Looking for the ultimate comfort food that’s bursting with savory flavor, easy enough for weeknights, and elegant enough to impress guests? This Creamy Chicken Stroganoff with Crispy Bacon and Mushrooms is everything you need in one satisfying dish. Rich, hearty, and layered with creamy, smoky, and earthy notes, this stroganoff recipe delivers all the coziness of a classic Russian-inspired dish with a flavorful twist.
Whether you’re feeding a family, hosting a casual dinner party, or craving something soul-soothing on a chilly evening, this dish hits every note. Plus, it’s ready in just 35 minutes — making it a practical go-to for busy cooks who refuse to compromise on taste.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Stroganoff
This recipe is ideal for:
- Busy home cooks who need a quick, satisfying meal.
- Chicken lovers looking for an alternative to beef stroganoff.
- Fans of one-skillet meals — this whole dish comes together with minimal cleanup.
- Anyone who loves creamy, savory flavors layered with umami-rich mushrooms and crispy bacon.
Unlike traditional stroganoff made with beef, this version uses lean chicken breast for a lighter touch, while still offering all the indulgence you crave from the sauce. And let’s be honest — the addition of crispy bacon takes it over the top.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need to bring this creamy comfort dish to life:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 4 slices of bacon, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced (button or cremini work great)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon flour (optional, for thickening)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked egg noodles or rice (for serving)
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
To make this recipe efficiently, make sure you have the following:
- Large skillet (preferably non-stick or stainless steel)
- Slotted spoon
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Whisk (if using flour for thickening)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Serving dish or bowls
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Bacon
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped bacon and cook until golden and crispy. This will render fat, which becomes the flavor base of the dish. Once done, remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside. Leave the delicious drippings in the skillet.
Pro Tip: For extra crispy bacon, make sure the pieces are evenly spread in the skillet and don’t crowd them.
2. Sauté the Chicken
In the same skillet, add the chicken strips. Season generously with salt and pepper. Cook until browned on all sides, about 5–7 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. Cook the Vegetables
Toss in the diced onion and sliced mushrooms. Sauté until the onions turn translucent and mushrooms become golden brown—about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and paprika, then cook for another minute to bloom the spices.
4. Make the Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and Worcestershire sauce, scraping the bottom of the skillet to deglaze all the flavorful bits. For a thicker sauce, whisk in the flour. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes to slightly reduce.
Shortcut: No flour? You can reduce the broth a bit longer or stir in a bit of cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 2 tsp water).
5. Combine and Finish
Return the cooked chicken and crispy bacon to the skillet. Stir in the sour cream until everything is well combined and creamy. Let cook for another 2–3 minutes to heat through. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
6. Serve
Spoon the creamy stroganoff over a bed of warm egg noodles or fluffy white rice. Garnish generously with chopped fresh parsley.
Variations and Substitutions
- Make it low-carb: Swap the noodles or rice for cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
- Use rotisserie chicken: For an even faster meal, shred store-bought rotisserie chicken and add it in Step 5.
- Try different mushrooms: Wild mushrooms like shiitake or oyster can bring even more depth.
- Add heat: A pinch of cayenne or a dash of hot sauce will give the sauce a gentle kick.
- Use Greek yogurt: Substitute sour cream with full-fat Greek yogurt for a protein boost and tangier flavor.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, here’s how to keep them fresh:
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Note: the sauce may separate slightly upon thawing, but will reconstitute well when stirred while reheating.
- To Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
Perfect Pairings
Side Dishes
- Steamed green beans or buttery peas make an excellent veggie side.
- A simple arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette adds freshness and acidity to balance the richness.
Drinks
- White wine: A chilled Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully with the creamy, savory elements.
- Beer: A crisp Pilsner or light amber ale complements the smoky bacon and mushrooms.
- Non-alcoholic: Sparkling water with lemon or a light herbal iced tea works well.
FAQs
Can I make this stroganoff ahead of time?
Yes! This recipe can be made up to 1 day in advance. Just store it in the fridge and gently reheat when ready to serve.
Is there a dairy-free version?
Swap the sour cream with a dairy-free sour cream alternative or full-fat coconut cream for a rich, dairy-free option.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a great substitute and will offer a juicier, more tender bite.
What kind of mushrooms work best?
Cremini, button, and even portobello mushrooms are great choices. For a gourmet touch, mix in a few wild mushrooms.
How can I make this gluten-free?
Use cornstarch instead of flour for thickening, and serve with gluten-free pasta or rice.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken Stroganoff with Crispy Bacon and Mushrooms is the kind of recipe you’ll want to keep in regular rotation. It’s versatile, rich with flavor, and comes together with pantry staples. From weeknight dinners to weekend comfort meals, this dish brings satisfaction in every bite.
If you enjoyed this recipe, please share it with your friends and family, and don’t forget to subscribe to our blog for more delicious recipes like this one. Your support helps keep the kitchen creativity flowing! 🍴💛