If you are craving a dish that combines creamy indulgence with tender, flavorful chicken, you are in for a treat with this Chicken Stroganoff with Sour Cream Recipe. This classic dish elevates simple ingredients into a rich, comforting meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. The perfect balance of garlic, paprika, mushrooms, and tangy sour cream sauces the chicken beautifully, making every bite utterly satisfying and perfect for any night of the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white pan with light wood handles contains twelve pieces of golden-brown cooked food evenly spread on the surface, showing a crispy texture with some oil spots around them. The pan rests on a white marbled surface with a beige cloth on the lower left side and a white bowl filled with sliced brown and white mushrooms in the upper right corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Chicken Stroganoff with Sour Cream Recipe relies on straightforward yet essential ingredients that bring out unforgettable flavors and textures. Each item, from tender chicken to aromatic spices, contributes to the harmony of this comforting dish.

800 grams boneless chicken thighs: These provide juicy, tender meat that holds up beautifully to the rich sauce.
¼ cup plain flour: Helps create a light coating for the chicken, perfect for browning and thickening the sauce.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a deep, aromatic kick that complements the fresh garlic in the sauce.
1 teaspoon sweet paprika: Brings mild warmth and beautiful color to both chicken and sauce.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance every flavor layer.
2-3 tablespoons olive or vegetable oil: For perfectly searing the chicken with a golden crust.
3-4 tablespoons butter: Adds richness and depth to the sauce as well as a silky texture.
3 cloves garlic: Freshly crushed or chopped garlic intensifies the aroma and flavor.
200 grams sliced mushrooms: Earthy, tender mushrooms add texture and umami.
2 tablespoons flour: Used in the sauce to achieve creamy thickness.
2 cups chicken stock: The flavorful base of the sauce, adding moisture and savory notes.
1 tablespoon tomato paste: Deepens color and adds subtle sweetness.
4 teaspoons Dijon mustard: Injects tang and complexity.
1-2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce: Boosts salty, savory layers in the sauce.
1 teaspoon sweet paprika: Enhances flavor with a gentle smoky warmth.
¾ cup full-fat sour cream: The star ingredient that makes this recipe luxuriously creamy.
Fresh pasta or your preferred side: Creates the perfect partner to soak up the sauce.
Chopped parsley or chives: Adds a fresh, bright finish.

How to Make Chicken Stroganoff with Sour Cream Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Coat the Chicken

Start by cutting the boneless chicken thighs into halves or thirds for manageable, bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, mix the plain flour with garlic powder, sweet paprika, salt, and pepper, creating an aromatic coating for the chicken. Toss the chicken pieces in this mixture until they are fully coated, setting the stage for that golden crust everyone loves and a boost of flavor baked right into the chicken.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat the olive or vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the coated chicken pieces, cooking in batches if necessary to avoid crowding. Sear each piece until beautifully golden on the outside and nearly cooked through, which usually takes about 4-5 minutes per batch. Once browned, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics and Mushrooms

In the same pan, reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter. Add the crushed garlic and let it cook until fragrant without browning, about a minute. Next, add the sliced mushrooms and sauté them until they release their moisture and become tender, soaking in all those buttery, garlicky flavors.

Step 4: Build the Stroganoff Sauce

Sprinkle the flour over the mushrooms and stir well to coat everything. This helps thicken the sauce naturally. Gradually pour in the chicken stock while continuously stirring to prevent lumps and to form a silky base. Mix in the tomato paste, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and sweet paprika. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 5-7 minutes until it thickens and the flavors meld perfectly.

Step 5: Return Chicken and Finish with Sour Cream

Return the seared chicken pieces to the pan, stirring to coat them in the luscious sauce. Cook everything together on low heat for a few minutes to ensure the chicken is fully cooked and tender. Finally, turn off the heat and gently fold in the full-fat sour cream, which adds indulgent creaminess and tang without curdling. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

How to Serve Chicken Stroganoff with Sour Cream Recipe

A white pan with wooden handles holds a creamy orange sauce filled with pieces of meat and sliced mushrooms. The sauce has a smooth texture with some herbs sprinkled on top, adding small green dots around the dish. The pan sits on a white marbled surface next to a soft beige cloth. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Brighten your plate with freshly chopped parsley or chives sprinkled on top just before serving. These green herbs not only bring a pop of color but also a subtle freshness that perfectly complements the richness of the sauce.

Side Dishes

While traditional egg noodles or fresh pasta are timeless partners, don’t be afraid to get creative with creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or even buttery polenta. Each side will soak up the sauce beautifully, turning every forkful into a flavorful experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For a more rustic appeal, serve your Chicken Stroganoff in deep bowls, layering the sauce generously over the pasta or your side. Alternatively, plate it family-style in a large dish, letting guests help themselves to this undeniably comforting crowd-pleaser.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Chicken Stroganoff with Sour Cream Recipe stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to cool it completely before sealing to maintain freshness and avoid condensation.

Freezing

You can also freeze the leftovers for up to 2 months. For best results, place the stroganoff in a freezer-safe container, leaving some room for expansion. When thawed, the texture remains deliciously intact, making it perfect for busy nights.

Reheating

Reheat gently over low heat on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. If the sauce appears too thick, splash in a bit of chicken stock or water to restore the creamy consistency. Avoid overheating to keep the sour cream from separating.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts work fine, but they tend to dry out more easily so keep an eye on cooking times and consider marinating or pounding them thin for even cooking.

Is there a substitute for sour cream?

Greek yogurt is a good substitute that provides tanginess and creaminess, but add it at the end off heat to prevent curdling. Cream cheese mixed with a splash of milk can also work in a pinch.

What kind of mushrooms are best?

Button or cremini mushrooms are ideal for their texture and flavor in this recipe. You can also mix in shiitake or portobello for a more robust taste experience.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free flour and ensure Worcestershire sauce and chicken stock are labeled gluten-free to keep things safe without sacrificing flavor.

How long does it take to make this dish?

From start to finish, including prep and cooking, this Chicken Stroganoff with Sour Cream Recipe typically takes around 30 to 40 minutes, making it a fantastic option for weeknight dinners.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Stroganoff with Sour Cream Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a cherished secret, ready to brighten any meal with its creamy sauce and tender chicken. It’s comforting, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make — a perfect dish to share with loved ones or to enjoy as a satisfying solo treat. Give it a try, and I guarantee it will become a favorite in your recipe rotation!