Chicken Stroganoff: A Creamy Comfort Food Classic

Byisla Rose

Creamy, hearty, and packed with flavour, Chicken Stroganoff is a delightful twist on the classic Russian beef dish. With tender chicken pieces simmered in a rich mushroom and sour cream sauce, this dish has become a favourite in kitchens across the UK. Whether you’re looking for a cosy midweek dinner or an impressive dish to serve at a dinner party, chicken stroganoff ticks all the boxes.

What Is Chicken Stroganoff?

Chicken Stroganoff image
Source: https://www.taste.com.au/

Originally from 19th-century Russia, the traditional Beef Stroganoff featured sautéed beef in a creamy, mustard-infused sauce. Over time, the recipe evolved and took on many delicious variations. One of the most popular modern spins is Chicken Stroganoff, which swaps beef for lean chicken, making it a lighter yet equally satisfying alternative.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

  • Quick and Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes
  • Budget-Friendly – Uses simple, everyday ingredients
  • Family Favourite – Mild enough for kids but flavourful for adults
  • Flexible – Easily adapted to be dairy-free, gluten-free, or low-carb

Ingredients for Chicken Stroganoff

Here’s what you’ll need to make this creamy classic:

Essential Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
  • 500g chicken breast or thighs, thinly sliced
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 250g mushrooms (white or chestnut), sliced
  • 1 tablespoon plain flour
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 200ml chicken stock
  • 150ml sour cream (or crème fraîche for a richer version)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Optional Add-ins:

  • A splash of white wine for extra depth
  • Paprika for a smoky flavour
  • Spinach or peas for added veg
  • A dash of lemon juice to brighten the sauce

Step-by-Step Cooking Method

Follow these simple steps to get dinner on the table in no time:

Cooking Method
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1. Sear the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes until golden brown. Remove from the pan and set aside.

2. Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pan, add another tablespoon of oil. Sauté the chopped onion until soft and translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and mushrooms, cooking until the mushrooms are browned and any moisture has evaporated.

3. Make the Sauce

Sprinkle the flour over the mushrooms and stir well to coat. Add the mustard and slowly pour in the chicken stock, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for a few minutes until slightly thickened.

4. Add Chicken and Cream

Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Lower the heat and stir in the sour cream. Simmer gently for 5–7 minutes, allowing the flavours to meld and the sauce to thicken to your liking. Season with salt and pepper.

5. Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with fresh parsley just before serving. Your creamy Chicken Stroganoff is ready to enjoy!

What to Serve with Chicken Stroganoff

This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides:

Serve with Chicken Stroganoff
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  • Egg noodles or tagliatelle – The traditional choice
  • Rice – A lighter alternative
  • Mashed potatoes – For the ultimate comfort food combo
  • Cauliflower rice or courgetti – Low-carb options
  • Crusty bread – Perfect for soaking up the sauce

Storage and Reheating Tips

Chicken Stroganoff stores well and tastes even better the next day!

  • Fridge – Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
  • Freezer – Freeze without the sour cream for up to 2 months; add cream when reheating
  • Reheat – Gently on the hob over low heat, adding a splash of water or stock to loosen the sauce

Recipe Variations

Looking to change it up? Try one of these tasty alternatives:

  • Dairy-Free – Use coconut cream or a dairy-free sour cream alternative
  • Vegetarian – Substitute chicken with tofu, chickpeas, or just extra mushrooms
  • Spicy – Add a pinch of chilli flakes or a dash of hot sauce
  • One-Pot Pasta – Stir in cooked pasta directly into the sauce for a comforting one-dish meal
chicken stroganoff recipe 4
Src: https://poshjournal.com/

Final Thoughts

Chicken Stroganoff is a versatile and reliable dish that deserves a place in every cook’s repertoire. Its creamy texture, deep flavour, and simple prep make it ideal for busy evenings or cosy weekends. Best of all, it’s endlessly adaptable, so you can make it your own.

Whether served over pasta, rice, or potatoes, this comforting classic is bound to become a regular at your dinner table.