Budget-Friendly Chicken Stroganoff: Easy & Delicious Recipe

Craving Comfort? This Chicken Stroganoff is Your Answer!

Picture this: tender chicken bathed in a creamy, tangy sauce, all served over a bed of fluffy noodles. Sounds delicious, right? This Chicken Stroganoff recipe is not only incredibly flavorful, but it’s also surprisingly easy and budget-friendly, making it a perfect weeknight meal that will impress your family and friends!

Why You’ll Love It

• It’s unbelievably creamy and savory, with a touch of tang that will leave you wanting more.
• Ready in under 45 minutes, making it a lifesaver on busy evenings.
• Uses simple, affordable ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
• A family-friendly meal that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
• Highly customizable – easily adapted to your preferences or dietary needs.

What Makes This Recipe Unique?

What sets this Chicken Stroganoff apart is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Unlike some recipes that can be bland, ours boasts a generous amount of sour cream and Dijon mustard, adding that essential tanginess that cuts through the richness. The use of both fresh and dried herbs elevates the flavor profile without needing any fancy ingredients. It’s simple, but certainly not boring!

Ingredient List

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried dill
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup sour cream – This is key for that signature Stroganoff tang!
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard – Adds a wonderful depth of flavor and helps to emulsify the sauce.
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• 12 ounces egg noodles or other pasta of your choice

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and mushrooms and cook until mushrooms are tender, about 5 more minutes.
4. Stir in dried thyme and dill. Then, sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
5. Gradually whisk in chicken broth until smooth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a simmer.
6. Reduce heat to low and stir in sour cream and Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Return chicken to the skillet and stir to combine.
8. Simmer gently for 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
9. Stir in the cooked noodles and toss to coat.
10. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Optional Toppings/Variations

Want to take it up a notch? Here are a few ideas!

• A dollop of extra sour cream on top.
• A sprinkle of fresh chives for an added oniony kick.
• A few dashes of hot sauce for some heat.

Expert Tips

• Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing the chicken; cook in batches if needed to ensure a good sear.
• Use room-temperature sour cream to prevent it from curdling when added to the hot sauce.
• Add the sour cream and mustard at the end of the cooking process to ensure the best flavor and consistency.
• Taste and season the sauce generously, as it will be absorbed by the noodles.
• For a richer sauce, use a mix of chicken broth and heavy cream.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Can I substitute the chicken with another protein? Absolutely! Turkey, beef strips, or even chickpeas would work well. Adjust cooking times as needed.
• Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the sauce and add the noodles before serving. Store the sauce in the refrigerator and add the pasta just before reheating.
• How should I store leftovers? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Can I freeze this stroganoff? It’s not recommended, as the sauce may separate upon thawing due to the sour cream.
• What can I use instead of sour cream? Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute, though the flavor will be slightly different.

Variations and Customization Options

Get creative and make this recipe your own! Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Vegetarian Stroganoff: Skip the chicken and double the mushrooms, or add other veggies like bell peppers and spinach.
• Spicy Stroganoff: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for some heat.
• Herby Stroganoff: Experiment with different herbs like tarragon, rosemary, or oregano.
• Creamy Stroganoff: Add an extra 1/4 cup of heavy cream for an even richer sauce.

Serving Suggestions

This Chicken Stroganoff is fantastic served over egg noodles, but you can also serve it over rice, mashed potatoes, or even toast. A simple side salad or some steamed vegetables would complement it perfectly.

Conclusion

This Chicken Stroganoff is the perfect comfort food – it’s flavorful, easy, and budget-friendly! Whether you’re a beginner cook or a seasoned pro, this recipe is sure to become a new family favorite. So go ahead, give it a try and let us know what you think! Don’t forget to share photos of your creations and subscribe to our newsletter for more delicious recipes!

Related Recipes You’ll Love

• Swiss Chard and Eggs Benedict
• Stuffed Mushrooms

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