancing the richness of the sauce. Don’t skip this flavor builder.
- Worcestershire sauce: A secret weapon for umami depth, adding a complex savory note. A little goes a long way for flavor.
- Salt: Enhances all the other flavors, bringing everything into harmony. Season gradually, tasting as you go for perfection.
- Black pepper: Adds a gentle warmth and pungent kick to the creamy sauce. Freshly ground is always superior for flavor.
- Paprika: Contributes a beautiful color and a mild, sweet peppery note. Hungarian paprika offers the most authentic flavor.
- Fresh parsley: A vibrant, fresh garnish that adds color and brightens the dish. Stir in just before serving for best results.
- Heavy cream: Adds an extra layer of luxurious creaminess and richness to the sauce. Use full-fat for the best decadent texture.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Stroganoff 30 Minutes
- Sear Chicken:
- Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces. Heat butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside, reserving skillet. This kickstarts your Creamy Chicken Stroganoff 30 Minutes.
- Sauté Aromatics:
- Add more butter if needed to the same skillet. Sauté chopped onion and sliced mushrooms until softened and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in minced garlic for one minute until fragrant. Don’t overcrowd the pan.
- Build Sauce:
- Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually whisk in chicken broth until smooth, scraping up any browned bits. Bring to a gentle simmer; it will thicken slightly. This forms the luscious base.
- Simmer Stroganoff:
- Reduce heat to low. Stir in sour cream, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and paprika. Return cooked chicken to the skillet. Gently fold everything together and simmer for 2-3 minutes to heat through.
- Cook Noodles:
- While the sauce simmers, cook wide egg noodles according to package directions in a separate pot of boiling salted water until al dente. Drain well. This ensures perfect pairing with your Creamy Chicken Stroganoff.
- Combine & Finish:
- Add the drained egg noodles directly to the stroganoff sauce in the skillet. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley and optional heavy cream, if using, to emulsify and achieve extra richness.
- Serve Warm:
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Ladle generous portions of your delicious Creamy Chicken Stroganoff 30 Minutes onto plates. Garnish with additional fresh parsley. Enjoy this comforting meal immediately with your loved ones.
There’s something so profoundly comforting about watching the Creamy Chicken Stroganoff sauce bubble gently, knowing a delicious meal is just minutes away. Even with flour dusting the counter and a splash of creamy sauce on my cheek, the slight chaos in the kitchen feels like a necessary part of the creative process.
Soon, the rich, savory aroma of mushrooms, garlic, and tender chicken fills the entire house, a warm promise of coziness. For a moment, all the daily chaos melts away, replaced by a quiet sense of accomplishment and anticipation. It’s in these moments that I truly appreciate the simple joy of cooking, transforming ingredients into heartfelt nourishment for my family.
How to Store Creamy Chicken Stroganoff 30 Minutes
To store leftover Creamy Chicken Stroganoff, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. It will stay fresh for 3-4 days. Don’t leave it out too long; dairy spoils quickly – I learned that the hard way! Discard if it smells off or looks slimy.
For make-ahead ease, chop chicken and veggies a day in advance, storing them separately in the refrigerator. Cook noodles and combine the stroganoff just before serving to maintain optimal texture and creaminess.
Reheat gently; a splash of broth or cream helps revive thickened sauce.
What to Serve with Creamy Chicken Stroganoff 30 Minutes
To serve your delicious Creamy Chicken Stroganoff, simply ladle generous portions over the wide egg noodles. Garnish with extra fresh parsley for a beautiful presentation. This dish is perfect to enjoy warm, right off the stove. It pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or some crusty bread to soak up all the incredible flavors.
My absolute favorite way to serve this stroganoff is with a simple side of steamed green beans. The fresh crunch perfectly contrasts the creamy sauce, making each mouthful truly satisfying. It’s a comforting pairing I always enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do I prevent the Creamy Chicken Stroganoff sauce from curdling?
To prevent curdling, always reduce the heat to low before stirring in the sour cream. I learned the hard way! Whisk it in gently and avoid bringing the sauce to a boil afterward. This ensures a smooth, luscious sauce.
- → Can I substitute another type of mushroom for cremini in this Creamy Chicken Stroganoff?
Yes, absolutely! White button mushrooms work well, or for deeper flavor, try sliced shiitake mushrooms. Just remember to sauté them until they’re nicely browned to build that essential umami depth for your stroganoff.
- → Can I freeze leftover Creamy Chicken Stroganoff to enjoy another day?
Freezing stroganoff with sour cream can sometimes lead to a slightly grainy texture upon reheating. I don’t recommend freezing it. For make-ahead ease, chop ingredients in advance and cook fresh for best results.
- → How can I make this Creamy Chicken Stroganoff recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Ensure your chicken broth is also gluten-free. For the noodles, use gluten-free wide egg noodles or pasta.
- → How long can I store Creamy Chicken Stroganoff in the refrigerator?
You can store leftover Creamy Chicken Stroganoff in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Always refrigerate it promptly after cooling. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if needed.
Creamy Chicken Stroganoff: Your Ultimate 30-Minute Comfort Meal
- Prep Time: 10-15 Minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 Minutes
- Total Time: 30 Minutes
- Yield: 4-6 Servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
Description
How to make ultimate creamy chicken stroganoff with tender chicken and mushrooms that’s ready in just 30 minutes for a cozy family dinner.
Ingredients
- Main Components:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 12 oz wide egg noodles
- Flavor & Texture Builders:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup full-fat sour cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Finishing Touches:
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra richness)
Instructions
- Sear Chicken: Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces. Heat butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside, reserving skillet. This kickstarts your Creamy Chicken Stroganoff 30 Minutes.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add more butter if needed to the same skillet. Sauté chopped onion and sliced mushrooms until softened and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in minced garlic for one minute until fragrant. Don’t overcrowd the pan.
- Build Sauce: Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually whisk in chicken broth until smooth, scraping up any browned bits. Bring to a gentle simmer; it will thicken slightly. This forms the luscious base.
- Simmer Stroganoff: Reduce heat to low. Stir in sour cream, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and paprika. Return cooked chicken to the skillet. Gently fold everything together and simmer for 2-3 minutes to heat through.
- Cook Noodles: While the sauce simmers, cook wide egg noodles according to package directions in a separate pot of boiling salted water until al dente. Drain well. This ensures perfect pairing with your Creamy Chicken Stroganoff.
- Combine & Finish: Add the drained egg noodles directly to the stroganoff sauce in the skillet. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley and optional heavy cream, if using, to emulsify and achieve extra richness.
- Serve Warm: Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Ladle generous portions of your delicious Creamy Chicken Stroganoff 30 Minutes onto plates. Garnish with additional fresh parsley. Enjoy this comforting meal immediately with your loved ones.
