Chicken Stroganoff Is Comforting But Easy

Ah, baked chicken stroganoff! Just saying the name brings back memories of cozy dinners with family, where the aroma of creamy sauce and savory chicken filled the kitchen, making everyone’s mouth water. Originally a Russian classic, this dish has been lovingly embraced by many, especially in the Midwest, where it is taken on a comforting twist that is perfect for busy weeknights. Imagine tender chunks of chicken smothered in a rich, tangy sauce, with earthy mushrooms and a hint of paprika — it is like a warm hug on a plate.

One of the best things about this dish, aside from its deliciousness, is how easy it is to prepare. Pop it in the oven, and while it is baking, you have time to catch up on emails, read a chapter of that book you have been meaning to finish or even sneak in an episode of your favorite show. Plus, it is a great meal prep option, because it tastes even better the next day!

Baked chicken stroganoff

Ingredients

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into chunks
• 2 cups sliced mushrooms
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C)
• In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chunks of chicken and cook until they are lightly browned on all sides. Once browned, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
• In the same skillet, add the diced onions and sliced mushrooms. Cook until the onions are translucent and the mushrooms are soft, soaking up all those lovely flavors from the pan. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, just until fragrant.
• Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir well to coat. Cook for a couple of minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste and start building the sauce’s thickness.
• Gradually pour in the chicken broth, stirring constantly until the mixture begins to thicken. Then, stir in the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, salt and pepper.
• Return the browned chicken to the skillet, stirring to coat it evenly with the sauce. Once everything is well combined, transfer the mixture to a baking dish.
• Place the dish into preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce is bubbling and thickened.
• After baking, let the casserole sit for a few minutes to cool slightly and allow the flavors to meld even further.
• Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a touch of color and freshness. Serve over egg noodles, mashed potatoes or rice.

Customize your stroganoff

This baked chicken stroganoff is wonderfully adaptable, so feel free to make it your own:

• For a lighter version, substitute the sour cream with Greek yogurt. It still offers that creamy tang but with fewer calories.
• If mushrooms aren’t your thing, simply omit them or replace them with chopped bell peppers. The peppers will add a sweet, slightly crunchy contrast to the creamy sauce.
• To make this dish gluten-free, replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative and ensure that your cream of mushroom soup is gluten-free as well.
• For a more complex flavor, deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine before adding the chicken broth. This will add a subtle acidity that balances the richness of the sauce.

Complete the meal

A side of steamed green beans, broccoli or asparagus adds a healthy contrast to the richness of the stroganoff. Garlic bread on the side is perfect for sopping up any extra sauce.

Baked chicken stroganoff is one of those dishes that you will find yourself coming back to again and again. It is comforting, flavorful and incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for any night of the week. Whether you are feeding a hungry family or just want to treat yourself to something special, this dish delivers every time.