If you’re looking for cozy comfort food that’s as easy as it is satisfying, this Chicken Stroganoff recipe is about to become your go-to favorite. Tender pieces of chicken are bathed in a luscious mushroom and onion sauce, enriched with sour cream and a hint of Dijon. The beauty of this meal is that it can effortlessly serve a family or small dinner party of 8, making everyone gather at the table and come back for seconds. Whether you serve it over fluffy rice, silky egg noodles, or creamy mashed potatoes, Chicken Stroganoff always brings hearty flavors, creamy textures, and a touch of elegance to even the busiest weeknights.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Chicken Stroganoff is in the simplicity of its ingredients—each element plays a special role in creating the dish’s signature depth and richness. Right from the juicy chicken and earthy mushrooms to the tangy sour cream and aromatic herbs, expect wholesome, full flavors in every bite.

Chicken Breasts: Use 2 large chicken breasts, cut in half lengthwise for even cooking and plenty to go around for 8 servings.
Salt: Just ½ teaspoon is the key to amplifying all the flavors in the chicken.
Freshly Ground Black Pepper: ¼ teaspoon adds gentle warmth and a touch of spice.
Paprika: ⅛ teaspoon brings smokiness and gorgeous color to your chicken.
Butter: You’ll need 6 tablespoons total—2 for browning the chicken and 4 for the sauce, creating that signature creamy texture.
Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon balances the butter, preventing scorching while adding a subtle fruitiness.
Onion: 1 large, chopped onion infuses the sauce with sweet complexity.
Mushrooms: 1 pound white or cremini mushrooms lends earthy depth and umami.
Garlic: 2 cloves, minced, bring lively aromatics and bold flavor.
All-Purpose Flour: 2 tablespoons help thicken the sauce to a luxurious consistency.
Chicken Broth: 2 ½ cups of low-sodium broth ensures tender chicken and a savory base.
Worcestershire Sauce: Just 1 tablespoon is enough to deliver a nuanced, savory edge.
Dijon Mustard: 2 teaspoons add brightness and a little zing to cut through the richness.
Sour Cream: ⅔ cup (full-fat) is essential for that creamy, tangy finish.
Fresh Italian Parsley: Chopped parsley brightens the final dish with color and herbaceous flavor.

How to Make 8

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Begin by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika. This trifecta ensures every bite is flavorful and gently spiced, setting the foundation for a memorable stroganoff. In a large skillet, melt the butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken and let it cook undisturbed for about 5-6 minutes per side, until beautifully golden and just cooked through. Remove it to a plate and keep it cozy while you work on that incredible sauce.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Using the same skillet, melt 4 more tablespoons of butter. Toss in the chopped onions and mushrooms, and let them cook down together. It’s not just about softening; you’re building layers of flavor, as the onions turn sweet and the mushrooms start browning up, all in about 7-8 minutes. Lower the heat, add in the garlic, and cook for one fragrant minute to wake up all those aromatics.

Step 3: Thicken the Sauce

Sprinkle the flour over your onion-mushroom mix and stir it well for 2 minutes. This step is crucial because it sets you up for a smooth, thickened sauce without lumps. Next, gently pour in the chicken broth little by little, whisking to blend it smoothly. Let the sauce simmer on low heat until it thickens slightly, giving you that irresistible, creamy base. Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard go in now, adding both depth and a touch of zest—classic touches for a Stroganoff fit for 8.

Step 4: Add the Creamy Finish

Turn the heat to its lowest and stir in the sour cream, blending until the sauce is silky and fully combined. This is when the Stroganoff magic really happens! Place the cooked chicken back in the skillet, nestling it into the sauce. Let it warm through gently so those flavors merge while keeping everything perfectly tender.

Step 5: Serve Up the 8

Now comes the best part—serving. Spoon the chicken and rich sauce over your favorite starch, whether it’s buttery egg noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes. Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness, and get ready to make your table of 8 very, very happy.

How to Serve 8

Garnishes

For the perfect final touch, don’t skimp on the garnish! A hearty sprinkle of fresh Italian parsley not only wakes up the plate with vibrant green but also adds freshness that balances out the creamy sauce. If you want to go the extra mile for your group of 8, try a whisper of extra cracked black pepper or even a few shavings of Parmesan for an extra savory kick.

Side Dishes

Chicken Stroganoff sings alongside almost any starch, making it effortlessly scalable for 8. Fluffy buttered noodles are the classic, but jasmine rice or garlic mashed potatoes soak up all that decadent sauce beautifully. Consider lightening the meal with a crisp green salad or simply steamed green beans for a refreshing contrast to the rich, velvety flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re looking to impress your 8 guests, serve the Stroganoff family-style, in a big skillet or pretty baking dish so everyone can help themselves. You can also pre-slice the chicken and nest it attractively in the sauce, making for easier serving. For an elegant touch, spoon the sauce over individual servings and top with microgreens or roasted mushroom slices.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers after serving 8, transfer the cooled Chicken Stroganoff to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to meld and deepen overnight, so next-day portions can be especially delicious.

Freezing

Chicken Stroganoff freezes surprisingly well, making batch cooking for 8 easy. Just cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. To avoid any texture changes, consider freezing the sauce and chicken separately if you have room.

Reheating

When reheating, place the Chicken Stroganoff in a skillet over low to medium heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or a spoonful of sour cream to loosen the sauce if needed. Stir gently and heat until everything is warmed through without letting it boil, so the sauce stays smooth and the chicken remains tender.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless thighs make a great substitute and stay wonderfully juicy. Just adjust the cooking time as they may take a bit longer to cook through, especially if you’re making enough for 8 people.

What’s the best type of mushroom to use?

Both white and cremini mushrooms are excellent, but cremini add a little extra earthiness. When serving 8, you might even want to mix a few varieties for added depth of flavor.

Can I make this dairy free?

You can make a dairy free version by substituting plant-based butter and using unsweetened coconut cream or a dairy-free sour cream alternative. It won’t be exactly the same, but it will still be delicious and easy to prepare for 8.

How far in advance can I make Chicken Stroganoff for 8?

You can make Chicken Stroganoff up to two days in advance. Store the sauce and chicken separately, then reheat and combine just before serving to ensure the best texture and flavor for your 8 hungry guests.

Is it necessary to slice the chicken before serving to 8?

Slicing the chicken before serving makes portioning easier and helps the sauce cling to every piece, ensuring everyone at your table of 8 gets equal deliciousness in every bite.

Final Thoughts

No matter the occasion, this Chicken Stroganoff is sure to leave everyone at your table—up to 8 delighted and full of cozy comfort. Invite friends, gather family, and enjoy how such a simple recipe can make a meal feel truly special. Don’t wait for a crowd; treat yourself and your loved ones to Chicken Stroganoff tonight!