Are you craving a creamy, comforting, and utterly delicious dinner that's also incredibly easy to make? Then look no further! This slow cooker chicken stroganoff recipe is your answer. Forget spending hours slaving over a hot stove; this dish lets your slow cooker do all the work, leaving you with a flavorful and satisfying meal with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe is a staple in our household and will quickly become one of your favorite go-to healthy meals.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup dry sherry (optional, but adds depth of flavor)
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
- Cooked egg noodles or rice, for serving
Instructions:
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Sear the Chicken (Optional but Recommended): For extra flavor, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned on all sides. This step isn't strictly necessary, but it adds a lovely depth of flavor to the final dish.
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Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Transfer the browned chicken (or raw chicken if skipping the searing step) to your slow cooker. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and sliced mushrooms.
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Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth, sour cream, heavy cream, and sherry (if using). Stir in the flour, Dijon mustard, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well to combine.
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Slow Cook to Perfection: Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
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Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot over cooked egg noodles or rice.
Cooking Tips for the Best Chicken Stroganoff:
- Don't Overcook the Chicken: Overcooked chicken will be dry. Check for doneness with a meat thermometer; it should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Thicken the Sauce: If the sauce is too thin after cooking, you can whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Adjust Seasonings to Taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of salt, pepper, and other seasonings to your liking.
Delicious Variations:
- Add Different Mushrooms: Experiment with other types of mushrooms like shiitake or oyster mushrooms.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Use Different Noodles: Try using wide egg noodles, fettuccine, or even gluten-free pasta.
- Creamy Vegan Version: Substitute the sour cream and heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk for a delicious vegan adaptation.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 450-500
- Protein: 30-35g
- Fat: 25-30g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
This easy slow cooker chicken stroganoff recipe is a perfect example of delicious and healthy meals that can be made quickly. It's a great option for busy weeknights, or any time you're craving a comforting and flavorful meal. Enjoy!