Cozy Creamy Chicken Stroganoff with Mushrooms
If you’ve been searching for a rich, cozy, and smooth dish to warm your soul, this Creamy Chicken Stroganoff with Mushrooms is your perfect answer. Featuring tender chicken pieces and savory mushrooms bathed in a luscious plant-based creamy sauce, this recipe brings a delightful blend of flavors and textures that comfort food dreams are made of. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is easy to make, packed with taste, and satisfying every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comfort in a bowl: The creamy sauce with mushrooms wraps around tender chicken for a warm, satisfying meal.
- Simple, wholesome ingredients: Each component is easy to find and adds layers of natural flavor without fuss.
- Quick and easy to prepare: Ready in under 40 minutes, perfect for busy evenings or last-minute plans.
- Versatile and customizable: This recipe adapts seamlessly to your preferences and pantry staples.
- Plant-based creamy richness: The sauce uses a smooth, plant-based creaminess that elevates the dish beautifully.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Creamy Chicken Stroganoff with Mushrooms plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. From juicy chicken to earthy mushrooms, and a decadent plant-based creamy sauce, each element complements the others beautifully.
- Chicken breasts: Tender and lean, these form the hearty protein base of the dish.
- Mixed mushrooms: A medley of cremini and button mushrooms adds an earthy, savory depth.
- Onion and garlic (natural): Aromatics that build the flavor foundation.
- Smoked turkey bacon: Adds a smoky, crispy texture that enhances the overall savoriness.
- Vegetarian Worcestershire sauce: Brings a tangy, umami boost to the sauce.
- Plant-based cream (plant-based): Creates the signature smooth and rich texture without dairy.
- Natural gelling agent: Gently thickens the sauce for that perfect coating consistency.
- Fresh parsley: Adds a fresh, vibrant finish and color.
- Olive oil: For sautéing and enhancing the sauce’s flavors with a fruity note.
- Salt and pepper: Basic seasonings to balance and highlight all other tastes.
Variations for Creamy Chicken Stroganoff with Mushrooms
One of the things that makes this Creamy Chicken Stroganoff with Mushrooms so delightful is how easily it can be adjusted to suit different tastes or dietary preferences. Feel free to play with the ingredients and make it your own cozy creation.
- Plant-based proteins: Swap chicken for tofu or tempeh to make a vegetarian-friendly dish.
- Different mushrooms: Use shiitake, portobello, or oyster mushrooms for varied textures and flavor.
- Herbs upgrade: Add thyme or rosemary for an herbal twist.
- Spice it up: A pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes brings a gentle warmth and depth.
- Lighten the sauce: Use coconut milk (plant-based) for a tropical creaminess and a hint of sweetness.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Stroganoff with Mushrooms
Step 1: Prepare and Sauté Chicken
Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, season them lightly with salt and pepper, then heat olive oil in a large pan. Sauté the chicken until golden brown on all sides and just cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside to keep the pieces tender and juicy.
Step 2: Cook Mushrooms, Onion, and Smoked Turkey Bacon
In the same pan, add a touch more olive oil and toss in the chopped onion and garlic. Let them sweat until translucent and fragrant. Add sliced mushrooms and smoked turkey bacon, cooking until the mushrooms release their juices and the bacon crisps up slightly. This step builds the deep umami base of the dish.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the vegetarian Worcestershire sauce and grape juice, stirring to deglaze the pan and scrape up all the flavorful bits. Stir in the plant-based cream and sprinkle with the natural gelling agent, whisking gently to combine. Allow the sauce to simmer gently until it thickens and becomes beautifully velvety.
Step 4: Combine and Finish Cooking
Return the cooked chicken pieces to the pan, coating them evenly in the creamy mushroom sauce. Cook together for an additional 3-5 minutes so the flavors meld perfectly. Adjust salt and pepper to taste, then sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness.
Pro Tips for Making Creamy Chicken Stroganoff with Mushrooms
- Use room temperature chicken: This helps the meat cook evenly and stay tender.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Give mushrooms and chicken space to brown well for better flavor development.
- Simmer gently: Keep the sauce on low heat to avoid curdling the plant-based cream.
- Chop mushrooms uniformly: Ensures even cooking and a balanced texture.
- Fresh herbs at the end: Adding parsley last preserves its bright flavor and vibrant color.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Stroganoff with Mushrooms
Garnishes
Finish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives to add freshness and a burst of color that complements the creaminess of the dish beautifully.
Side Dishes
Serve with buttery mashed potatoes (plant-based), fluffy rice, or even warm egg noodles to soak up every bit of the luscious sauce for a hearty meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant touch, serve in individual shallow bowls and drizzle a little extra plant-based cream over the top. Pair with crusty whole-grain bread or a simple green salad with a light grape juice vinaigrette for balance.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store the creamy chicken stroganoff in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making leftovers even more delicious.
Freezing
This dish freezes well in a sealed, freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain texture and taste.
Reheating
Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent the plant-based cream from separating. Adding a splash of water or plant-based milk can rejuvenate the sauce if it thickens too much.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Thighs or tenders work well, too, and can add a juicier texture. Just adjust cooking time accordingly.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes. Ensure your vegetarian Worcestershire sauce and any added ingredients are gluten-free, and pair with gluten-free noodles or rice.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Add a pinch of chili flakes while cooking the mushrooms or finish with a drizzle of hot sauce that suits your taste.
What plant-based cream works best?
Creamy cashew or oat-based creams have a neutral flavor and smooth texture that complement this stroganoff beautifully.
Can I prepare elements of this dish ahead of time?
You can chop vegetables and cook the mushrooms ahead; store them separately and combine fresh when ready to serve for optimum freshness.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken Stroganoff with Mushrooms is more than just a meal; it’s a warm hug on a plate. With its rich, cozy flavors and smooth plant-based creamy sauce, it invites you to slow down and enjoy every comforting bite. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll have a new favorite that’s easy to make, endlessly adaptable, and always satisfying.
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Creamy Chicken Stroganoff with Mushrooms
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Creamy Chicken Stroganoff with Mushrooms is a rich, cozy, and smooth dish featuring tender chicken pieces and savory mushrooms in a luscious plant-based creamy sauce. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or special occasion, it is quick to prepare, packed with wholesome flavors, and adaptable to personal tastes, offering a satisfying and warm meal.
Ingredients
Protein
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 100g smoked turkey bacon, sliced
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 200g mixed mushrooms (cremini and button), sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Sauces and Liquids
- 2 tablespoons vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 100ml grape juice (natural)
- 150ml plant-based cream (plant-based)
Other Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare and Sauté Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, season lightly with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat and sauté the chicken pieces until golden brown on all sides and just cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside to keep tender and juicy.
- Cook Mushrooms, Onion, and Smoked Turkey Bacon: In the same pan, add a little more olive oil and sauté the chopped onion and garlic until translucent and fragrant. Add the sliced mushrooms and smoked turkey bacon, cooking until mushrooms release their juices and bacon crisps slightly, building a deep umami flavor base.
- Create the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the vegetarian Worcestershire sauce and grape juice to deglaze the pan, scraping up flavorful bits. Stir in the plant-based cream and sprinkle the natural gelling agent; whisk gently to combine. Allow to simmer gently on low heat until the sauce thickens into a velvety texture.
- Combine and Finish Cooking: Return the cooked chicken pieces to the pan, coating them evenly with the creamy mushroom sauce. Cook together for an additional 3-5 minutes so flavors meld perfectly. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Finish by sprinkling fresh parsley on top for color and freshness.
Notes
- Use room temperature chicken to ensure even cooking and tenderness.
- Do not overcrowd the pan to allow mushrooms and chicken to brown well for better flavor.
- Simmer sauce gently on low heat to prevent curdling of the plant-based cream.
- Chop mushrooms evenly for consistent cooking and texture.
- Add fresh herbs like parsley at the end to preserve vibrant flavor and color.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: International
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Creamy chicken stroganoff, plant-based cream sauce, mushroom stroganoff, quick chicken dinner, gluten free chicken recipe, savory chicken recipe