Pioneer Woman Chicken Stroganoff Recipe

The Pioneer Woman Chicken Stroganoff is a creamy, comforting dish made with tender chicken, mushrooms, onions, and a luscious sour cream-based sauce, served over noodles or rice. Inspired by the traditional Russian beef stroganoff, this chicken version is lighter yet still rich in flavor, making it a family-friendly dinner option. With its velvety sauce and hearty ingredients, it’s the kind of dish that feels perfect for both busy weeknights and cozy Sunday dinners.

A Quick Glimpse at Pioneer Woman Chicken Stroganoff

Stroganoff originated in Russia during the 19th century as a beef-based dish, but over the years, variations have emerged worldwide. The Pioneer Woman’s chicken stroganoff is one such adaptation, swapping beef for chicken to create a quicker, leaner option that still delivers that signature creamy, savory taste. It’s typically served with egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or even rice for a filling and satisfying meal.

Try Other Pioneer Woman Recipes

• Pioneer Woman Cowboy Caviar
• Pioneer Woman’s Pecan Pie Dump Cake
• Pioneer Woman Chicken Pot Pie
• Pioneer Woman Chicken Spaghetti

Why This Recipe is Worth Trying

• Comfort food made easy – rich, creamy sauce with simple ingredients.
• Quick cooking time – ready in under 40 minutes.
• Versatile serving options – pairs with noodles, rice, or potatoes.
• Family-friendly dish – mild flavors appeal to kids and adults alike.
• Budget-friendly – uses everyday pantry staples and chicken breast or thighs.

Essential Ingredients for This Recipe

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cut into strips)
• Egg noodles (or rice, for serving)
• Olive oil and butter
• Onion (1, finely chopped)
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced)
• Mushrooms (8 oz, sliced)
• Chicken broth (2 cups)
• Sour cream (1 cup)
• All-purpose flour (2 tbsp, for thickening)
• Dijon mustard (1 tsp, optional for extra flavor)
• Salt and black pepper (to taste)
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Useful Equipment

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Pot for boiling noodles
• Whisk (for sauce)

Directions to Make Pioneer Woman Chicken Stroganoff

Step 1: Cook the noodles

Boil egg noodles in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the chicken

Season chicken strips with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter, then cook chicken until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté vegetables

In the same skillet, add onion, garlic, and mushrooms. Cook until soft and lightly browned.

Step 4: Make the sauce

Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir well. Slowly pour in chicken broth, whisking until the sauce thickens. Lower the heat and stir in sour cream and Dijon mustard, mixing until creamy.

Step 5: Combine and serve

Return the chicken to the skillet, coating it with the sauce. Let it simmer for 5 minutes. Serve hot over egg noodles or rice, garnished with fresh parsley.

What I Got Wrong (And How I Fixed It)

• Overcooking chicken – turned dry; fixed by cooking until just done and removing early.
• Runny sauce – caused by skipping flour; fixed by making a roux before adding broth.
• Too sour flavor – too much sour cream; fixed by balancing with more broth.
• Clumpy sauce – added sour cream over high heat; fixed by reducing heat first.

Healthier Ways to Make Pioneer Woman Chicken Stroganoff

For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, whole wheat noodles instead of regular egg noodles, and extra vegetables like spinach or zucchini for added nutrition.

Ingredient Substitutions for Pioneer Woman Chicken Stroganoff

• Swap sour cream with crème fraîche or Greek yogurt.
• Use turkey strips instead of chicken for a leaner option.
• Replace mushrooms with zucchini or bell peppers if you prefer.
• Substitute egg noodles with rice, quinoa, or mashed potatoes.

Unexpected Ways to Enjoy This Pioneer Woman Chicken Stroganoff

• As a baked pasta – mix with noodles, top with cheese, and bake.
• In a bread bowl – serve inside crusty bread for a rustic twist.
• With mashed potatoes – creamy sauce pairs beautifully with potatoes.
• As a freezer meal – cook and freeze portions for quick dinners.
• In wraps – use leftover stroganoff as a filling with flatbreads.

Best Tips for Pioneer Woman Chicken Stroganoff Success

• Cook chicken first – prevents overcooking later.
• Use fresh mushrooms – they add depth to the sauce.
• Add sour cream last – prevents curdling.
• Taste as you go – balance flavors with seasoning.
• Serve immediately – sauce thickens as it sits.
• Don’t overcook noodles – keep them slightly firm.

Tasty Twists on Pioneer Woman Chicken Stroganoff

• Spicy version – add chili flakes or paprika.
• Cheesy twist – stir in grated Parmesan for richness.
• Herb flavor – thyme or dill enhances the creamy sauce.
• Vegetarian version – replace chicken with tofu or extra mushrooms.
• Slow cooker method – let chicken and sauce simmer for hours.

Best Ways to Store Your Pioneer Woman Chicken Stroganoff

• Refrigerate leftovers – store in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
• Freeze portions – freeze sauce separately from noodles for the best texture.
• Stir before reheating – sauce may separate slightly, but comes back together.

Ways to Warm It Up Again

• Stovetop method – reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of broth.
• Microwave – reheat individual portions, stirring halfway.
• From frozen – thaw overnight, then warm slowly on low heat.

Nutritional Breakdown (per serving)

• Calories: ~420
• Protein: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fat: 18g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: ~750mg

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FAQs

Where does chicken stroganoff come from?

Chicken stroganoff is a variation of the classic Russian beef stroganoff, which originated in the 19th century. The Pioneer Woman version adapts the traditional dish by using chicken instead of beef, creating a lighter and quicker option that still delivers the creamy, savory sauce the recipe is known for.

How do you keep sour cream from curdling in chicken stroganoff?

To prevent sour cream from curdling, lower the heat before adding it to the sauce. Stir it in gently once the skillet is off the boil, ensuring the sauce stays creamy and smooth.

Can you make Pioneer Woman Chicken Stroganoff ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce and chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat gently and add fresh noodles just before serving to maintain the best texture.

What can you serve with chicken stroganoff?

Pioneer Woman Chicken Stroganoff is most commonly served over egg noodles, but it also pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice, or even crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.

Wrapping It Up

The Pioneer Woman Chicken Stroganoff is a creamy, satisfying dinner that brings together tender chicken, mushrooms, and a tangy sauce for the ultimate comfort food. With its quick preparation and family-friendly flavors, it’s the perfect recipe to add to your weekly rotation.