Rich Chicken Stroganoff

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Rich Chicken Stroganoff is the kind of comfort food that wraps you in warmth with every bite. This dish features tender golden-seared chicken smothered in a luscious mushroom and sour cream sauce that’s bursting with savory depth. It’s rustic, creamy, and exactly what a soul-soothing dinner should look like.

Whether you’re serving it over a bed of buttery mashed potatoes, silky egg noodles, or even steamed rice, this hearty meal delivers elegance with minimal effort. Perfect for weeknight dinners or a cozy dinner party, this stroganoff proves that comfort food can also be refined and full of layered flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Rich Chicken Stroganoff

• Creamy, rich, and deeply satisfying.
• Ready in under 40 minutes, ideal for busy weeknights.
• Family-friendly and crowd-pleasing.
• Pairs beautifully with many sides, from potatoes to pasta.
• Uses pantry staples with gourmet results.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before you begin, ensure you have everything prepped and ready:

Essential Tools and Equipment:

• Large Skillet or Sauté Pan: Key for browning the chicken and building layers of flavor.
• Cutting Board & Knife: For slicing mushrooms, chopping parsley, and prepping chicken.
• Mixing Bowls: Handy for dredging the chicken or prepping ingredients ahead of time.
• Tongs or Spatula: Essential for turning chicken evenly while searing.
• Whisk: Helps create a smooth sauce, especially when combining broth and sour cream.

Having these tools ready makes the cooking process seamless and enjoyable, allowing you to focus on perfecting the rich, creamy texture that makes this dish irresistible.

Preparation Tips

Start by patting your chicken dry before searing—it helps develop a golden crust. Use a hot pan and don’t overcrowd it to keep the chicken from steaming. When sautéing the mushrooms, let them brown without stirring too often for deeper umami flavor. And when it’s time to add sour cream, reduce the heat to prevent curdling. Finish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and brightness that balances the richness of the sauce.

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Ingredients for this Rich Chicken Stroganoff

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter

For the Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 10 oz cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 cup chicken broth (preferably low sodium)
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 3/4 cup sour cream (room temperature)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Step 1: Prepare and Dredge the Chicken

Season the chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper. Dredge them in flour, shaking off any excess. This step helps the chicken get a crisp, golden crust while also contributing to a thicker sauce later on.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the dredged chicken pieces in batches if needed, 3-4 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics and Mushrooms

In the same pan, reduce the heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons of butter. Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Then add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and their moisture has evaporated.

Step 4: Build the Sauce Base

Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of flour over the cooked mushrooms. Stir to coat evenly and cook for 1 minute. Slowly pour in the chicken broth, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Add Dijon mustard and bring to a simmer.

Step 5: Finish the Stroganoff Sauce

Lower the heat to low and stir in the sour cream until smooth and fully incorporated. Return the cooked chicken to the pan and simmer for 5 more minutes to meld the flavors. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top just before serving. Serve hot over mashed potatoes, pasta, or rice.

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Notes

Rich Chicken Stroganoff is wonderfully versatile. You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a slightly tangier profile and fewer calories. For a richer sauce, consider adding a splash of heavy cream along with the sour cream. If you’re using chicken breasts, keep a close eye on cooking time to avoid drying out the meat. The sauce thickens as it sits, so if reheating, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overcrowding the pan: This leads to steaming rather than browning the chicken.
• Adding sour cream too early or over high heat: Can cause curdling. Always stir it in off-heat or on low.
• Skipping the flour dredge: It helps build the sauce and gives the chicken a better crust.
• Not browning mushrooms enough: Give them time to develop flavor.
• Using cold sour cream: This increases the chance of curdling when added to the sauce.

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Storage Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving at high power as it may cause the sour cream to separate. Freezing is not recommended due to the dairy content which may break upon thawing.

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Estimated Nutrition

• Calories: 420 kcal per serving
• Protein: 32g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 11g
• Cholesterol: 135mg
• Sodium: 390mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 3g

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, both work well. Chicken thighs tend to be juicier, but breasts are leaner and cook faster.

What can I use instead of sour cream?

Greek yogurt is a great alternative. You can also use crème fraîche or a bit of cream cheese for richness.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Not by default due to the flour. Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch to make it gluten-free.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes. Make the dish up to 24 hours ahead and reheat gently before serving.

What sides go well with Chicken Stroganoff?

Mashed potatoes, egg noodles, steamed rice, or crusty bread are excellent pairings.

Can I freeze Chicken Stroganoff?

It’s not recommended, as the sour cream sauce may split when thawed and reheated.

How do I make the sauce extra creamy?

Add a splash of heavy cream or an extra dollop of sour cream at the end.

What type of mushrooms should I use?

Cremini or button mushrooms are classic, but you can also use shiitake or baby bella for added depth.

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Conclusion

Rich Chicken Stroganoff is the kind of meal that delivers both comfort and sophistication. Its creamy mushroom sauce and tender chicken make it a repeat-worthy dinner, whether for a simple weeknight or an intimate dinner with guests. With the right tips and tricks, this dish is as reliable as it is delicious.

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