Chicken Stroganoff with Mushrooms

I must say, the recipe for chicken stroganoff is one of my favorites. It’s very simple and quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weekdays. Most importantly, it’s a fantastic dish!

We have chicken stroganoff at home at least once a month. It doesn’t matter whether it’s summer, winter, or spring.

Chicken Stroganoff Recipe

As I mentioned, the preparation is really simple. The entire recipe will take you no more than 45 minutes. I assume you’ve already taken the meat out of the fridge in advance.

Whenever you’re cooking any meat, let it sit at room temperature for at least 15 minutes. It can “rest” at room temperature for even longer.

It’s crucial not to put the meat straight from the fridge into the pan (or oven). In that case, it wouldn’t be as juicy and evenly cooked.

What I like about this recipe is that it doesn’t require too many ingredients. Most of them you probably already have in your kitchen. Besides spices, you will mainly need:

• Chicken meat: You can use chicken breasts, but boneless chicken thighs also work well. I usually make chicken stroganoff with chicken breasts since they are more readily available. Boneless thighs are often hard to find, and I’m sometimes too lazy to debone them. Breasts are also suitable for the original chicken Kung Pao.
• Onion: I mostly use yellow onions, but red ones also work excellently. If you make chicken stroganoff multiple times, try swapping the type of onion.
• Garlic: This cannot be missed. I add up to four cloves because I love garlic. If you’re not a big fan of this wonderful vegetable, feel free to use just two cloves.
• Mushrooms: Chicken stroganoff is made authentic by mushrooms. If you don’t like mushrooms, you might be disappointed. Without them, this recipe doesn’t really make sense. In that case, I would recommend this fantastic chicken sauté, where you can skip the mushrooms.
• Wine and broth: Don’t use the cheapest wines for cooking. It doesn’t have to be very expensive either. If you don’t have homemade broth available, use bouillon.
• Mustard and butter: I use Dijon mustard for chicken stroganoff. Add unsalted butter to control the saltiness of the final dish.
• Sour cream: This binds all the flavors together at the end and gives the stroganoff its excellent and typical taste.

How to Make Chicken Stroganoff

• Prepare the Chicken: First, pat dry the chicken breasts with paper towels. Cut them into small cubes and place them in a bowl. Add salt, pepper, paprika, olive oil, and mix well. Don’t skimp on the paprika.
• Prepare Vegetables: While the chicken is “marinating,” clean and slice the mushrooms. Also, prepare the onion and garlic.
• Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pan. Sauté the chicken for a few minutes until it turns a nice golden color. Then, set it aside.
• Cook Vegetables: In the same pan, sauté the onion, garlic, and mushrooms. The flavors and oils left by the chicken will be absorbed by the mushrooms and vegetables. Finally, deglaze the pan with white wine and broth.
• Make the Sauce: Before deglazing, don’t forget to add flour, which will create a nice thick sauce for the chicken stroganoff.
• Serve: I love serving it with pasta. German spaetzle goes well with such saucy dishes. I’ve also used them for this German goulash. Stroganoff can also be served with dumplings. For a change, I sometimes enjoy it with rice or potatoes. This fantastic chicken stroganoff recipe won’t be ruined by any side dish.

Tips for the Best Chicken Stroganoff

• Don’t wash mushrooms with water. Simply clean them with paper towels or a cloth.
• Use potato starch instead of flour for thickening.
• If the sauce seems too thin, add one more tablespoon of flour or starch. If it’s too thick, add more broth or cream.
• Dry the chicken meat with a paper towel before cooking. This will make it fry better in the pan.

The Origins of Stroganoff

Stroganoff is traditionally a Russian dish that dates back to the mid-19th century. It originally featured sautéed pieces of beef served in a sauce with smetana (sour cream). Over time, the recipe has evolved and adapted to include various proteins, including chicken.

The addition of mushrooms brings a hearty and savory depth to the dish, making it even more flavorful.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Stroganoff

There are many reasons to fall in love with this Chicken Stroganoff recipe. First, it’s incredibly simple to prepare, requiring only a handful of ingredients, most of which you likely already have in your pantry.

The recipe can be ready in under 45 minutes, making it an ideal choice for a quick dinner. Plus, the creamy, savory sauce pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes, from pasta to rice and even potatoes.

Perfect for Any Season

Chicken Stroganoff is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed year-round. Whether you’re looking for a hearty winter meal or a quick summer dinner, this recipe fits the bill. It’s comforting enough for cold evenings but light enough to enjoy even during warmer months.