There’s just something magical about coming home to the smell of a warm, creamy meal waiting for you in the slow cooker. This Chicken & Mushroom Stroganoff is the definition of comfort food, made easy. With tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and a luscious, tangy sour cream sauce, it’s hearty enough for chilly nights but simple enough for weeknights.
It’s one of those recipes that wraps you in a big cozy hug with every bite. Toss everything in the crockpot in the morning and come home to a creamy, savory dinner that tastes like it took hours because it did, just without any effort from you.
We love meals like this because they work hard in the background while we go about our busy days. Whether you’re feeding a family or just stocking up on leftovers, this one’s a total keeper.
This recipe came about on a busy weekday when I was juggling laundry, errands, and the dreaded “what’s for dinner?” panic at 10 a.m. I opened the fridge, spotted some chicken thighs, a container of sour cream, and a half-used carton of mushrooms, and it clicked. I needed something cozy, low-effort, and satisfying.
So I threw everything into the slow cooker with a little garlic, onion, and broth, and let it go. By dinner, the house smelled incredible and the chicken was so tender it shredded itself with a fork. I stirred in sour cream and a touch of Dijon, and my family practically inhaled it over egg noodles. Since then, it’s become a go-to for busy days, snow days, and everything in between.
Why You’ll Love This
1. Set-It-and-Forget-It Easy
This is one of those dreamy slow cooker recipes where you toss everything in, go live your life, and come back to a delicious home-cooked meal. No searing or pre-cooking required. It’s perfect for workdays, lazy Sundays, or whenever you want dinner to make itself.
2. Rich, Creamy, and Comforting
The combination of mushrooms, chicken, garlic, and a sour cream-based sauce creates an incredibly rich and savory flavor. The sauce is silky, tangy, and coats every bite beautifully. It’s comfort food that doesn’t feel heavy or fussy.
3. Family and Kid-Approved
This dish is mild in spice but full of flavor, making it a hit with both kids and adults. You can serve it over egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice, depending on your family’s favorite. It’s also great for picky eaters since the ingredients are familiar and cozy.
4. Flexible and Freezer-Friendly
Need to make it gluten-free? Easy. Prefer chicken breasts instead of thighs? Go for it. Want to freeze leftovers? It holds up beautifully. This recipe adapts to your kitchen and schedule, making it a true weeknight MVP.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5–6 hours on low or 3–4 hours on high
- Total Time: 6 hours
- Cuisine Type: American, Comfort Food
- Servings: 6
- Estimated Cost: $12–15
Equipment Needed:
- Slow cooker (5-quart or larger)
- Cutting board and knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowl (for sour cream mixture)
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Optional: whisk (for smoother sauce)
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz baby bella or white mushrooms, sliced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- ¾ cup sour cream (full-fat works best for creaminess)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (for thickening, optional)
- Cooked egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice, for serving
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Ingredient Notes:
- Chicken: Thighs stay tender and juicy, but breasts are a leaner option.
- Mushrooms: Use any kind you love! Button, cremini, or even a mix.
- Sour Cream: Don’t substitute with yogurt unless you’re okay with a tangier flavor.
- Cornstarch: Adds body to the sauce. You can skip it if you like a thinner gravy.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Layer the Base
Add the sliced onions, garlic, and mushrooms to the bottom of your slow cooker. This forms a flavorful base that steams and softens beautifully while cooking.
Step 2: Add Chicken and Season
Place the chicken thighs on top of the veggies. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, paprika, and drizzle with Worcestershire sauce. This layering helps keep the chicken moist while letting it absorb flavor from the bottom up.
Step 3: Add Liquids
In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth and Dijon mustard. Pour this mixture over the chicken. The broth keeps everything juicy while the Dijon adds depth.
Step 4: Cook Low and Slow
Cover and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is very tender and can be shredded easily with a fork.
Step 5: Thicken and Cream
In a small bowl, mix sour cream with cornstarch (if using). Stir the sour cream mixture into the slow cooker, then turn the heat to high and cook uncovered for 20–30 more minutes. This helps the sauce thicken slightly and turn creamy.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the stroganoff over egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice. Sprinkle with fresh parsley if you like. The sauce will coat everything with that rich, creamy goodness.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, without sides)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Fat: 19g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Vitamin A: 12% DV
- Vitamin C: 6% DV
- Calcium: 6% DV
- Iron: 10% DV
Tips for Success
1. Don’t Skip the Dijon
Even if you’re not a mustard fan, Dijon adds a subtle tang that makes the sauce pop. It doesn’t taste “mustardy,” promise!
2. Go for Full-Fat Sour Cream
It gives the creamiest texture and richest flavor. Low-fat versions can curdle or thin out the sauce too much.
3. Add the Sour Cream Last
Stirring it in too early can cause it to separate. Always wait until the end and cook just enough to heat it through.
4. Double for Leftovers
This dish freezes really well. Just skip the noodles when freezing and add those fresh when serving later.
Common Questions
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
You can, but the flavor will be a little tangier and the texture not as smooth. Full-fat Greek yogurt is your best bet if you’re swapping.
What’s the best mushroom for stroganoff?
Cremini or baby bella mushrooms have great flavor and hold up well during slow cooking. White button mushrooms work too.
Can I make this dairy-free?
You can use dairy-free sour cream or full-fat coconut cream with a splash of lemon juice, but the flavor will change a bit. Be sure to check for curdling before reheating.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring often. Add a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce if needed.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
- Serve over buttery egg noodles, creamy mashed potatoes, or fluffy steamed rice.
- Add a side of steamed green beans, garlic-roasted broccoli, or a crisp garden salad for freshness.
- Pair with a glass of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, or even a cozy mug of hot cider on colder nights.
- For bread lovers, don’t forget garlic bread or buttered dinner rolls to soak up every drop of that luscious sauce.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- To Store: Cool completely and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- To Freeze: Freeze portions without noodles for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- To Reheat: Warm gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or milk if needed to loosen the sauce.
Slow Cooker Chicken & Mushroom Stroganoff
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 8 oz baby bella or white mushrooms sliced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 cup chicken broth low sodium preferred
- ¾ cup sour cream full-fat works best for creaminess
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch for thickening, optional
- Cooked egg noodles mashed potatoes, or rice, for serving
- Fresh parsley chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Add the sliced onions, garlic, and mushrooms to the bottom of your slow cooker. This forms a flavorful base that steams and softens beautifully while cooking.
- Place the chicken thighs on top of the veggies. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, paprika, and drizzle with Worcestershire sauce. This layering helps keep the chicken moist while letting it absorb flavor from the bottom up.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth and Dijon mustard. Pour this mixture over the chicken. The broth keeps everything juicy while the Dijon adds depth.
- Cover and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is very tender and can be shredded easily with a fork.
- In a small bowl, mix sour cream with cornstarch (if using). Stir the sour cream mixture into the slow cooker, then turn the heat to high and cook uncovered for 20–30 more minutes. This helps the sauce thicken slightly and turn creamy.
- Serve the stroganoff over egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice. Sprinkle with fresh parsley if you like. The sauce will coat everything with that rich, creamy goodness.
Notes
Even if you’re not a mustard fan, Dijon adds a subtle tang that makes the sauce pop. It doesn’t taste “mustardy,” promise! 2. Go for Full-Fat Sour Cream
It gives the creamiest texture and richest flavor. Low-fat versions can curdle or thin out the sauce too much. 3. Add the Sour Cream Last
Stirring it in too early can cause it to separate. Always wait until the end and cook just enough to heat it through. 4. Double for Leftovers
This dish freezes really well. Just skip the noodles when freezing and add those fresh when serving later.
There’s just something so comforting about a dish that cooks all day and makes your whole house smell like love. This Slow Cooker Chicken & Mushroom Stroganoff is easy enough for a weekday but feels special enough for guests. If you love cozy, creamy dinners that make your life easier, this one’s for you.
Thanks for stopping by and cooking with me today! I hope this becomes a new favorite in your home like it is in mine. If you try it, let me know in the comments or tag me in your photos. Happy slow cooking!
