Easy Chicken Stroganoff with Creamy Mushroom Gravy
If you’re craving a cozy, flavorful dish that comes together quickly, you’re going to adore this Chicken Stroganoff with Creamy Mushroom Gravy. This recipe blends tender chicken, rich mushroom gravy, and a luscious creamy sauce that transforms weeknight dinners into special moments without the fuss. Whether you’re new to stroganoff or a longtime fan, this simple but indulgent meal brings comfort and elegance straight to your table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute meals.
- Rich Flavor: The creamy mushroom gravy delivers a deep, comforting taste that satisfies every craving.
- Versatile Ingredients: Uses everyday pantry staples and fresh ingredients that are easy to find.
- Family Friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike, it’s a great way to enjoy a luscious home-cooked meal.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable for different dietary preferences or ingredient swaps without losing its charm.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple but essential, each adding a unique layer of taste, texture, and color to the Chicken Stroganoff with Creamy Mushroom Gravy. Fresh mushrooms offer earthiness, while sour cream balances with tangy creaminess, and tender chicken creates a fulfilling base.
- Chicken breasts or thighs: Choose boneless and skinless for quick cooking and tender bites.
- Fresh mushrooms: Cremini or white button add a wonderful meaty flavor and texture.
- Onions and garlic: Build a savory and aromatic foundation for the gravy.
- Chicken broth: Essential for simmering and infusing the sauce with rich flavor.
- Sour cream: Adds creaminess and a subtle tang to elevate the dish.
- Flour or cornstarch: Helps thicken the mushroom gravy perfectly.
- Butter and olive oil: Provide richness and a smooth sauté base.
- Fresh parsley: For a bright, herbal finish and color contrast.
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and smoked paprika enhance overall flavor depth.
Variations for Chicken Stroganoff with Creamy Mushroom Gravy
This Chicken Stroganoff with Creamy Mushroom Gravy recipe is delightfully flexible. Feel free to customize it based on what you have on hand or your personal taste preferences. Making a few swaps can keep this classic dish exciting every time you prepare it.
- Substitute beef or turkey: Swap chicken for thinly sliced beef or ground turkey for a different protein option.
- Dairy-free version: Use coconut cream or cashew cream in place of sour cream for a creamy, dairy-free gravy.
- Vegetarian option: Omit the chicken and add tofu or hearty vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers.
- Spice it up: Add cayenne pepper or chili flakes for a little heat in the creamy mushroom sauce.
- Serve over alternatives: Try serving with cauliflower rice, quinoa, or buttered noodles to change up the base.
How to Make Chicken Stroganoff with Creamy Mushroom Gravy
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces, seasoning with salt and pepper. Heat a mixture of butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear it until golden brown on all sides, then remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add a little more butter if needed. Toss in chopped onions and garlic, cooking until fragrant and translucent. Add sliced mushrooms and sauté until they release their moisture and turn a rich golden brown.
Step 3: Make the Gravy
Sprinkle the flour over the mushrooms and onions, stirring well to combine. Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Let the mixture simmer gently until it thickens into a smooth mushroom gravy.
Step 4: Finish with Cream and Chicken
Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the sour cream along with smoked paprika. Return the cooked chicken pieces to the pan and toss them gently in the creamy mushroom gravy. Simmer for a few more minutes to blend flavors and ensure the chicken is cooked through.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove from heat, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and fresh flavor, and serve warm with your favorite sides.
Pro Tips for Making Chicken Stroganoff with Creamy Mushroom Gravy
- Use room temperature chicken: This helps the chicken cook evenly and remain tender.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Searing the chicken in batches ensures a nice golden crust.
- Sauté mushrooms thoroughly: Let them brown well to develop the best flavor.
- Slowly add broth: Pouring gradually while stirring prevents lumps in the gravy.
- Add sour cream last: Stir it in off the heat or on low to prevent curdling.
- Fresh herbs matter: Parsley or dill adds freshness that cuts through the richness beautifully.
How to Serve Chicken Stroganoff with Creamy Mushroom Gravy
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or dill on top of the finished dish brightens the flavors and adds a lovely vibrant touch. A little lemon zest or a dash of smoked paprika can also enhance the aroma and appearance.
Side Dishes
Chicken Stroganoff with Creamy Mushroom Gravy pairs beautifully with buttered egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or creamy polenta. For a lighter option, rice or steamed vegetables like green beans or asparagus balance the richness nicely.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, try serving the stroganoff in deep bowls over a bed of your favorite starch, topped with microgreens or toasted nuts for crunch. You can even stuff it inside puff pastry shells for a delightful appetizer or main course twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow the Chicken Stroganoff with Creamy Mushroom Gravy to cool completely before storing. Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor.
Freezing
This dish freezes well if you want to prepare it ahead. Portion the stroganoff into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. For best results, leave out any fresh herbs before freezing and add them after reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to keep the creamy sauce smooth. If it thickens too much, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the gravy. Avoid microwaving on high to prevent curdling.
FAQs
Can I use other types of mushrooms for Chicken Stroganoff with Creamy Mushroom Gravy?
Absolutely! While cremini or button mushrooms are classic, shiitake, portobello, or even oyster mushrooms are excellent choices and add unique flavors and textures.
Is sour cream necessary, or can I substitute it?
Sour cream provides a tangy richness that defines the gravy, but Greek yogurt or crème fraîche can be substituted if preferred. Just be sure to add them off the heat to prevent curdling.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Use cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend to thicken the gravy instead of all-purpose flour, and confirm your broth is gluten-free to keep the dish safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
Can Chicken Stroganoff with Creamy Mushroom Gravy be made dairy-free?
Yes! Swap out the sour cream for a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream or cashew cream, and use olive oil instead of butter for sautéing to create a delicious dairy-free version.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers without drying out the chicken?
Gently reheat in a pan over low heat with a splash of broth or water to keep the sauce creamy and prevent the chicken from drying out. Stir frequently and avoid high heat.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about Chicken Stroganoff with Creamy Mushroom Gravy—a dish that brings warmth, flavor, and ease to your dinner table. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving a cozy meal after a busy day, this recipe will quickly become a favorite. Give it a try and enjoy every delicious bite!
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Chicken Stroganoff with Creamy Mushroom Gravy
Chicken Stroganoff with Creamy Mushroom Gravy is a quick and easy comfort dish combining tender chicken pieces with a rich, creamy mushroom sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, it features fresh mushrooms, fragrant onions and garlic, and a luscious sour cream-enhanced gravy that brings warmth and elegance to any weeknight dinner. This family-friendly recipe uses versatile pantry staples and offers customizable options for various dietary preferences.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Russian-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 8 oz fresh mushrooms (cremini or white button), sliced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids & Dairy
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup sour cream
Thickening Agent
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour or cornstarch
Fats & Oils
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Herbs & Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper. Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear until golden brown on all sides. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add more butter if needed. Cook chopped onions and garlic until fragrant and translucent. Add sliced mushrooms and sauté until they release moisture and become golden brown.
- Make the Gravy: Sprinkle flour over the mushrooms and onions, stirring to combine. Gradually pour in chicken broth while stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Let the mixture simmer until it thickens into a smooth mushroom gravy.
- Finish with Cream and Chicken: Reduce heat to low. Stir in sour cream and smoked paprika. Return the cooked chicken to the pan and gently toss to coat with the creamy mushroom gravy. Simmer a few more minutes to blend flavors and ensure chicken is cooked through.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top, and serve warm with your favorite sides.
Notes
- Use room temperature chicken for even cooking and tenderness.
- Do not overcrowd the pan; sear chicken in batches for a golden crust.
- Sauté mushrooms thoroughly for richer flavor.
- Add chicken broth gradually while stirring to prevent lumps.
- Stir in sour cream off the heat or on low to prevent curdling.
- Fresh herbs like parsley or dill add brightness to complement the rich sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 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, quick dinner, weeknight recipe, comfort food, easy chicken recipe, mushroom sauce, family friendly, gluten free option