If you’re craving a dish that brings comfort, warmth, and a punch of rich flavor all in one bowl, then you’re going to adore this Creamy Chicken Stroganoff Recipe. It’s a delightful twist on a classic, featuring tender ground chicken simmered in a luscious sauce made with sour cream and paprika, along with earthy mushrooms and savory herbs. This recipe is perfect for family dinners because it’s not only incredibly delicious but also comes together quickly, making it a go-to meal for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without a fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to making this Creamy Chicken Stroganoff Recipe truly shine. Each component, from the tender chicken to the flavorful paprika and fresh thyme, plays a crucial role in building layers of taste, while the mushrooms add a lovely texture and earthiness.
- 1 cup water: The base liquid to help create the sauce’s smooth consistency.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Adds creaminess and a tangy depth to the dish.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour: Helps thicken the sauce perfectly without clumping.
- 2 teaspoons chicken bouillon (like Better Than Bouillon): Boosts the savory, umami flavors in the sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika: Brings a gentle smoky sweetness and beautiful color.
- 1 pound 93% ground chicken: A lean and tender protein base that absorbs the sauce wonderfully.
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt: Essential seasoning to enhance all the flavors.
- Black pepper, to taste: Adds a subtle heat and complexity.
- 1/2 cup chopped onion: Provides natural sweetness and a soft bite.
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste: Deepens the savory flavor and adds richness.
- 8 ounces sliced cremini mushrooms: Earthy mushrooms that complement the creamy sauce beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds a savory, slightly tangy kick that lifts the dish.
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme: Infuses herby brightness and aroma.
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley, for garnish: A fresh finish that brightens every bite.
- Egg noodles, high-fiber pasta, veggie noodles, or gluten-free noodles: Your choice of noodles as the perfect base for soaking up the sauce.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Stroganoff Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Creamy Sauce Mixture
Start by whisking together the water, sour cream, flour, chicken bouillon, and sweet paprika in a bowl. This mixture will later transform into the silky sauce that makes this dish irresistible. Setting it aside now lets the flavors meld and prepares it to thicken beautifully once added to the pan.
Step 2: Season and Cook the Ground Chicken
Season the ground chicken evenly with kosher salt and black pepper to bring out its natural flavor. Then, in a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chicken until it is nicely browned. Browning is key here—it adds richness and texture. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside while you move on to the next ingredients.
Step 3: Sauté Onion and Incorporate Tomato Paste
Using the same skillet, toss in the chopped onion and cook gently until it becomes soft and translucent, releasing a sweet aroma. Stir in the tomato paste and cook it for about one minute to remove its raw edge and concentrate its flavor, creating a savory base for your stroganoff.
Step 4: Cook the Cremini Mushrooms
Add the sliced mushrooms right into the skillet and cook them down until they’re tender and juicy. Mushrooms soak up all the delicious flavors from the pan and add a wonderful meaty texture that complements the ground chicken perfectly.
Step 5: Combine Chicken and Sauce Mixture
Return the browned chicken to the skillet and give everything a good stir. Pour in the creamy sauce mixture you prepared earlier and stir well to combine. This is where all those flavors blend harmoniously, and you’ll start to see the sauce thicken into a velvety coating that clings beautifully to the chicken and mushrooms.
Step 6: Add Worcestershire Sauce and Thyme, Then Simmer
Pour in the Worcestershire sauce and nestle the fresh thyme sprigs into the skillet. Let the stroganoff simmer gently for 5 to 7 minutes until the sauce is rich, thick, and luscious. The thyme infuses a subtle herbal note that elevates the entire dish.
Step 7: Final Touches and Serving
Before plating, remove the thyme sprigs and sprinkle the chopped parsley over the top for a fresh burst of color and flavor. Serve the creamy chicken stroganoff hot over your favorite noodles—egg noodles are classic, but high-fiber, veggie, or gluten-free noodles all work beautifully here.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Stroganoff Recipe
Garnishes
The parsley garnish is more than just decorative; it adds a crisp freshness that cuts through the richness. You can also sprinkle a little extra paprika or even some finely grated cheese to add a touch of indulgence.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple green vegetables like steamed broccoli or green beans, which add a nice crunch and balance the creamy sauce. A fresh side salad with a light vinaigrette also works well to lighten the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the creamy chicken stroganoff in hollowed-out bell peppers or over a bed of cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist. For a cozy vibe, create small individual casseroles by layering the stroganoff with mashed potatoes and baking until bubbly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of this Creamy Chicken Stroganoff Recipe keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more, making it perfect for a next-day quick meal.
Freezing
You can freeze the stroganoff mixture (without noodles) in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Make sure it cools completely before sealing to maintain the sauce’s creaminess after thawing.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring regularly, or warm in the microwave in short bursts to avoid curdling. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of ground chicken?
Absolutely! Diced chicken breast works well; just adjust the cooking time to ensure it’s cooked through but still tender.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, if you use gluten-free flour and gluten-free noodles, this Creamy Chicken Stroganoff Recipe is perfect for a gluten-free diet.
Can I substitute sour cream?
You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a slightly tangier taste and a healthier boost, but add it off the heat to prevent curdling.
What other mushrooms can I use?
Cremini mushrooms are great, but you can also try white button mushrooms or even shiitake for a different earthy flavor.
How do I make this dish spicier?
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce along with the paprika to give it a spicy kick while preserving the creamy texture.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken Stroganoff Recipe is an absolute winner for anyone who loves a quick, comforting meal full of rich flavors and satisfying textures. Whether you’re cooking for family or dinner guests, it delivers on taste without any complicated steps. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this dish as much as I do—it truly feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Print
Creamy Chicken Stroganoff Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Creamy Chicken Stroganoff is a quick, comforting dish packed with tender ground chicken, earthy cremini mushrooms, and a rich sour cream sauce flavored with paprika and fresh herbs. Perfect for busy weeknights, it serves well over your choice of noodles including egg noodles, high-fiber pasta, veggie noodles, or gluten-free options. The combination of simple ingredients and easy steps makes this stroganoff a family favorite that’s both hearty and satisfying.
Ingredients
Sauce Mixture
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour
- 2 teaspoons chicken bouillon (like Better Than Bouillon)
- 1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika
Chicken and Vegetables
- 1 pound 93% ground chicken
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 8 ounces sliced cremini mushrooms
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
Garnish and Serving
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley, for garnish
- Egg noodles, high-fiber pasta, veggie noodles, or gluten-free noodles, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce mixture: In a bowl, whisk together water, sour cream, flour, chicken bouillon, and paprika until smooth. Set this mixture aside to combine flavors.
- Season the ground chicken: Sprinkle the ground chicken with kosher salt and black pepper to taste, ensuring it is evenly seasoned for optimal flavor.
- Brown the chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the ground chicken until it is fully browned and cooked through, breaking it apart as it cooks. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Sauté the onion: In the same skillet, add chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Then stir in the tomato paste and cook for an additional minute to deepen the flavor.
- Cook the mushrooms: Add the sliced cremini mushrooms to the skillet and cook until tender and their moisture has evaporated, about 5-7 minutes.
- Combine chicken and sauce: Return the browned ground chicken back to the skillet with the mushrooms and onions. Pour in the reserved sour cream sauce mixture and stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Add Worcestershire sauce and thyme, then simmer: Stir in the Worcestershire sauce and add the fresh thyme sprigs. Reduce heat to low and let the stroganoff simmer gently for 5-7 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and develop rich flavor.
- Finish and serve: Remove the thyme sprigs from the skillet. Sprinkle chopped parsley over the stroganoff for a fresh herbaceous note and serve hot over your choice of noodles such as egg noodles, high-fiber pasta, veggie noodles, or gluten-free noodles.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey for ground chicken if preferred.
- Use gluten-free flour and noodles to make this dish gluten-free.
- For a dairy-free version, replace sour cream with a vegan sour cream alternative.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
- Adding a splash of white wine during mushroom cooking enhances the flavor.
