Mary Berry Chicken Stroganoff Recipe

Mary Berry Chicken Stroganoff is a creamy, comforting, and flavour-packed dish that brings together tender chicken strips, mushrooms, onions, and a rich sour cream sauce. This recipe offers a quick yet satisfying dinner option that feels special enough for guests but easy enough for busy weeknights. The velvety sauce coats every bite, creating a warm and hearty meal that pairs beautifully with rice, pasta, or buttery mashed potatoes.

What Is Mary Berry Chicken Stroganoff?

Mary Berry Chicken Stroganoff is a savoury dish made with sautéed chicken, mushrooms, and onions simmered in a creamy sauce flavoured with stock, mustard, and paprika.

Why This Recipe Is Worth Trying

• Quick weekday dinner – Ready in under 30 minutes.
• Rich and creamy sauce – Comforting without being heavy.
• Flexible pairing options – Works with rice, pasta, or mash.
• Balanced flavours – Paprika and mustard add gentle warmth.
• Family-friendly meal – Mild enough for everyone to enjoy.

Essential Ingredients to Make Mary Berry Chicken Stroganoff

• 500g chicken breast, sliced into thin strips – Cooks quickly and stays tender.
• 1 large onion, sliced – Adds sweetness and depth.
• 250g mushrooms, sliced – Provide earthy flavour and texture.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter – For sautéing.
• 1 garlic clove, crushed – Adds aromatic depth.
• 1 teaspoon paprika – Gives warmth and colour.
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard – Adds flavour complexity.
• 150ml chicken stock – Creates the base of the sauce.
• 200ml sour cream or crème fraîche – Gives the signature creamy finish.
• Salt and pepper to taste – Essential for seasoning.
• Fresh parsley (optional) – For garnish.

Handy Kitchen Tools for Best Results

• Large frying pan – Ensures even cooking and good browning.
• Sharp knife – Helps cut the chicken into even strips.
• Wooden spoon – Perfect for stirring the sauce gently.
• Measuring jug – Keeps liquids precise.
• Cutting board – Ensures safe preparation space.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Mary Berry Chicken Stroganoff

Step 1 — Prepare the ingredients

Slice chicken, onions, and mushrooms into even pieces so everything cooks uniformly.

Step 2 — Brown the chicken

Heat oil in a pan and cook the chicken strips until lightly golden. Remove and set aside.

Step 3 — Cook onions and mushrooms

In the same pan, add the onions and mushrooms. Cook until softened and lightly browned.

Step 4 — Add garlic and spices

Stir in crushed garlic, paprika, and Dijon mustard. Cook briefly until aromatic.

Step 5 — Pour in the stock

Add chicken stock and bring to a gentle simmer. This forms the base of the sauce.

Step 6 — Return the chicken

Add the browned chicken back to the pan, mixing everything well.

Step 7 — Add the sour cream

Reduce the heat and gently stir in the sour cream or crème fraîche. Heat through without boiling to keep the sauce smooth.

Step 8 — Season and serve

Taste and adjust seasoning, then garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

What I Got Wrong (And How I Fixed It)

• Curdled sauce – Reducing the heat before adding sour cream prevented splitting.
• Watery sauce – Allowing the stock to reduce slightly created better thickness.
• Overcooked chicken – Searing quickly and returning it later kept it tender.
• Mushrooms releasing too much water – Cooking them on high heat solved it.

Healthier Version of This Chicken Stroganoff

• Use low-fat crème fraîche instead of full-fat sour cream.
• Replace some chicken with extra mushrooms for fibre.
• Reduce oil and use a non-stick pan.
• Serve with brown rice for added nutrients.
• Use reduced-sodium stock to control salt levels.

Ingredient Substitutions for Mary Berry Chicken Stroganoff

• Swap chicken breast with chicken thighs for extra juiciness.
• Replace sour cream with Greek yoghurt (add off heat).
• Use smoked paprika for a deeper flavour.
• Add white wine for enhanced richness.
• Swap mushrooms with courgettes if preferred.

Pairing Ideas: What to Serve With Chicken Stroganoff

• Fluffy rice – Absorbs the creamy sauce beautifully.
• Egg noodles – Classic pairing for stroganoff dishes.
• Mashed potatoes – Creates a comforting dinner.
• Crusty bread – Ideal for soaking up the sauce.
• Steamed greens – Balances the richness.

Expert Tips to Make Perfect Chicken Stroganoff

• Cut chicken evenly so it cooks at the same rate.
• Brown mushrooms well to build flavour.
• Add sour cream on low heat to keep it silky.
• Avoid boiling once the cream is added.
• Taste frequently to adjust seasoning.
• Use a wide pan for better caramelisation.
• Serve immediately for best texture.

Creative Ways to Customise This Stroganoff

• Add spinach for colour and nutrients.
• Mix in peas for sweetness.
• Use chilli flakes for heat.
• Add bacon for smoky notes.
• Top with fried onions for crunch.

Storing Mary Berry Chicken Stroganoff the Right Way

• Refrigerate leftovers for up to 2 days.
• Avoid freezing with sour cream, as the sauce may split.
• Reheat gently to preserve texture.
• Store in airtight containers to maintain freshness.
• Add a splash of stock during reheating if the sauce thickens.

How to Reheat Chicken Stroganoff (If Needed)

Warm slowly in a pan over low heat, stirring gently. Add a small amount of stock if the sauce appears too thick. Avoid boiling to prevent curdling.

Nutritional Breakdown (per serving)

• Calories: ~350
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fat: 20g
• Protein: 30g
• Fibre: 1g
• Sugar: 3g

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FAQs

How do I stop the stroganoff sauce from curdling?

Curdling happens when sour cream is heated too quickly. Reduce the heat to low before adding it and stir gently. Keeping the sauce below boiling point ensures it stays smooth and creamy.

Why is my chicken turning dry in stroganoff?

Chicken dries out when cooked for too long. Sear the strips quickly, set them aside, and return them to the pan only after the sauce has thickened. This keeps the meat tender and juicy.

How do I thicken chicken stroganoff if the sauce is too thin?

Allow the stock to simmer for a few extra minutes before adding sour cream. If the sauce still needs thickening, stir in a teaspoon of cornflour mixed with a little cold water and simmer briefly.

Can I use Greek yoghurt instead of sour cream?

Yes, but take it off the heat. Greek yoghurt can split easily, so stir it in once the pan is removed from direct heat for the smoothest result.

Wrapping It Up

Mary Berry Chicken Stroganoff is a comforting, creamy, and flavour-rich dish that makes a satisfying meal any night of the week. With tender chicken, sautéed mushrooms, and a velvety sauce, each bite delivers warmth and homestyle charm.