Nigella Chicken Stroganoff is a delicious and easy dish, featuring tender chicken pieces cooked in a creamy mushroom sauce. It’s a perfect comfort food for cold days or a quick and satisfying weeknight meal. This recipe serves 4 people and can be ready in less than 30 minutes.
In this article, I will show you how to make Nigella Chicken Stroganoff step by step, with tips and tricks along the way.
What is Nigella Chicken Stroganoff Recipe?
Nigella Chicken Stroganoff is a variation of the classic Russian dish, beef stroganoff, which consists of thin slices of beef cooked in a sour cream sauce. Nigella Lawson, a famous British chef and cookbook author, adapted the recipe to use chicken instead of beef and added some mustard and paprika for extra flavor. The result is a creamy and comforting dish that goes well with rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are many reasons to love this recipe, such as:
- Quick and Easy: Ready in less than 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
- Simple Ingredients: Utilizes pantry staples and easily available ingredients.
- Adaptable: Can be made with various types of chicken and mushrooms, catering to what you have on hand or prefer.
- Light yet Satisfying: The sour cream sauce is rich and flavorful but doesn’t feel heavy.
- Family-Friendly: A hit with both adults and kids, thanks to its tender chicken and mild, creamy sauce.
Ingredients Needed to Make Nigella Chicken Stroganoff
To make this recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
- 4 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 250 grams of mushrooms, sliced
- 2 teaspoons of paprika
- 2 teaspoons of Dijon mustard
- 150 ml of chicken stock
- 150 ml of sour cream
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions to Make Nigella Chicken Stroganoff
Follow these steps to make this recipe:
- Heat the oil in a large skillet over high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, and add them to the skillet. Cook for about 15 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and translucent.
- Add the mushrooms, paprika, and mustard, and cook for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are browned and tender.
- Add the chicken stock, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 5 minutes, until slightly thickened.
- Stir in the sour cream, and season with salt and pepper, to taste. Return the chicken to the skillet, and toss to coat with the sauce. Sprinkle with parsley, and serve hot.
What Do I Serve With Nigella Chicken Stroganoff?
You can serve this dish with any of the following options:
- Rice: A classic choice that soaks up the delicious sauce.
- Noodles: Egg noodles or spaghetti work well for a more traditional pairing.
- Mashed Potatoes: Offers a creamy and hearty base for the stroganoff.
- Bread: A simple side for sauce-scooping, from baguette slices to sourdough.
Expert Tips to Make Perfect Nigella Chicken Stroganoff
Here are some tips and tricks to make this recipe even better:
- Avoid Overcooking the Chicken: Cook just until done to keep it juicy.
- Handle Mushrooms Properly: Wipe them with a paper towel instead of washing to prevent sogginess.
- Gentle Heat for the Sauce: After adding sour cream, warm it gently to avoid curdling.
- Don’t Forget the Parsley: Adds a fresh burst of color and flavor. Feel free to experiment with other herbs like dill or tarragon for variation.
- Customize to Your Taste: Feel free to adjust the type of meat, mushrooms, or dairy to suit your preferences. Adding vegetables or spices can also elevate the dish.
Variations of Nigella Chicken Stroganoff
Nigella Chicken Stroganoff is a versatile dish that can be customized to suit your taste or dietary needs.
Here are some variations to inspire your next meal:
- Mushroom Variety: Experiment with portobello, shiitake, or oyster mushrooms for unique textures and flavors.
- Alternative Dairy: Try cream, yogurt, or cream cheese instead of sour cream for different levels of tanginess and creaminess.
- Extra Vegetables: Add carrots, peas, broccoli, or spinach for added nutrition and color.
- Spice It Up: Incorporate cumin, curry powder, or cayenne pepper for an extra kick of flavor.
How do I Store Nigella Chicken Stroganoff Leftovers?
Storing leftovers properly ensures that your Nigella Chicken Stroganoff remains delicious for future meals.
Here’s how to do it:
In the Refrigerator
- Cool Down: Let the dish cool to room temperature before storing.
- Airtight Container: Transfer the stroganoff to an airtight container to keep it fresh.
- Refrigerate: Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
In the Freezer
- Prepare for Freezing: Place the cooled stroganoff in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- Label: Mark the container with the date and name of the dish.
- Freeze: Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
How do I Reheat Nigella Chicken Stroganoff Leftovers?
Reheating your stroganoff correctly can help preserve its taste and texture.
Here are effective methods:
Microwave
- Portion: Place the amount you plan to eat in a microwave-safe dish.
- Cover: Use a damp paper towel to cover the dish. This helps retain moisture.
- Reheat: Microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through, until heated thoroughly.
Stovetop
- Transfer: Put the stroganoff in a saucepan.
- Thin the Sauce: If necessary, add a little water or chicken stock to adjust the sauce’s thickness.
- Warm: Heat on medium-low, stirring occasionally, until the stroganoff is hot and bubbly.
Oven
- Preheat: Set your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Baking Dish: Place the stroganoff in a baking dish and cover with aluminum foil to keep it moist.
- Bake: Heat for 15-20 minutes, or until thoroughly warmed.
Nutrition value (per serving):
- Calories: 406 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg
- Sodium: 380 mg
- Potassium: 897 mg
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 5 g
- Vitamin A: 731 IU
- Vitamin C: 5 mg
- Calcium: 79 mg
- Iron: 2 mg
FAQs
Can I Use Leftover Cooked Chicken for Nigella Chicken Stroganoff?
Yes, using leftover cooked chicken is an excellent way to make Nigella Chicken Stroganoff even quicker and easier. Simply skip the initial cooking step for the chicken. Cut your cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and add it to the sauce towards the end of the cooking process, just long enough to warm it through. This makes the recipe even more convenient for a weeknight meal.
What Kind of Mushrooms Work Best in Nigella Chicken Stroganoff?
While the recipe is quite versatile regarding the type of mushrooms, white or button mushrooms are commonly used for their mild flavor and availability. However, for a richer, earthier flavor, you can use brown cremini mushrooms. Wild mushrooms, such as shiitake or portobello, can also add unique textures and tastes to the dish, enhancing its overall flavor profile.
How Can I Make Nigella Chicken Stroganoff Dairy-Free?
To make Nigella Chicken Stroganoff dairy-free, substitute the sour cream with a dairy-free alternative such as coconut cream or a plant-based sour cream. These alternatives mimic the creaminess and tang of sour cream without using dairy. Additionally, use a dairy-free butter alternative for sautéing. Always ensure that your chicken stock is also dairy-free.
Is It Possible to Make Nigella Chicken Stroganoff Gluten-Free?
Yes, making Nigella Chicken Stroganoff gluten-free is straightforward. Ensure that your chicken stock is gluten-free and use a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch as a thickener if the recipe calls for it. When serving, opt for gluten-free pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes as a side to keep the entire meal gluten-free.
Final Words
I hope you enjoyed this article and learned how to make Nigella Chicken Stroganoff. This is a delicious and easy dish that you can whip up in no time, and impress your family and friends. Try it out and let me know how it turns out. Bon appetit!
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Notes
Prep time: 10 minutes Cooking time: 20 minutes (stovetop) or 4-6 hours (slow cooker)