Chicken Stroganoff is a dish that deserves a bright spotlight at any dinner table. This recipe gives the beloved classic a fresh, mouthwatering spin, where tender, golden-seared chicken breasts wade in a luscious, silky sauce bursting with mushrooms, onions, and a dreamy touch of sour cream. With just 8 straightforward steps, you’ll have a hearty, cozy meal that feels both impressively restaurant-worthy and deeply homemade. It’s no wonder that 8 has become my go-to number for delicious simplicity in the kitchen!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of ingredients to make this crowd-pleaser, but each plays a vital role in creating serious comfort food magic. Every element brings something to the party: color, flavor, richness, or a little lift—so don’t skimp!

Chicken breasts: Sliced in half for faster, even cooking and ultimate tenderness.
Salt & freshly ground black pepper: Essential for bringing out the chicken’s flavor.
Paprika: Adds a gentle warmth and gorgeous color.
Butter: Makes everything taste richer, both in the chicken and sauce steps.
Olive oil: Keeps the chicken from sticking and adds extra depth.
Onion: Lends sweetness and a satisfying base to the sauce.
White or cremini mushrooms: Give earthiness and body—use whichever you love or have on hand.
Garlic: Infuses the sauce with irresistible aroma and flavor.
All-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce for a luxurious, cling-to-every-bite texture.
Low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps things savory without overpowering the rest.
Worcestershire sauce: Delivers an umami-packed punch and gorgeous brown color.
Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle tang and depth to balance the creamy richness.
Sour cream (full-fat): The secret to that signature Stroganoff tang and velvetiness.
Fresh Italian parsley: A pop of color and brightness to finish the dish beautifully.

How to Make 8

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Let’s kick things off by giving our chicken breasts a quick seasoning with salt, pepper, and paprika. This simple trio not only flavors the meat but also helps it develop gorgeous color as it cooks. Slicing the breasts in half creates thinner cutlets, so they cook more quickly and evenly—meaning extra juiciness in every bite.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat a mix of butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium. Add your seasoned chicken pieces and cook until each side is beautifully golden, roughly 5 to 6 minutes per side. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate. The pan drippings will become the backbone of our sauce, so don’t wipe the skillet clean!

Step 3: Start the Stroganoff Sauce

Add more butter to the same skillet, letting it melt gently before tossing in chopped onions and sliced mushrooms. This is where the magic happens—the mushrooms will absorb the chickeny flavors, and as everything softens and caramelizes (about 7 to 8 minutes), your kitchen will start to smell absolutely amazing.

Step 4: Add Garlic

Reduce the heat to low and stir in minced garlic, letting it sizzle for about a minute. Garlic burns quickly, so just a brief cook draws out its sweet undertones and blends perfectly with the savory base.

Step 5: Thicken It Up

Sprinkle the flour over the mushroom-onion mixture, stirring constantly. This creates a quick roux to thicken our sauce. Slowly pour in the chicken broth, stirring vigorously to avoid lumps, then let it cook on low heat until it’s thickened just enough to cling to the back of a spoon.

Step 6: Add Flavor Powerhouses

Stir in Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard, cooking for another couple of minutes. These ingredients add rich depth, zippiness, and a serious flavor upgrade, making the sauce taste like it simmered for hours.

Step 7: Finish with Sour Cream

Lower the heat as much as you can, then whisk in the sour cream until the sauce turns silky and luscious. Be sure to keep the heat low, so the sour cream blends smoothly without curdling.

Step 8: Bring It All Together (the magic 8!)

Return the seared chicken to your skillet, nestling it right in the creamy sauce. Spoon some sauce over the top, letting everything warm together for a few minutes. This 8th and final step is when all the flavors gel into pure weeknight comfort.

How to Serve One-Pan Ranch Chicken & Veggies

Garnishes

Chopped fresh Italian parsley isn’t just for looks. It adds color and a light herbal brightness that beautifully contrasts the rich sauce. For a touch more flair, a little squeeze of lemon or a dusting of smoked paprika on top can bring everything together.

Side Dishes

8 shines brightest over a hearty base, so pile it atop fluffy egg noodles, buttery mashed potatoes, or even steamed rice. Round out the meal with a simple green salad or roasted green beans for a pop of freshness. Garlic bread is never out of place here!

Creative Ways to Present

For an 8-inspired dinner party, serve stroganoff in individual mini cast iron pans with a sprinkle of extra herbs. Hosting a casual gathering? Offer the chicken and sauce over a family-style platter with a build-your-own topping bar including chives, crispy onions, or a swirl of extra sour cream.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), store 8 in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors meld together even more overnight, sometimes making that next-day bite even better.

Freezing

While you can freeze 8 for up to a month, keep in mind that creamy sauces with sour cream may separate slightly when thawed. To help the texture, let it cool before freezing and reheat gently, stirring well as it warms.

Reheating

The best way to reheat 8 is on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen up the sauce, stir frequently, and watch as the creamy goodness comes right back to life.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs add even more tenderness and rich flavor. Just adjust your cooking time a bit, as they may take a few minutes longer to cook through.

What are the best mushrooms to use for 8?

Creamy 8 is flexible—white button or cremini mushrooms both work wonderfully. For more depth, feel free to mix in some wild mushrooms if you find them!

Is there a dairy-free option for sour cream?

Yes! For a dairy-free version of 8, use unsweetened cashew or coconut yogurt in place of sour cream. Be sure to pick one with a tangy, neutral flavor.

Can I make 8 ahead of time?

Definitely. You can prepare everything up through step 7, then refrigerate the chicken and sauce separately. When you’re ready to eat, reheat gently and bring them together for that just-cooked taste.

What’s the best base for serving 8?

Classic egg noodles are always a winner, but mashed potatoes, rice, or even buttery polenta all soak up the delicious sauce perfectly. Go with what you love best!

Final Thoughts

Chicken Stroganoff made with just 8 simple steps might just become your new comfort food hero. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to come back to again and again—easy enough for any night, but special enough to share. Gather your 8 ingredients and give it a go; I promise, you’re in for something spectacular.

Easy One-Pan Ranch Chicken & Veggies

★★★★★

4.9 from 26 reviews

Author: Mariam
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A comforting and creamy Chicken Stroganoff recipe that combines tender chicken breasts with a rich and flavorful stroganoff sauce, perfect for a satisfying meal any day of the week.

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika. In a large skillet, melt the butter and heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook until golden brown on both sides, approximately 5-6 minutes per side. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
Make the Stroganoff Sauce: In the same skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sliced mushrooms, cooking until the onions become soft and the mushrooms are lightly browned (about 7-8 minutes). Reduce the heat to low and stir in the minced garlic, cooking for another minute while stirring constantly.
Thicken the Sauce: Sprinkle the flour over the onion and mushroom mixture, stirring continuously for about 2 minutes. Slowly pour in the chicken broth, stirring to combine. Let it cook on low heat until the sauce has thickened slightly. Stir in Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Finish the Dish: Lower the heat as much as possible and stir in the sour cream, mixing until smooth and well combined. Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet with the sauce and allow them to warm through.
Serve: Serve the chicken stroganoff over your choice of rice, egg noodles, or mashed potatoes. For the best results, serve immediately and garnish with freshly chopped Italian parsley.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Russian