Easy Chicken Stroganoff with Creamy Mushroom Gravy
If you’re craving a heartwarming, flavorful dish that’s both simple and impressive, look no further than Chicken Stroganoff with Creamy Mushroom Gravy. This dish combines tender, juicy chicken pieces with a luscious, savory mushroom sauce that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy family meals, this recipe brings together classic comfort with a creamy, rich texture that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy Preparation: Ready on the table in under 30 minutes, ideal for busy evenings when time is tight.
- Comforting and Creamy Texture: The luxurious mushroom gravy perfectly coats the chicken for a satisfying mouthfeel.
- Versatile Meal: Easily customizable with ingredients you have on hand or preferences like low-carb or gluten-free.
- Family-Friendly Flavor: Mild yet flavorful, it’s a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike.
- Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Taste: Every ingredient enhances the rich, savory flavor, making each bite memorable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on simple, fresh ingredients that harmonize beautifully, giving you a rich taste without any fuss. Each component plays an essential role, from the tender chicken to the earthy mushrooms that make the gravy so creamy and luscious.
- Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Use boneless and skinless pieces for even cooking and easy slicing.
- Button or Cremini Mushrooms: Fresh mushrooms add deep umami flavor and hearty texture.
- Onion and Garlic: These aromatics build the base, giving the gravy its irresistible scent and taste.
- Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: Adds creaminess and a slight tang to balance richness.
- Chicken Broth: Enhances the sauce’s depth without overpowering the main flavors.
- Flour or Cornstarch: To gently thicken the mushroom gravy into a silky sauce.
- Butter and Olive Oil: For sautéing, building richness, and locking in moisture.
- Fresh Herbs (Parsley or Thyme): Brighten up the dish with fresh, aromatic notes at the end.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors.
Variations for Chicken Stroganoff with Creamy Mushroom Gravy
Feel free to tweak this recipe to match your dietary needs, available ingredients, or flavor preferences. The base is flexible and welcoming to changes that keep it both delicious and exciting.
- Low-Carb Alternative: Swap out flour for almond flour or skip thickening to keep it keto-friendly.
- Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with hearty portobello mushrooms or tempeh for a plant-based twist.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the mushroom gravy for warmth.
- Cream Substitute: Use coconut cream instead of dairy for a dairy-free, slightly tropical flavor.
- Herb Variations: Try adding rosemary or dill instead of parsley for a fresh herbal change.
How to Make Chicken Stroganoff with Creamy Mushroom Gravy
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by cutting the boneless chicken into bite-sized strips or cubes. Season lightly with salt and pepper to bring out the natural flavors before cooking. This preparation ensures each piece is flavorful and juicy.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until golden brown on all sides but not fully cooked through — this helps lock in moisture before adding the sauce.
Step 3: Cook the Mushrooms and Aromatics
In the same pan, add sliced mushrooms, diced onion, and minced garlic. Sauté until the mushrooms release their moisture and the onions turn translucent, creating a fragrant base for the gravy.
Step 4: Build the Gravy
Sprinkle flour over the mushroom mixture and stir well to coat. Gradually pour in the chicken broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Allow the sauce to thicken gently, transforming into a smooth, velvety gravy.
Step 5: Finish with Creaminess
Lower the heat and stir in sour cream or Greek yogurt. Combine thoroughly, then return the chicken to the pan, allowing it to simmer in the creamy mushroom gravy until fully cooked and tender.
Step 6: Season and Garnish
Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or thyme right before serving for a burst of color and flavor.
Pro Tips for Making Chicken Stroganoff with Creamy Mushroom Gravy
- Room Temperature Chicken: Letting your chicken sit at room temperature for 10 minutes helps it cook evenly and stay juicy.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook chicken in batches if needed to ensure it browns nicely instead of steaming.
- Use Fresh Mushrooms: Fresh mushrooms create a richer gravy; avoid canned unless necessary.
- Stir in Cream Off Heat: To prevent curdling, add sour cream or yogurt when the pan is off the heat or on very low.
- Let the Sauce Rest: Allow sauces to rest for a few minutes after cooking to thicken further and deepen flavors.
How to Serve Chicken Stroganoff with Creamy Mushroom Gravy
Garnishes
Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme for vibrant green color and fresh herbal notes that cut through the richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs exceptionally well with buttery egg noodles, creamy mashed potatoes, or even steamed rice — all perfect for soaking up that luscious creamy mushroom gravy.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve in rustic bowls with a side of crusty bread for dipping, or plate alongside roasted vegetables and a fresh salad to balance the meal with contrasting textures and flavors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Chicken Stroganoff with Creamy Mushroom Gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, maintaining flavor and texture.
Freezing
This dish freezes well. Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve creaminess.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave with short intervals, stirring frequently to prevent the sauce from breaking or separating.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs add extra juiciness and flavor, making the dish even more tender and delicious.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To keep it gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend when thickening the gravy.
Can I prepare this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, swap sour cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free yogurt alternative to maintain the creamy texture without dairy.
What can I serve instead of noodles?
Mashed potatoes, rice, or even steamed cauliflower rice work wonderfully as alternatives to soak up the creamy mushroom gravy.
How long does the sauce last after cooking?
The creamy mushroom gravy tastes best fresh but can be refrigerated and enjoyed within 2-3 days when stored properly.
Final Thoughts
Chicken Stroganoff with Creamy Mushroom Gravy is truly one of those dishes you’ll want to keep in your weekly rotation. It’s comforting, easy to make, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for family or craving a hearty solo meal, this recipe hits all the right notes. Give it a try and enjoy the rich flavors blending together in every comforting bite!
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Chicken Stroganoff with Creamy Mushroom Gravy
Chicken Stroganoff with Creamy Mushroom Gravy is a quick, comforting dish featuring tender, juicy chicken pieces simmered in a rich, creamy mushroom sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe combines savory mushrooms, flavorful aromatics, and a luscious cream-based gravy, making it perfect for family dinners or cozy weeknights. Easily adaptable to dietary preferences, it offers a satisfying, hearty meal with minimal ingredients and maximum taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Russian-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free (with cornstarch or gluten-free flour option)
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized strips
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Mushrooms and Aromatics
- 8 oz fresh button or cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or cornstarch/almond flour for gluten-free or low-carb)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (or coconut cream for dairy-free)
Garnish and Seasoning
- Chopped fresh parsley or thyme, for garnish
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the boneless chicken into bite-sized strips or cubes. Lightly season with salt and pepper to enhance the natural flavors and ensure juicy results.
- Sauté the Chicken: Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until golden brown on all sides but not fully cooked through, which helps lock in moisture before adding the sauce.
- Cook the Mushrooms and Aromatics: In the same pan, add sliced mushrooms, diced onion, and minced garlic. Sauté until the mushrooms release their moisture and the onions become translucent, creating a fragrant base for the gravy.
- Build the Gravy: Sprinkle the flour over the mushroom mixture and stir well to coat evenly. Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Allow the sauce to thicken gently, turning into a smooth, velvety gravy.
- Finish with Creaminess: Lower the heat and stir in the sour cream or Greek yogurt until fully combined. Then return the chicken to the pan and let it simmer in the creamy mushroom gravy until cooked through and tender.
- Season and Garnish: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or thyme on top just before serving for vibrant color and fresh herbal notes.
Notes
- Let chicken sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before cooking to ensure even cooking and juiciness.
- Do not overcrowd the pan when cooking chicken; cook in batches if needed to achieve a proper sear.
- Use fresh mushrooms for a richer, deeper gravy flavor; avoid canned mushrooms unless necessary.
- Add sour cream or yogurt off the heat or on very low heat to prevent curdling.
- Allow the sauce to rest for a few minutes after cooking to thicken further and deepen its flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: Chicken Stroganoff, creamy mushroom gravy, quick chicken recipe, comfort food, gluten free chicken, weeknight dinner, family friendly, low carb option