Easy Chicken Stroganoff

If you’re looking for a quick and comforting meal, Easy Chicken Stroganoff is your go-to recipe. This creamy, savory dish combines tender chicken with mushrooms and a rich sauce, making it a perfect choice for a weeknight dinner. Ready in just 40 minutes, this stroganoff is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, for dredging
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
• 1 small yellow onion, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dry mustard
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Egg noodles, for serving

Directions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

• Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch pieces. Season them generously with salt and pepper, then dredge in the 1/4 cup flour.
• Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken in batches if needed, until lightly browned on both sides, about 3 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

2. Cook the Vegetables:

• In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil if needed. Add butter, mushrooms, and onions. Cook until the mushrooms release their liquid and it cooks off, about 6-8 minutes.

3. Build the Sauce:

• Stir in the dry mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic. Cook for 1 minute.
• Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon.
• Return the chicken to the skillet and let it simmer for a few minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. Finish the Dish:

• Reduce the heat to low and stir in the sour cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Serve the stroganoff over egg noodles or mashed potatoes.

5. Enjoy:

• Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious, creamy Chicken Stroganoff!

Additional Information:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Calories: 320 kcal per serving
• Servings: 4

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Tips:

1. Serving Temperature:
   • Easy Chicken Stroganoff is best served hot. After cooking, let it sit for a few minutes to cool slightly before serving to ensure the flavors are well developed.
2. Accompaniments:
   • Serve the stroganoff over cooked egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or even rice. It also pairs well with a side of steamed vegetables or a crisp green salad.
3. Garnishes:
   • Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color and added flavor. A sprinkle of paprika can also enhance the dish’s visual appeal.
4. Portioning:
   • Use a ladle or large spoon to serve the stroganoff, ensuring that each serving gets a good amount of sauce and chicken.

Storage Tips:

1. Refrigeration:
   • Store leftover stroganoff in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is well-sealed to prevent the dish from absorbing other odors.
2. Freezing:
   • To freeze, allow the stroganoff to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or bag. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Label the container with the date for reference.
   • Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Reheat gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce if it has thickened during freezing.
3. Reheating:
   • Reheat leftover stroganoff on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring frequently until heated through. For even reheating, ensure the dish is warmed uniformly. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the microwave, but stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
4. Avoiding Sogginess:
   • If the stroganoff has become too thick or the noodles have absorbed too much sauce, add a little extra chicken broth or water while reheating to reach the desired consistency.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy your Easy Chicken Stroganoff both immediately after cooking and as tasty leftovers.

Variations:

1. Mushroom and Spinach Stroganoff:

• Ingredients: Add 2 cups of fresh spinach along with the mushrooms.
• Instructions: Stir the spinach into the skillet along with the mushrooms and onions. Cook until wilted and tender before adding the chicken and broth.

2. Greek Yogurt Stroganoff:

• Ingredients: Substitute sour cream with 1/2 cup Greek yogurt.
• Instructions: Stir Greek yogurt into the sauce at the end of cooking, and adjust seasoning as needed. This variation offers a tangier flavor and lighter texture.

3. Spicy Chicken Stroganoff:

• Ingredients: Add 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
• Instructions: Stir the red pepper flakes or hot sauce into the skillet along with the garlic for a spicy kick.

4. Lemon Herb Stroganoff:

• Ingredients: Add 1 tablespoon lemon juice and 1 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary.
• Instructions: Stir in the lemon juice and herbs at the same time as the sour cream to add a fresh and herby flavor.

5. Bacon Chicken Stroganoff:

• Ingredients: Add 4 strips of cooked bacon, crumbled.
• Instructions: Stir the crumbled bacon into the sauce just before serving for added smoky flavor and crunch.

6. Creamy White Wine Stroganoff:

• Ingredients: Substitute 1/4 cup of the chicken broth with white wine.
• Instructions: Add the white wine after deglazing the pan with the broth. Let it simmer until reduced slightly before adding the sour cream.

7. Cauliflower Rice Stroganoff:

• Ingredients: Serve over cauliflower rice instead of egg noodles.
• Instructions: Prepare cauliflower rice according to package instructions or make your own. Serve the stroganoff over the rice for a low-carb alternative.

8. Sun-Dried Tomato Stroganoff:

• Ingredients: Add 1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
• Instructions: Stir the sun-dried tomatoes into the skillet with the mushrooms and onions for a tangy, savory flavor.

9. Vegan Stroganoff:

• Ingredients: Replace chicken with tofu or tempeh, and use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of sour cream.
• Instructions: Sauté tofu or tempeh cubes in place of chicken, and add coconut cream or cashew cream at the end for a dairy-free option.

10. Cheesy Chicken Stroganoff:

• Ingredients: Add 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
• Instructions: Stir the cheese into the sauce just before serving for a rich, cheesy flavor.

These variations offer exciting twists on the classic Easy Chicken Stroganoff, allowing you to customize the dish to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. Enjoy experimenting with these flavorful adaptations!

FAQs:

1. Can I use a different type of meat for this stroganoff?

Yes, you can substitute the chicken with beef, pork, or even turkey. Adjust the cooking time based on the type of meat you use, ensuring it is fully cooked before adding the sour cream.

2. Can I make this stroganoff in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the stroganoff a day ahead. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat it gently on the stove before serving. Note that the sauce may thicken upon refrigeration; add a bit of chicken broth or water to adjust the consistency.

3. What can I use instead of sour cream?

You can use Greek yogurt, heavy cream, or crème fraîche as alternatives to sour cream. Each will give the dish a slightly different flavor and texture.

4. Can I freeze Easy Chicken Stroganoff?

Yes, you can freeze the stroganoff. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove, adding a bit of broth or water if needed.

5. How can I make this dish spicier?

To add some heat, include red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or a chopped chili pepper. Adjust to your preferred spice level and add the spice along with the garlic.

6. What can I serve with Chicken Stroganoff besides egg noodles?

Besides egg noodles, you can serve the stroganoff over mashed potatoes, rice, cauliflower rice, or even pasta. It also pairs well with steamed vegetables or a side salad.

7. How do I ensure the chicken stays tender?

To keep the chicken tender, avoid overcooking it. Cook the chicken pieces just until they are no longer pink in the center, then remove them from the pan. Simmering them in the sauce will further tenderize the chicken.

8. Can I use a different type of mushroom?

Yes, you can use other types of mushrooms such as button, shiitake, or portobello. Each type of mushroom will impart a slightly different flavor to the dish.

9. How can I make this stroganoff lower in calories?

To make a lighter version, use skinless chicken breasts, reduce the amount of oil and butter, and substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt. You can also use a lower-sodium chicken broth.

10. Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Yes, you can add other vegetables such as bell peppers, peas, or carrots. Sauté them along with the onions and mushrooms to include more variety in your stroganoff.

These FAQs address common questions and concerns to help you make the most of your Easy Chicken Stroganoff experience, ensuring a delicious and satisfying meal.