If you’re searching for a rich, satisfying dinner that feels indulgent yet simple to prepare, this chicken mushroom stroganoff is the answer. Creamy, savory, and packed with tender chicken and golden mushrooms, this dish delivers classic comfort with a lighter twist on traditional beef stroganoff.

Perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed Sunday dinners, this creamy chicken stroganoff recipe comes together in under an hour and uses pantry-friendly ingredients. The velvety sour cream sauce clings beautifully to egg noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes, creating a hearty meal that the entire family will love.

Let’s dive into what makes this easy chicken stroganoff so irresistible.

What Is Stroganoff?

Stroganoff originated in Russia as a dish made with sautéed beef in a creamy sauce. Over time, it spread across Europe and North America, evolving into various interpretations. Today, chicken stroganoff with sour cream is a popular alternative that’s lighter, faster to cook, and just as comforting.

This version keeps the soul of the classic—creamy sauce, sautéed mushrooms, and aromatic onions—while using juicy chicken breast for a balanced, family-friendly twist.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Mushroom Stroganoff

Ready in about 40 minutes
Made in one pan for easy cleanup
Rich and creamy without being heavy
Perfect for meal prep
Customizable with simple ingredient swaps

The combination of seared chicken, caramelized mushrooms, and tangy sour cream creates layers of flavor that feel gourmet but require minimal effort.

Ingredients

2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced into thin strips)
8 ounces cremini or white mushrooms (sliced)
1 medium onion (finely diced)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
1 cup sour cream (room temperature)
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
½ teaspoon paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
8 ounces egg noodles (or rice/mashed potatoes for serving)

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook egg noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced chicken in a single layer. Season with salt and pepper.
Cook chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked. Remove from the pan and set aside.
In the same skillet, add butter. Once melted, add diced onions and sauté until soft and translucent, about 3–4 minutes.
Add sliced mushrooms and cook until they release moisture and become golden brown, about 6–8 minutes.
Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Sprinkle flour over the mushroom mixture and stir well, cooking for 1–2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
Gradually pour in chicken broth while stirring to prevent lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Reduce heat to medium-low and stir in paprika and Dijon mustard.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Remove from heat and gently fold in sour cream. Stir until smooth and creamy. Do not boil after adding sour cream to prevent curdling.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with chopped parsley.
Serve over warm egg noodles and enjoy immediately.

Tips for the Creamiest Sauce

1. Use Room Temperature Sour Cream
Cold sour cream can curdle when added to hot sauce. Let it sit out for 15–20 minutes before mixing in.

2. Don’t Skip Browning the Mushrooms
Properly caramelized mushrooms add depth and umami flavor. Avoid overcrowding the pan so they brown instead of steam.

3. Control the Heat
Once you add sour cream, keep the heat low. High heat can cause the sauce to separate.

4. Slice Chicken Evenly
Uniform slices ensure even cooking and tender texture throughout the dish.

Variations to Try

1. Healthier Chicken Stroganoff

Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt and use whole wheat noodles for added protein and fiber.

2. Dairy-Free Option

Replace sour cream with unsweetened coconut cream and use olive oil instead of butter.

3. Add Vegetables

Include spinach, peas, or bell peppers for extra color and nutrition.

4. Spicy Twist

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes for gentle heat.

Best Sides for Chicken Stroganoff

This one pan chicken dinner pairs beautifully with:

Buttered egg noodles
Steamed white or brown rice
Creamy mashed potatoes
Garlic bread
Light green salad with vinaigrette

The creamy sauce works wonderfully with starchy sides that absorb its rich flavor.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigeration:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezing:
You can freeze chicken mushroom stroganoff, but note that the texture of sour cream may change slightly. Freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating Tip:
Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce.

Nutritional Benefits

While indulgent, this dish provides:

Lean protein from chicken
Selenium and antioxidants from mushrooms
Calcium from sour cream
Balanced carbohydrates when served with whole grains

By controlling portion size and pairing with vegetables, you can enjoy this creamy chicken stroganoff recipe as part of a balanced meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs provide extra juiciness and deeper flavor.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. Prepare the sauce and chicken in advance, then reheat gently before serving.

What mushrooms work best?

Cremini mushrooms offer deeper flavor, but white button mushrooms work perfectly too.

Why This Recipe Works

The magic of this chicken stroganoff with sour cream lies in balance. The tanginess of sour cream cuts through richness, while mushrooms add earthy depth. Dijon mustard enhances flavor without overpowering the dish. Browning the chicken first locks in juices, ensuring each bite remains tender.

Unlike heavy cream-based sauces, this version feels lighter yet remains luxuriously creamy.

Make It a Family Favorite

This easy chicken stroganoff is ideal for:

Weeknight dinners
Cozy fall evenings
Casual gatherings
Meal prep lunches
Comfort food cravings

The familiar flavors and creamy texture make it universally appealing—even for picky eaters.

Final Thoughts

Few dishes rival the comforting appeal of chicken mushroom stroganoff. It’s creamy without being overwhelming, rich without being heavy, and elegant without requiring complicated steps.

Whether you’re new to stroganoff or looking for a lighter alternative to the classic beef version, this one pan chicken dinner delivers bold flavor and satisfying comfort in every bite.

Make it once, and it will quickly become a staple in your kitchen rotation.