Easy Chicken Stroganoff

Few dishes blend creamy, cozy, and quick like Easy Chicken Stroganoff. A modern twist on the classic Russian favorite, this recipe swaps out beef for juicy chicken, creating a lighter, faster, and equally satisfying comfort meal.

Whether you’re a busy parent, beginner cook, or just looking for a quick weeknight dinner, this dish deserves a spot in your rotation.

🍴 What Is Chicken Stroganoff?

Chicken Stroganoff is a creamy skillet dish traditionally served over egg noodles, made with sautéed chicken, mushrooms, onions, and a tangy, rich sour cream-based sauce. The chicken version offers a leaner alternative to beef without compromising on the deep, savory flavor we all crave in a stroganoff.

This dish not only tastes amazing but also has healthier benefits thanks to its lean protein source. Learn more about the health benefits of chicken to understand why it’s a smart dinner choice.

🧄 From Russia to Your Skillet: A Quick History

Originally created in 19th-century Russia, Stroganoff was made with strips of beef, mustard, and sour cream. Over time, the dish traveled the world and took on new identities—chicken being one of the most popular alternatives.

This creamy version allows for easier and quicker preparation, ideal for those nights when you want a nourishing dish with minimal hassle. And when it comes to creating rich flavor, knowing how to brown mushrooms properly is essential. Here’s a quick guide on how to sauté mushrooms properly if you’re new to it.

🧺 Key Ingredients For an Easy Chicken Stroganoff

Here’s what you’ll need to make Easy Chicken Stroganoff:

1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tbsp olive oil + 1 tbsp butter
1/2 yellow onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced
8 oz. baby bella mushrooms, sliced
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

1 tsp Dijon mustard
1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1/2 cup sour cream

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Egg noodles, for serving
Fresh parsley, for garnish

Optional Add-ins:

Paprika
Fresh thyme or rosemary

Splash of white wine

🔪 Step-by-Step Recipe Guide

1. Prepare the Chicken

Pat chicken dry and season with salt and pepper.
Toss in a light coating of flour to help it brown.

2. Sear the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high.
Sear chicken pieces until golden brown (not fully cooked).
Remove and set aside.

3. Cook the Veggies

Lower heat, add butter, then sauté onions and mushrooms.
Let mushrooms release their moisture and brown.

4. Build the Sauce

Stir in garlic, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce.

Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer.
Scrape up the browned bits for flavor.

5. Recombine

Return chicken to skillet. Simmer for 8–10 minutes until cooked through.

Reduce heat to low and stir in sour cream.

⚠️ Important: Don’t boil after adding sour cream—keep it on low to prevent curdling.

6. Serve and Garnish

Spoon over egg noodles or mashed potatoes.

Garnish with fresh parsley and an extra dollop of sour cream.

👨‍🍳 Tips for Perfect Chicken Stroganoff

Don’t overcrowd the skillet. Sear in batches for a golden crust.
Deglaze the pan for deeper flavor using broth or wine.

Use full-fat sour cream for the creamiest texture.
Avoid boiling after adding sour cream—it will separate.

🥗 Best Sides to Serve With Chicken Stroganoff

While Easy Chicken Stroganoff shines on its own, the right side dish can elevate your meal from simple to sensational. Here are some of the best accompaniments to pair with your creamy, savory chicken:

🍝 Classic Egg Noodles

The traditional choice—and for good reason. Buttery egg noodles soak up the sauce perfectly and add a soft, chewy texture that balances the creaminess of the stroganoff.

🥔 Mashed Potatoes

Creamy stroganoff over fluffy mashed potatoes is the ultimate comfort food combo. The rich sauce seeps into the potatoes, making every bite satisfying and hearty.

🌾 Steamed Rice or Brown Rice

For a lighter, gluten-free option, white or brown rice works beautifully. It’s also perfect if you’re meal-prepping or stretching the dish over a few days.

🥦 Roasted or Steamed Vegetables

Balance the richness of the dish with vegetables like:

Roasted broccoli or cauliflower
Green beans with garlic butter

Sautéed spinach or kale

These add freshness and nutrition without overpowering the main dish.

🥬 Fresh Garden Salad

A crisp salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette is a great way to cut through the richness. Keep it simple to let the stroganoff remain the star.

🍞 Crusty Bread or Dinner Rolls

Use a slice of toasted garlic bread or a soft dinner roll to scoop up every drop of that delicious sauce. Try it alongside meals like this epic buffalo chicken sandwich for a comfort food feast.

With these sides, your Chicken Stroganoff becomes a well-rounded, crowd-pleasing meal every time.

🔁 Variations You Can Try

One of the best things about Easy Chicken Stroganoff is its versatility. Whether you’re cooking to fit dietary needs, looking for a flavor twist, or simply working with what you have in the fridge, there are plenty of ways to make this dish your own.

🥦 Low-Carb & Keto-Friendly

Skip the traditional egg noodles and serve your stroganoff over:

Zucchini noodles (zoodles)
Riced cauliflower

Shirataki noodles

Use full-fat sour cream or cream cheese for a keto-friendly sauce, and ensure your broth has no added sugars.

🥛 Dairy-Free Options

You can still enjoy creamy stroganoff without dairy. Try these swaps:

Unsweetened coconut cream
Dairy-free sour cream or plant-based yogurt
Cashew cream (soaked cashews blended with water and lemon juice)

These alternatives maintain a similar texture and mild tang.

🧄 Add Extra Veggies

Want to boost nutrition? Add:

Spinach or kale (stir in just before serving)

Peas, broccoli florets, or bell peppers
Sautéed leeks or carrots for a sweeter profile

🔥 Spicy Twist

Spice up your stroganoff with:

Smoked paprika or cayenne pepper
A splash of hot sauce or sriracha
Diced jalapeños cooked with the onions

For more bold flavor ideas, consider trying this buffalo chicken pasta as a spicy complement to your creamy favorites.

🍗 Protein Swaps

No chicken? No problem:

Use leftover turkey, rotisserie chicken, or even pork tenderloin

Go vegetarian with mushrooms and chickpeas or tofu

With these easy variations, you can enjoy Chicken Stroganoff again and again without ever getting bored.

🧊 Storing, Freezing & Reheating

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days

Freezer: Freeze without sour cream, then stir it in after reheating
Reheat: Use low heat on stovetop to prevent the sauce from separating

🧠 Nutritional Breakdown

Chicken Stroganoff offers a balance of protein, fat, and carbs:

Calories: ~400–500 per serving
Protein: ~30g
Carbs: Depends on side (noodles vs. cauliflower)

Fat: From sour cream and cooking oil

Make it lighter with:

Reduced-fat sour cream

Lean chicken breast
Whole grain noodles or veggie-based sides

❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though Easy Chicken Stroganoff is a simple recipe, a few common mistakes can impact its flavor and texture. Here’s what to watch out for:

1. Overcooking the Chicken

The most frequent mistake is letting the chicken cook too long, which leads to dry, rubbery pieces. Chicken breast cooks quickly—remove it from the pan once it’s golden brown on the outside, even if it’s not fully cooked. It will finish cooking in the sauce later.

2. Skipping the Sear

Don’t crowd the pan or skip searing the chicken. Searing locks in moisture and adds that golden, flavorful crust that enhances the entire dish. Cook in batches if necessary.

3. Boiling the Sauce After Adding Sour Cream

Once you stir in the sour cream, lower the heat to a gentle simmer or turn it off completely. Boiling the sauce can cause the sour cream to separate, giving the sauce a curdled texture instead of the desired creamy finish.

4. Using Water Instead of Broth

Using plain water can result in a bland sauce. Chicken broth adds essential depth and savory flavor. Go with low-sodium broth if you want more control over salt levels.

5. Skipping Seasoning Layers

Season each component—chicken, vegetables, and sauce. Under-seasoning is a common oversight and leads to a flat-tasting dish.

Avoiding these pitfalls ensures your Chicken Stroganoff turns out flavorful, creamy, and perfect every time!

🆚 Chicken Stroganoff vs. Beef Stroganoff

Feature	Chicken Stroganoff	Beef Stroganoff
Protein	Lean, quick-cooking	Richer, longer to cook
Flavor	Milder, creamy	Deeper, meatier
Calories	Lower	Higher
Cooking time	Faster (~30 min)	Slower (~1 hour)

❓ FAQs

What is Chicken Stroganoff made of?

Mainly chicken, mushrooms, onions, sour cream, and broth.

Can I use cooked chicken for Stroganoff?

Yes, rotisserie or leftover chicken works great—just reduce simmering time.

Is Chicken Stroganoff healthy?

It can be! Use lean chicken, low-fat sour cream, and whole grain sides.

Can you freeze Chicken Stroganoff?

Yes, but add sour cream after reheating to avoid curdling.

What can I use instead of sour cream?

Try Greek yogurt, cream cheese, or a dairy-free alternative.

Can I make this in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?

Yes! Sauté onions/mushrooms first, then combine everything and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours.

💬 Reader Tips & Community Tweaks

Add cream cheese for extra richness
Skip mushrooms if your family doesn’t like them
One user added spinach and smoked paprika for extra flavor

Someone else tried it with brown rice pasta—it worked well!

✅ Final Thoughts

Easy Chicken Stroganoff is more than just a quick dinner—it’s a cozy, satisfying meal that brings rich, creamy flavor to your table with minimal effort. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a busy weeknight or treating yourself to some comfort food, this recipe checks all the boxes: fast, flavorful, and foolproof.

By using simple pantry ingredients like chicken, onions, mushrooms, broth, and sour cream, you can create a dish that feels gourmet without the stress. Plus, it’s versatile. Serve it with egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or even a side of roasted vegetables—you really can’t go wrong.

What sets this stroganoff apart is its ease and adaptability. Want to go low-carb? Swap in zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. Need to feed a crowd? Double the batch—it reheats beautifully. Craving a twist? Add a dash of smoked paprika or fresh herbs.

If you love creamy chicken recipes, don’t miss similar favorites like creamy garlic penne pasta or garlic butter chicken pasta.

Now that you know how simple it is to make, give this Easy Chicken Stroganoff a try tonight—and don’t forget to share it with friends who love comfort food as much as you do!