I absolutely love how cozy and comforting this Creamy Chicken Stroganoff with Mushrooms and Parsley Recipe turns out every single time. It’s got this rich, velvety sauce that clings beautifully to tender ground chicken and earthy mushrooms, making it feel like the ultimate comfort food. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or craving something hearty and satisfying on the weekend, this recipe fits the bill perfectly.
When I first tried this dish, I was amazed at how simple ingredients came together to create such depth of flavor without spending hours in the kitchen. You’ll find that the blend of sour cream, paprika, and fresh parsley adds a lively twist that really wakes up the classic stroganoff. Plus, it’s versatile enough to pair with egg noodles, gluten-free pasta, or even veggie spirals for a lighter option.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comfort in Every Bite: The creamy sauce and tender chicken create a hug-in-a-bowl experience perfect for any season.
- Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: No fancy ingredients needed, just pantry staples that come together beautifully.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve over noodles, veggie spirals, or your favorite grain to suit your mood or dietary needs.
- Family Favorite: My whole family goes crazy for this dish, making it a reliable dinner choice that everyone enjoys.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Creamy Chicken Stroganoff with Mushrooms and Parsley Recipe plays an important role in building its rich texture and savory taste. Choosing fresh mushrooms and quality chicken bouillon really elevates the dish, so don’t skip on those details.
- Water: Acts as the base liquid to help blend and create the creamy sauce without heaviness.
- Sour Cream: Adds tangy richness and that signature creamy texture to the stroganoff.
- All-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour): Helps thicken the sauce to just the right consistency.
- Chicken bouillon: I recommend Better Than Bouillon for a natural, savory depth that beats store-bought cubes.
- Sweet paprika: Brings warmth and a subtle smoky flavor that peppers the sauce beautifully.
- Ground chicken (93% lean): Keeps the dish lighter while still providing plenty of protein and tenderness.
- Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors.
- Black pepper: Adds a touch of gentle heat that balances the creaminess.
- Chopped onion: Provides sweetness and aroma as it softens into the sauce.
- Tomato paste: I love how it deepens the sauce with a subtle tang and richness.
- Cremini mushrooms: Add earthiness and meaty texture; you can substitute with white mushrooms if needed.
- Worcestershire sauce: Gives the dish a savory boost with a slight umami kick.
- Fresh thyme sprigs: Infuse the sauce with an aromatic, herbaceous note.
- Chopped parsley: Brightens the final dish with fresh color and a punch of herbaceous flavor.
- Noodles or veggie noodles: Perfect for soaking up every last bit of this creamy sauce.
Variations
I love swapping things up depending on what’s in my fridge and my mood. Feel free to customize this Creamy Chicken Stroganoff with Mushrooms and Parsley Recipe to make it your own kitchen masterpiece!
- Turkey Substitute: When I’m looking for a leaner protein, swapping ground turkey works just as well and keeps it light.
- Vegetarian Version: I’ve tried this with lentils and extra mushrooms for a meatless twist that’s just as satisfying.
- Dairy-Free: Using dairy-free sour cream or coconut cream still delivers creamy texture without dairy, which I’ve found is great for guests with sensitivities.
- Spicy Kick: Adding a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes is my go-to if I want a subtle heat that wakes up the flavors.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Stroganoff with Mushrooms and Parsley Recipe
Step 1: Blend the Base Sauce
Start by combining water, sour cream, flour, chicken bouillon, and sweet paprika in a blender. Blend until smooth — this step is key to creating that luscious, velvety sauce we all crave. I usually give it about 30 seconds to make sure the flour is fully incorporated and no lumps are lurking.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Chicken
Heat a large deep nonstick skillet over high heat and spray it lightly with oil. Add the ground chicken seasoned with kosher salt and cook it, breaking up the meat with a spatula until it’s browned and crumbly — about 5 minutes. Don’t rush this part; get a good sear for the best flavor and texture.
Step 3: Build the Flavor Base
Lower the heat to medium and stir in the chopped onions and tomato paste. Let them cook together, stirring occasionally, until the onions are nice and soft, about 4 to 5 minutes. This step helps develop the rich, savory depth we want before adding the mushrooms.
Step 4: Add Mushrooms and Herbs
Next, toss in the sliced cremini mushrooms, sprigs of fresh thyme, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir everything gently to combine, letting the mushrooms soften for a couple of minutes before pouring in the blended sauce from Step 1.
Step 5: Simmer to Perfection
Pour the sauce over the chicken and veggies and bring it all to a boil. Once boiling, cover the skillet and reduce heat to low. Let everything simmer gently for 35 to 45 minutes until the chicken is tender and the sauce thickens. I usually peek a couple of times to stir gently and make sure nothing sticks to the bottom.
Step 6: Final Touches
When the simmering time ends, discard the thyme sprigs and sprinkle chopped parsley over the dish for a fresh pop of color and flavor. Serve it hot over your favorite noodles or veggie spirals, and get ready to enjoy some seriously satisfying comfort food.
Pro Tips for Making Creamy Chicken Stroganoff with Mushrooms and Parsley Recipe
- Blend Thoroughly: I discovered blending the sauce ingredients first avoids lumps and ensures silky smoothness.
- Brown Chicken in Batches: If you double the recipe, brown chicken in batches to prevent steaming instead of searing, which keeps flavor concentrated.
- Fresh Herbs Make a Difference: Using fresh thyme and parsley gives a brightness that dried herbs just can’t match in this dish.
- Don’t Skip the Simmer: Letting the sauce cook low and slow softens the chicken and allows flavors to marry beautifully.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Stroganoff with Mushrooms and Parsley Recipe
Garnishes
I love finishing this stroganoff with a generous handful of freshly chopped parsley because it adds a fresh herby flavor and lively green color that lightens every bite. Sometimes I add a sprinkle of smoked paprika on top for a subtle smoky note and extra vibrant appearance.
Side Dishes
My go-to sides are buttery egg noodles or high-fiber pasta to soak up that creamy sauce, but you can also serve it over spiralized zucchini or roasted veggies for a lighter option. A crisp green salad or steamed green beans pair beautifully to add freshness and crunch to the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like serving this creamy chicken stroganoff over a bed of pearl barley or creamy mashed potatoes instead of noodles — it feels extra fancy and indulgent. You can also plate it in shallow bowls with a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts for a lovely contrast in texture that always impresses guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store any leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge and they last up to 4 days without losing that creamy texture or flavor. Having leftover stroganoff is such a blessing for busy nights — just reheat and serve.
Freezing
Freezing this dish works pretty well too, though I recommend freezing before adding fresh herbs like parsley to keep the flavors bright. I portion it out into freezer-safe containers, and it reheats beautifully without separating or drying out.
Reheating
When reheating leftovers, I warm them gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce thickened too much. This helps maintain the creamy consistency that makes this stroganoff so delicious.
FAQs
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Can I use whole chicken instead of ground chicken in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute whole chicken pieces like thighs or breasts cut into bite-sized chunks. Just brown them well before simmering in the sauce, and adjust cooking time accordingly to ensure the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
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Is there a substitute for sour cream in the creamy sauce?
You can swap sour cream with Greek yogurt, crème fraîche, or even a dairy-free yogurt alternative for a similar tangy creaminess. Just be cautious when heating yogurt directly as it can curdle if cooked too high or too long.
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Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour, and serve it over gluten-free noodles or veggie noodles. Also, double-check that your chicken bouillon and Worcestershire sauce are gluten-free to keep the dish safe for your needs.
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What’s the best way to reheat the leftovers without losing creaminess?
Reheat over low heat on the stove with a splash of water or broth, stirring gently to restore the sauce’s silky texture. Avoid microwaving at high power, which can cause the sauce to separate or dry out.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken Stroganoff with Mushrooms and Parsley Recipe has become one of my all-time favorites for its simplicity and big, comforting flavors. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug after a long day and always gets rave reviews from family and friends. I’m excited for you to try it and make it your own — I promise it’ll become a staple in your recipe rotation!
PrintCreamy Chicken Stroganoff with Mushrooms and Parsley Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Chicken Stroganoff is a rich and comforting dish featuring ground chicken simmered in a creamy sour cream and mushroom sauce, flavored with paprika, onion, and fresh thyme. Perfectly served over egg noodles or your choice of high-fiber or gluten-free pasta, this meal combines hearty texture with classic Stroganoff flavors for a satisfying dinner that’s easy to make.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
- 2 teaspoons chicken bouillon (e.g. Better Than Bouillon)
- 1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1 pound 93% ground chicken
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 8 ounces sliced cremini mushrooms
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (for garnish)
Serving
- Egg noodles, high-fiber pasta, veggie noodles, or gluten-free noodles (extra for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce mixture: In a blender, combine the water, sour cream, flour, chicken bouillon, and sweet paprika. Blend until the mixture is smooth to create the creamy Stroganoff sauce base.
- Cook the ground chicken: Heat a large deep nonstick skillet over high heat and spray with cooking oil. Add the ground chicken and kosher salt, cooking while breaking the meat into small pieces until browned and cooked through, about 5 minutes.
- Sauté onions and tomato paste: Reduce heat to medium. Add chopped onion and tomato paste to the skillet with the chicken. Cook, stirring frequently, until the onions soften and become translucent, about 4 to 5 minutes.
- Add mushrooms and flavorings: Stir in the sliced cremini mushrooms, fresh thyme sprigs, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix well to combine all flavors.
- Simmer with sauce: Pour the blended sauce over the chicken mixture and bring to a boil. Once boiling, cover the skillet and reduce heat to low. Let it simmer gently for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and flavors meld.
- Finish and serve: Remove and discard the thyme sprigs. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving. Serve the stroganoff sauce hot over cooked egg noodles, veggie noodles, or your preferred pasta.
Notes
- Serve this dish over 2 ounces of your favorite egg noodles or an alternative like veggie noodles for a healthy twist.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and can be reheated or packed warm in a thermos for lunches.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3/4 cup sauce
- Calories: 241 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 553.5 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 11 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 106 mg