There’s something magical about watching my kids, Lila and Jack, race to the dinner table when they smell this creamy, savory chicken stroganoff bubbling away on the stove. Last Tuesday, after a particularly chaotic afternoon of homework battles and soccer practice, I threw together this chicken stroganoff recipe easy family dinner, and the kitchen instantly transformed into our happy place. Mark used to say that the best meals don’t need fancy ingredients—just love and a little butter.
This dish proves him right every single time. Moreover, it’s become my secret weapon for those nights when everyone’s hungry, tired, and I need something comforting on the table fast. If you’re searching for a chicken stroganoff recipe easy family dinner that delivers big flavor without the stress, you’ve found it.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Chicken Stroganoff Recipe
This chicken stroganoff recipe easy family dinner checks every box for busy families. First, it takes just 30 minutes from start to finish. Additionally, you probably already have most ingredients in your pantry right now. My sister Grace, who claims she can’t cook, made this last weekend and texted me a photo of her empty pot—her family devoured every bite.
Furthermore, this recipe is incredibly forgiving. Forgot to grab mushrooms? No problem.
Only have chicken thighs instead of breasts? Even better. The creamy sauce adapts beautifully to whatever you have on hand. Plus, kids actually eat it without complaint, which frankly feels like a parenting win.
I love that this chicken stroganoff recipe easy family dinner feels fancy enough for guests but simple enough for a weeknight. The rich, velvety sauce clings to tender chicken pieces, creating comfort food magic. Meanwhile, it’s lighter than traditional beef stroganoff, making it perfect for families watching their portions.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering ingredients for this chicken stroganoff recipe easy family dinner is wonderfully straightforward. I always keep these staples stocked because we make this dish at least twice a month.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Boneless, skinless chicken breasts | 1.5 pounds, cut into bite-sized pieces |
| Butter | 3 tablespoons, divided |
| Mushrooms (white or cremini) | 8 ounces, sliced |
| Onion | 1 medium, finely diced |
| Garlic | 3 cloves, minced |
| All-purpose flour | 2 tablespoons |
| Chicken broth | 1.5 cups |
| Sour cream | 1 cup |
| Dijon mustard | 1 tablespoon |
| Paprika | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt and black pepper | To taste |
| Fresh parsley | 2 tablespoons, chopped (optional) |
Substitutions & Variations
This chicken stroganoff recipe easy family dinner welcomes creativity. Swap chicken breasts for boneless thighs if you prefer darker meat with more flavor. They stay incredibly juicy and tender.
Can’t find sour cream? Greek yogurt works beautifully as a substitute. Just add it at the end and don’t let it boil. Alternatively, cream cheese thinned with a splash of milk creates that same tangy richness.
For a dairy-free version of this chicken stroganoff recipe easy family dinner, use coconut cream instead of sour cream. The flavor shifts slightly tropical, but it’s surprisingly delicious. Meanwhile, dairy-free butter substitutes work perfectly for sautéing.
Want to sneak in extra vegetables? I often add baby spinach, peas, or diced bell peppers. Lila especially loves when I toss in some broccoli florets. They cook quickly and add lovely color to the dish.
For a low-carb twist, serve this chicken stroganoff recipe easy family dinner over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. Both soak up the creamy sauce wonderfully without the extra carbs.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making this chicken stroganoff recipe easy family dinner follows a simple, foolproof process. Even on hectic evenings, I can pull this together without breaking a sweat.
Step 1: Season the chicken pieces generously with salt, pepper, and paprika. Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter melts and sizzles, add the chicken in a single layer.
Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken to a plate and set aside.
Step 2: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of butter. Toss in the sliced mushrooms and diced onion. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the mushrooms release their moisture and the onions turn translucent. This step builds incredible flavor for your chicken stroganoff recipe easy family dinner.
Step 3: Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir constantly for about 1 minute. This creates a roux that will thicken your sauce beautifully.
Step 4: Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring continuously. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan—that’s pure flavor gold. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 5: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the Dijon mustard, then add the sour cream. Mix thoroughly until smooth and creamy.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir everything together. Let it simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to heat through.
Step 6: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired. Your chicken stroganoff recipe easy family dinner is now ready to serve!
Making this chicken stroganoff recipe easy family dinner follows a simple, foolproof process. For another quick and delicious meal, check out our sheet pan chicken pitas with herby ranch slaw recipe.
Pro Tips for Success
After making this chicken stroganoff recipe easy family dinner countless times, I’ve learned some tricks that guarantee perfect results every time.
First, don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking chicken. If your skillet isn’t large enough, cook the chicken in two batches. Overcrowding causes steaming instead of browning, and you’ll miss out on that delicious golden crust.
Second, let the sour cream come to room temperature before adding it. Cold sour cream can cause the sauce to break or curdle. I usually set mine on the counter while I prep the other ingredients.
Third, never boil the sauce after adding sour cream. Keep it at a gentle simmer to maintain that silky, smooth texture. This tip alone has saved many batches of my chicken stroganoff recipe easy family dinner.
Additionally, use good quality chicken broth. Since it’s a main component of the sauce, the flavor really shines through. I prefer low-sodium broth so I can control the salt level myself.
Finally, slice your mushrooms evenly. This ensures they cook at the same rate and create a more polished presentation. Jack loves helping me with this step—it’s become our little tradition.
Storage & Reheating Tips
This chicken stroganoff recipe easy family dinner stores exceptionally well, making it perfect for meal prep or planned leftovers.
Store cooled stroganoff in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers sometimes taste even better than the original meal.
To reheat, warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen the sauce if it’s thickened too much. Stir frequently to prevent scorching.
You can also microwave individual portions. Use 50% power and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until warmed through. This gentle approach prevents the sour cream from separating.
For freezing this chicken stroganoff recipe easy family dinner, I have mixed results. The chicken freezes fine, but the sour cream sauce sometimes separates upon thawing. If you want to freeze it, consider freezing just the chicken and mushroom base, then adding fresh sour cream when reheating.
This chicken stroganoff recipe easy family dinner stores exceptionally well, making it perfect for meal prep or planned leftovers. If you’re looking for another comforting dish to enjoy, try the best homemade baked mac and cheese.
What to Serve With This Recipe
Pairing sides with this chicken stroganoff recipe easy family dinner opens up delicious possibilities. The creamy sauce begs for something to soak it all up.
Egg noodles are the classic choice, and for good reason. Their wide, flat shape captures every bit of that luscious sauce. I cook them while the stroganoff simmers, and everything finishes at the same time.
Rice works beautifully too. White rice, brown rice, or even wild rice all complement the rich flavors perfectly. Grace serves hers over jasmine rice, and the subtle floral notes are lovely.
Mashed potatoes turn this chicken stroganoff recipe easy family dinner into ultimate comfort food. The creamy-on-creamy combination might sound like overkill, but trust me, it’s heavenly.
For lighter options, try crusty bread for dipping or a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. The brightness cuts through the richness beautifully. Roasted green beans or steamed broccoli also add nice color and crunch to the plate.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this chicken stroganoff recipe easy family dinner?
Yes, but thaw it completely first. Pat the chicken very dry before cooking to ensure proper browning. Frozen chicken releases excess moisture that prevents that golden crust from forming.
How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?
Keep the heat low after adding sour cream and never let it boil. Room temperature sour cream also helps prevent curdling. If your sauce does separate, whisk in a tablespoon of cold water off the heat.
Can I make this chicken stroganoff recipe easy family dinner ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare it up to the point of adding sour cream. Refrigerate, then reheat gently and stir in the sour cream just before serving. This method actually works wonderfully for dinner parties.
What’s the best type of mushroom to use?
White button mushrooms work perfectly fine. However, cremini mushrooms add deeper, earthier flavor. For special occasions, I sometimes splurge on a mix that includes shiitake or oyster mushrooms.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Not as written, but you can easily adapt it. Replace all-purpose flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend. Use half the amount of cornstarch if substituting. The sauce thickens beautifully either way.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
Based on 6 servings of this chicken stroganoff recipe easy family dinner:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 |
| Protein | 32g |
| Carbohydrates | 9g |
| Fat | 17g |
| Saturated Fat | 9g |
| Cholesterol | 105mg |
| Sodium | 420mg |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 3g |
This chicken stroganoff recipe easy family dinner has become one of those recipes I reach for again and again. It’s reliable, delicious, and brings everyone together around the table. The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and earthy mushrooms create comfort in a skillet.
Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or dinner guests, this recipe delivers every single time. I hope it becomes a treasured staple in your home just like it has in mine. Happy cooking!
Print
chicken stroganoff recipe easy family dinner
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This easy chicken stroganoff recipe is a comforting family dinner that takes just 30 minutes to prepare. It's creamy, savory, and adaptable to whatever ingredients you have on hand, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
1.5 pounds Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
3 tablespoons Butter, divided
8 ounces Mushrooms, sliced
1 medium Onion, finely diced
3 cloves Garlic, minced
2 tablespoons All-purpose flour
1.5 cups Chicken broth
1 cup Sour cream
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon Paprika
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Season the chicken pieces generously with salt, pepper, and paprika. Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter melts and sizzles, add the chicken in a single layer. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken to a plate and set aside
- Step 2: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of butter. Toss in the sliced mushrooms and diced onion. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the mushrooms release their moisture and the onions turn translucent
- Step 3: Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir constantly for about 1 minute
- Step 4: Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring continuously. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly
- Step 5: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the Dijon mustard, then add the sour cream. Mix thoroughly until smooth and creamy. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir everything together. Let it simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to heat through
- Step 6: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired
Notes
For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream instead of sour cream.
To prevent curdling, ensure sour cream is at room temperature before adding.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
Chicken stroganoff is a popular dish that combines tender pieces of chicken with a creamy sauce, often served over noodles or rice. This comforting meal is a favorite among families for its rich flavor and ease of preparation, making it a staple in many households. For more information, visit this page.