How to Make Chicken Stroganoff with Creamy Mushroom Gravy
If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then you are going to adore this Chicken Stroganoff with Creamy Mushroom Gravy. This recipe brings together tender chicken pieces smothered in a luscious, silky mushroom sauce that’s bursting with flavor. Perfectly balanced with sour cream and a hint of savory spices, this comfort food classic is easy enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough for guests. Whether served over egg noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes, it’s sure to become your new family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simplicity at its best: Minimal ingredients create maximum flavor without complicated techniques.
- Rich and comforting: The creamy mushroom gravy feels indulgent and satisfying in every bite.
- Quick to prepare: Ready in under 40 minutes, perfect for busy evenings or last-minute meals.
- Versatile and adaptable: Easily customize with your favorite mushrooms or protein swaps.
- Family-friendly: A crowd-pleaser that gets everyone around the table asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Chicken Stroganoff with Creamy Mushroom Gravy plays an important role, from tenderizing the chicken to creating the luscious texture of the creamy sauce. Here’s what you’ll want to gather before cooking:
- Chicken breasts or thighs: Choose boneless, skinless for juicy, easy-to-cook pieces.
- Fresh mushrooms: Cremini or white button mushrooms add an earthy flavor and heartiness.
- Onion and garlic: Aromatic ingredients that build the flavor base with subtle sweetness and depth.
- Butter and olive oil: Used for sautéing to create a rich, golden sear on chicken and vegetables.
- Flour: Helps thicken the mushroom gravy into a silky sauce.
- Chicken broth: Adds moisture and savory notes to the dish.
- Sour cream: Provides the classic creamy tang that makes stroganoff unmistakable.
- Dijon mustard: A subtle kick of tangy spice that brightens the sauce.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to taste, enhancing all the other flavors.
- Fresh parsley: For a pop of color and fresh herbaceous aroma as garnish.
Variations for Chicken Stroganoff with Creamy Mushroom Gravy
One of the best parts about this classic dish is how easy it is to personalize. Whether you want to switch things up for dietary reasons or just try something new, these tasty variations are simple to swap in.
- Use ground chicken: Substitute chicken breasts with ground chicken for a quicker cooking option.
- Dairy-free version: Replace sour cream with coconut milk yogurt or cashew cream for a vegan-friendly twist.
- Add herbs: Incorporate thyme or tarragon to lift the earthy mushroom flavor.
- Incorporate veggies: Toss in spinach or bell peppers for added color and nutrition.
- Spicy kick: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to warm up the sauce.
How to Make Chicken Stroganoff with Creamy Mushroom Gravy
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Trim the chicken breasts into thin strips for quick, even cooking. Slice the mushrooms and finely chop the onion and garlic, ensuring everything is ready before you start cooking.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken strips in a single layer and cook until golden brown on all sides but not fully cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
Add a bit more butter if needed, then toss in the onions and garlic. Cook until translucent and fragrant. Stir in the mushrooms and cook until they release their juices and soften completely.
Step 4: Create the Gravy Base
Sprinkle flour over the mushroom mixture and stir well for a minute to cook off the raw flour taste. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth until the mixture thickens into a smooth gravy.
Step 5: Finish the Sauce
Reduce heat to low and stir in the sour cream and Dijon mustard gently to prevent curdling. Return the chicken strips to the skillet and simmer for 5 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is thick and creamy.
Step 6: Season and Garnish
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top before serving for a fresh and vibrant finish.
Pro Tips for Making Chicken Stroganoff with Creamy Mushroom Gravy
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook chicken in batches to get a good sear and avoid steaming.
- Use room temperature sour cream: Adds creaminess without causing the sauce to separate.
- Choose the right mushrooms: Cremini or baby bella mushrooms add depth compared to common white mushrooms.
- Simmer gently: Keep the heat low after adding sour cream to maintain a silky texture.
- Thicken gradually: Add broth slowly when making the gravy to control the sauce consistency.
How to Serve Chicken Stroganoff with Creamy Mushroom Gravy
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or dill brightens the plate and adds a fresh herbal note to the rich sauce, enhancing both appearance and taste.
Side Dishes
This dish is traditionally served over buttered egg noodles, but creamy mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or roasted vegetables make equally delicious pairings that soak up the savory gravy perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the stroganoff over a bed of spiralized zucchini noodles for a low-carb option or scoop it onto crusty toasted bread for a rustic open-faced sandwich version that’s perfect for casual dinners.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Chicken Stroganoff with Creamy Mushroom Gravy in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it even better the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze the stroganoff without the noodles for up to 2 months. Cool completely, transfer to freezer-safe containers, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove.
Reheating
Reheat gently over low heat on the stove, stirring frequently to keep the sauce smooth and creamy. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it back up.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs add more juiciness and flavor, making your Chicken Stroganoff with Creamy Mushroom Gravy even more tender and rich.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch when thickening the gravy.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and chicken separately and combine them when ready to serve, ensuring the chicken stays juicy and the sauce stays fresh.
What can I use instead of sour cream?
Greek yogurt or crème fraîche are excellent substitutes that maintain the creamy texture with a slight tang.
What type of mushrooms works best?
Cremini, baby bella, or even shiitake mushrooms provide great flavor and texture; avoid water-heavy mushrooms like white button if you want a thicker sauce.
Final Thoughts
Chicken Stroganoff with Creamy Mushroom Gravy is the kind of meal that brings comfort and joy to any table. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and deep mushroom flavors, it’s a recipe worth making again and again. Give it a try—you might just find your new go-to weeknight dinner or impressive dish for entertaining friends and family!
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Chicken Stroganoff with Creamy Mushroom Gravy
Chicken Stroganoff with Creamy Mushroom Gravy is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken pieces cooked in a rich, silky mushroom sauce balanced with sour cream and Dijon mustard. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners and versatile enough to serve over noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes, delivering a satisfying family-friendly meal with minimal ingredients and maximum taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Russian-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Protein
- Chicken breasts or thighs, boneless and skinless (about 1.5 pounds)
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 8 ounces fresh mushrooms (cremini or white button), sliced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Fats & Oils
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Thickening & Liquids
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
Dairy & Flavorings
- ¾ cup sour cream (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Trim the chicken breasts into thin strips for quick, even cooking. Slice the mushrooms and finely chop the onion and garlic, ensuring everything is ready before you start cooking.
- Brown the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken strips in a single layer and cook until golden brown on all sides but not fully cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add a bit more butter if needed, then toss in the onions and garlic. Cook until translucent and fragrant. Stir in the mushrooms and cook until they release their juices and soften completely.
- Create the Gravy Base: Sprinkle flour over the mushroom mixture and stir well for about a minute to cook off the raw flour taste. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth until the mixture thickens into a smooth gravy.
- Finish the Sauce: Reduce heat to low and stir in the sour cream and Dijon mustard gently to prevent curdling. Return the chicken strips to the skillet and simmer for 5 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is thick and creamy.
- Season and Garnish: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top before serving for a fresh and vibrant finish.
Notes
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook chicken in batches to get a good sear and avoid steaming.
- Use room temperature sour cream to add creaminess without causing the sauce to separate.
- Choose cremini or baby bella mushrooms for deeper flavor compared to common white mushrooms.
- Simmer gently on low heat after adding sour cream to maintain a silky texture.
- Add chicken broth gradually when making the gravy to control the sauce consistency.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 370 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: chicken stroganoff, creamy mushroom gravy, easy dinner, comfort food, weeknight meal, family recipe, sour cream sauce