If you love the rich, creamy flavors of traditional Beef Stroganoff but are looking for a lighter and quicker option, then Chicken Stroganoff is just what you need! This dish swaps out beef for tender, golden pieces of chicken breast and combines them with mushrooms and a luscious sour cream sauce. The best part? This delicious meal can be whipped up in less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a cozy lunch. Paired with mashed potatoes, pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables, Chicken Stroganoff is sure to become a family favorite. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients
To make this mouthwatering Chicken Stroganoff, you will need:
- 700g (1.5 lb) chicken thigh, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 300g (10 oz) champignons (or any other type of mushrooms), sliced
- 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon flour
- 220g (1 cup) sour cream
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 250 ml (1 cup) hot water or chicken stock
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Why Choose Chicken Stroganoff?
Chicken Stroganoff offers all the comforting flavors of the classic dish but with a quicker cooking time and fewer calories. The use of chicken thighs instead of breast meat ensures that the dish remains juicy and flavorful, while the mushrooms add an earthy depth. The creamy sauce, enriched with sour cream and Dijon mustard, creates a perfect balance of tangy and savory flavors. This versatile dish can be served with a variety of sides, making it an ideal choice for a quick and delicious meal.
Instructions
1. Prepare the Ingredients:
- Begin by cutting the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. Clean and slice the mushrooms. Finely chop the yellow onion and mince the garlic clove. Having all your ingredients prepped and ready will make the cooking process smooth and quick.
2. Sear the Chicken:
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Season with salt and black pepper. Sear the chicken until golden brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes soft and translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
4. Cook the Mushrooms:
- Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are golden brown and have released their moisture, about 5 minutes. This step adds depth and flavor to the sauce.
5. Make the Sauce:
- Sprinkle the flour over the mushrooms and onions, stirring constantly to combine. This will help thicken the sauce. Slowly pour in the hot water or chicken stock, stirring continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Add the Dijon mustard and stir to combine. Let the sauce simmer for about 2-3 minutes, until it starts to thicken.
6. Combine the Chicken and Sauce:
- Return the seared chicken pieces to the skillet, along with any juices that have accumulated. Stir to coat the chicken in the sauce. Reduce the heat to low and let the chicken simmer in the sauce for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
7. Add the Sour Cream:
- Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the sour cream until fully incorporated. The sour cream gives the dish its signature creamy texture and tangy flavor. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed.
8. Garnish and Serve:
- Sprinkle the Chicken Stroganoff with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve the stroganoff hot over a bed of mashed potatoes, pasta, rice, or alongside steamed vegetables.
Tips for the Best Chicken Stroganoff
- Use Chicken Thighs: Chicken thighs are more forgiving than chicken breasts in terms of cooking time, and they stay juicy and flavorful. However, if you prefer chicken breasts, you can use them; just be mindful not to overcook them to avoid dryness.
- Choose the Right Mushrooms: Champignons (button mushrooms) are commonly used, but feel free to experiment with other varieties like cremini, portobello, or shiitake for a more complex flavor.
- Don’t Skimp on the Searing: Properly searing the chicken and mushrooms adds a layer of flavor to the dish. Make sure the skillet is hot and avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure the ingredients brown nicely.
- Adjust the Thickness of the Sauce: If the sauce is too thick, add a little more chicken stock or water. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to reduce and thicken.
- Use Fresh Sour Cream: For the best flavor and texture, use fresh sour cream. If you want a lighter version, you can use Greek yogurt, but it will change the flavor slightly.
How to Serve Chicken Stroganoff
- With Mashed Potatoes: The creamy stroganoff sauce pairs beautifully with fluffy mashed potatoes, making it a classic comfort food combination.
- Over Pasta: Serve the chicken stroganoff over egg noodles, spaghetti, or any pasta of your choice for a hearty, satisfying meal.
- With Rice: A bed of steamed white or brown rice is another excellent option that absorbs the flavorful sauce.
- With Vegetables: For a lighter option, serve the stroganoff with a side of steamed or roasted vegetables, such as green beans, broccoli, or carrots.
Health Benefits of Chicken Stroganoff
- High in Protein: Chicken thighs provide a good source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair.
- Rich in Vitamins: This dish contains mushrooms, which are high in B vitamins, and chicken, which is rich in niacin (Vitamin B3), essential for energy production and maintaining healthy skin.
- Moderate in Carbs: When served with vegetables or a small portion of pasta or rice, Chicken Stroganoff can be part of a balanced diet.
- Comforting and Satisfying: The creamy sauce and tender chicken make this dish satisfying and comforting, perfect for boosting your mood on a chilly day.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this dish ahead of time?
- Yes, Chicken Stroganoff can be made ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or chicken stock to thin the sauce if necessary.
- Can I freeze Chicken Stroganoff?
- It’s not recommended to freeze dishes containing sour cream as the texture may change upon thawing. However, you can freeze the stroganoff without the sour cream and add it fresh when reheating.
- What can I use instead of sour cream?
- Greek yogurt or heavy cream can be used as a substitute for sour cream. They will alter the taste slightly but still provide a creamy texture.
- How can I make this dish gluten-free?
- To make Chicken Stroganoff gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend to thicken the sauce, and ensure that the Dijon mustard and chicken stock are gluten-free as well.
Chicken Stroganoff is a delicious, quick, and easy meal that brings the comforting flavors of traditional stroganoff to your table with a lighter twist. With its tender chicken pieces, rich mushroom sauce, and a hint of tangy sour cream, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your home. Whether you serve it with mashed potatoes, pasta, rice, or vegetables, Chicken Stroganoff is the perfect choice for a satisfying and hearty meal. Enjoy this delicious recipe and make dinner time a delight!
