Ultimate Creamy Chicken Stroganoff with Rice: The 30-Minute Dinner You Need
By Jason Griffith
There are comfort food dinners, and then there is Stroganoff. Most people instantly picture the classic beef and mushroom version served over egg noodles. But today, I’m sharing a simple, quick, and incredibly satisfying twist: Ultimate Creamy Chicken Stroganoff with Rice. It trades the long simmer of beef for the quick-cooking ease of chicken, and pairs the tangy, earthy, rich sauce with perfectly fluffy rice instead of pasta. The result? A stunning, one-pan (almost!) meal that feels gourmet but is ready in about 30 minutes.
This recipe is a masterclass in maximizing flavor with minimal effort. The secret lies in using a simple yet powerful combination of sour cream for that signature tang, fragrant Dijon mustard for depth, and perfectly sautéed mushrooms and onions for a savory foundation. Trust me, once you taste this creamy, comforting sauce enveloping tender pieces of chicken, it will quickly become your new go-to weeknight hero.
Why I Love This Recipe
I’m a big believer that weeknight meals should be just as exciting as weekend feasts. This Chicken Stroganoff nails that balance.
- Speed: It’s truly a 30-minute marvel. While the rice cooks, the stroganoff comes together in a single pan.
- Flavor Profile: It has all the nostalgic, savory depth of the classic dish but feels a little lighter and more modern with the chicken. The tang of the sour cream cut by the richness of the mushrooms is perfection.
- Family Favorite: This is one of those dishes that everyone at the table loves. The sauce is so appealing and clings beautifully to the rice.
- Hearty & Satisfying: Serving it over rice makes it an incredibly hearty and filling meal, perfect for colder evenings or busy days. For another one-pan winner, you might also love my recipe for This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always a Hit.
🍽️ The Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken Stroganoff:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
| Olive Oil | 2 tbsp | Or use butter for an even richer flavor. |
| Chicken Breast | 500g (approx. 1.1 lbs) | Diced into bite-sized pieces. |
| Onion | 1 | Finely chopped. Essential for the base flavor. |
| Garlic Cloves | 2 | Minced. |
| Mushrooms | 250g (approx. 8 oz) | Sliced. Cremini (Baby Bellas) or white button work great. |
| Paprika | 1 tsp | I prefer smoked paprika for a deeper flavor, but sweet paprika works too. |
| Salt & Black Pepper | To taste | Don’t be shy with the seasoning. |
| Chicken Broth | 200ml | Low sodium is best, so you can control the salt. |
| Sour Cream | 150ml | Full-fat yields the creamiest sauce. |
| Dijon Mustard | 1 tbsp | The secret weapon for Stroganoff’s signature tang. |
| Fresh Parsley | 1 tbsp | Chopped, for garnish and freshness. |
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For the Rice:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
| Basmati or Long Grain Rice | 200g (approx. 1 cup) | Basmati adds a lovely fragrance. |
| Water & Salt | As needed | For cooking the rice according to package directions. |
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Swaps and Notes
- Protein Swap: The classic is beef, but you can also use pork tenderloin or turkey cutlets. For a vegetarian option, swap the chicken for firm tofu, pressed and cubed, or portobello mushrooms.
- Cream Base: If you don’t have sour cream, use crème fraîche for a richer, less tangy result. Greek yogurt can also be used, but stir it in at the very end off the heat to prevent curdling.
- Mushroom Options: If you want a more intense, woodsy flavor, try using a mix of wild mushrooms like oyster or shiitake.
- Flavor Boost: For extra richness, splash in 2 tablespoons of dry white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc) after the mushrooms are cooked, and let it reduce before adding the chicken broth.
- Make it Thicker: If your sauce is too thin, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water and stir it into the simmering sauce.
📝 Step-by-Step Instructions
Prep Time: 15 mins | Cook Time: 25 mins | Servings: 4
Step 1: Cook the Rice
- Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
- Cook the rice according to the package instructions (usually 1 part rice to 2 parts water) with a pinch of salt. Set aside, keeping it warm while you prepare the stroganoff.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Chicken
- In a large pan or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 3–5 minutes until the onion is soft and fragrant.
- Add the diced chicken breast. Season well with salt and black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is lightly browned and cooked through (about 6–8 minutes).
Step 3: Add Mushrooms and Seasoning
- Stir in the sliced mushrooms and paprika. Cook for another 5–7 minutes, allowing the mushrooms to soften and release their moisture, then cook down slightly.
- Taste and adjust the salt and pepper if needed.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
- Pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Allow the broth to simmer and reduce slightly for about 3–4 minutes.
- Lower the heat to low. Stir in the sour cream and Dijon mustard until the sauce is completely smooth and creamy. Crucially: Do not boil the sauce once the sour cream is added, or it may curdle. Just heat it through gently.
Step 5: Serve
- Stir in half of the chopped fresh parsley.
- Serve the creamy chicken stroganoff immediately over or next to the fluffy rice.
- Garnish each serving with a dollop of extra sour cream and the remaining fresh parsley.
✨ Tips for Success
- The Best Sear: To get a nice brown on your chicken, don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook the chicken in batches if necessary, or make sure your pan is wide enough and very hot before adding the meat.
- Mushroom Sauté: Don’t rush the mushrooms. They need time to release their water and then brown slightly—this is where a lot of the savory depth (umami) comes from.
- Temper the Sour Cream: To ensure a silky-smooth sauce, take the sour cream out of the fridge a few minutes before you use it. Better yet, once you have your reduced broth, remove the pan from the heat for a minute, and then stir in the Dijon mustard and a spoonful of the hot liquid into the sour cream in a separate bowl. This “temper” prevents a temperature shock and makes it less likely to curdle when you add it back to the pan.
🥗 Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This rich, creamy main course needs a fresh, bright side to cut through the richness.
- Green Salad: A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette is the perfect contrast.
- Steamed Green Beans: Tossed with a little lemon juice and almonds for crunch.
- Crusty Bread: To soak up every last drop of that incredible sauce.
- Drink Pairing: A crisp, unoaked white wine like a Pinot Grigio or a classic dry Riesling is wonderful. If you prefer a mixed drink, try a refreshing Classic Margarita Recipe: Easy and Delicious.
- Dessert: After this hearty meal, a bite-sized treat is best, like my recipe for These Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs are My Favorite Sweet Obsession.
📊 Nutritional Information Per Serving (Approximate)
| Item | Quantity |
| Calories | ~520 kcal |
| Protein | ~38g |
| Fat | ~25g |
| Carbohydrates | ~35g |
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Note: Nutritional information is an estimate based on the ingredients and serving size listed.
🧊 Storage and Leftover Tips
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store the stroganoff sauce separately from the rice, if possible, to prevent the rice from getting too soggy.
- Reheating: Reheat the stroganoff gently on the stovetop over low heat. If the sauce has thickened too much, stir in a splash of chicken broth or water to bring it back to the right consistency. Avoid boiling to keep the sour cream from separating.
- Freezing: I do not recommend freezing the sauce. Dairy-based sauces, especially those with sour cream, tend to separate and become grainy once thawed.
🐔 More Comfort Recipes You Will Love
If you enjoyed this creamy chicken dish, be sure to check out some of my other top comfort food recipes!
- Need a cozy pasta dish? You can’t go wrong with my recipe for Classic Spaghetti Recipe with Homemade Sauce.
- For a savory, flavor-packed bowl, try This Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo is My Favorite Bowl of Southern Comfort.
- If you’re looking for another chicken dish that’s fresh and light, check out A Light Tangy Chicken Salad I Actually Crave and There’s No Mayo in Sight.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken Stroganoff is proof that you don’t need a huge time commitment to create a deeply flavorful, deeply satisfying meal. The balance of creamy, tangy, and earthy flavors is simply irresistible, and the 30-minute cook time is a blessing for busy weeknights.
I’d love to hear how you served this meal! Did you stick with rice, or did you pair it with something else?
Leave a comment below and let me know your favorite part of this recipe! If you loved it, please follow me on social media for more quick and delicious recipes!
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