Chicken Stroganoff

Chicken Stroganoff with pasta in a creamy mushroom gravy is a quick, budget-friendly take on the classic dish. It’s made with ground chicken and delivers all the comforting flavors in no time. Serve over tagliatelle for a crowd-pleasing dinner.

Why you’ll love this chicken stroganoff recipe

• If you’re a fan of traditional beef stroganoff, this version is a must-try! Tender ground chicken is sautéed with mushrooms and bell peppers, then smothered in a rich, flavorful sauce for an easy weeknight dinner.
• Ready in minutes and incredibly versatile, this dish is a go-to for family meals or entertaining guests. Unlike beef stroganoff, there’s no need for slicing and browning in batches, making it a stress-free, quick-cooking option.
• Using ground chicken not only speeds up the process but also makes this recipe more budget-friendly—perfect in times when affordable, fast-cooking ingredients are key.
• Not in the mood for pasta? Try serving it over rice, mashed potatoes, or with a thick slice of sourdough for a cozy twist!

Looking for more easy pasta recipes? Check out my Roasted bell pepper beef Alfredo, Piri piri pasta with chicken or this One-pot chili mac and cheese recipe.

Watch the recipe video

Let me guide you through the recipe with this step-by-step VIDEO.⁠

What is the difference between stroganoff and goulash?

Stroganoff and goulash are both hearty, comforting dishes that are often switched, but they have distinct differences in ingredients and preparation.

• Meat: Stroganoff is typically made with beef, though variations using pork, chicken, or just mushrooms exist. The meat is sliced into thin strips and quickly cooked. Goulash, on the other hand, uses chunks of beef, pork, or veal, and is slow-cooked like a stew until the meat becomes tender.
• Sauce: Stroganoff features a creamy sauce made with sour cream, onions, mushrooms, and sometimes mustard or tomato paste. Goulash has a rich, brothy base flavored with paprika, onions, tomatoes, and often includes bell peppers and potatoes, giving it a heartier, stew-like consistency rather than the creamy texture of stroganoff.

Both dishes are delicious in their own right, but the flavors and textures they offer are quite different!

Looking for more comforting dishes? You could try my Beef goulash with mushrooms or this Easy chicken stew.

Ingredients

• Pasta: I used tagliatelle, but feel free to use any pasta you like or have on hand. Spirelli, penne, or pappardelle would also be great options.
• Meat: Ground chicken is perfect for a quick midweek dinner. It cooks fast, becomes tender, and is picky-eater approved.
• Mushrooms: A key ingredient for adding rich flavor. Cremini or brown mushrooms work wonderfully.
• Bell Pepper: A great way to sneak in extra veggies and flavor. It blends seamlessly into the sauce, but you can easily omit it.
• Vodka: Adds a sharp bite that enhances the flavors and intensifies the aroma. Simmer it with the mushrooms to cook off the alcohol.
• Shallot and Garlic: Essential for infusing the sauce with deep, savory notes.
• Tomato Paste: Adds flavor and color. If you prefer, you can replace it with 1 teaspoon of mustard for a different twist.
• Olive Oil and Unsalted Butter: For sautéing the vegetables and meat.
• Chicken Broth: Helps the flavors meld together while cooking. You can use beef broth for a richer taste.
• Sour Cream: The signature ingredient in stroganoff, lending its tangy creaminess. Full-fat sour cream gives the best result.
• Seasoning: Just simple salt and black pepper, but for extra depth, you can add dried thyme or a bay leaf.

Can I use other ground meats besides ground chicken?

Absolutely! While ground chicken works great, you can easily swap or mix in other ground meats, each bringing its own unique flavor and texture to the dish:

• Ground Beef: A classic choice for stroganoff, it delivers a rich, hearty flavor.
• Ground Pork: Adds more fat and depth of flavor, making the sauce a bit richer and more savory.
• Ground Turkey: A leaner option, similar to chicken but with a slightly different taste.
• Ground Lamb: For a stronger, distinctive flavor, lamb is an interesting option that adds a unique twist.

Feel free to experiment with combinations, like mixing ground beef with ground pork, for a more complex flavor. Just keep an eye on the fat content and adjust seasonings to suit the type of meat you choose.

What to serve with stroganoff

Stroganoff is traditionally served over egg noodles or pasta, but there are plenty of other delicious options to enjoy with your chicken stroganoff:

• Rice: A perfect base to soak up the creamy sauce.
• Mashed Potatoes: Comforting and rich.
• Sourdough Bread: A thick slice of bread is ideal for mopping up the sauce.
• Cauliflower Mash: For a low-carb option.
• To complete the meal, serve your stroganoff with a side of buttered green beans.

Storage tips

• Make Ahead: You can prepare the stroganoff sauce and boil the pasta up to 1 day in advance, but store them separately to prevent the pasta from getting soggy.
• Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Allow the stroganoff to cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop.