This Creamy Chicken Stroganoff without Mustard or Ketchup is a Brazilian comfort food classic that deserves a spot in your weekly menu. Renowned for its rich flavor and velvety texture, this dish is perfect for both quick weeknight dinners and special family gatherings. Its preparation is fast and simple, ideal for when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. Best of all: this version skips the traditional mustard and ketchup, resulting in a cleaner, more refined, and incredibly flavorful taste. Get ready to discover the secrets to this irresistible dish!
Ingredients:
- 2.2 lbs (1 kg) chicken breast, cubed
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 7 tbsp tomato sauce or tomato paste
- 1 carton (approx. 7 oz/200g) table cream (or heavy cream)
- ¾ cup (200 ml) hot water
- Sliced mushrooms (champignons), to taste
- Salt, black pepper, and fresh parsley/scallions, to taste
How to Make Creamy Chicken Stroganoff:
- Start by cutting the chicken breast into bite-sized cubes.
- In a large skillet or pan, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium-high heat. Sauté the minced garlic and chopped onion until fragrant and translucent.
- Add the chicken to the pan and cook until golden brown on all sides.
- Stir in the tomato sauce and mix well.
- Pour in the hot water and stir until a smooth sauce forms.
- Add the mushrooms, salt, black pepper, and fresh herbs to taste.
- Reduce heat to medium and simmer for approximately 15 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through.
- Finally, stir in the heavy cream and mix until fully incorporated and the sauce is creamy.
- Simmer for 5 more minutes and it is ready to serve.
- Enjoy!
Expert Tips:
To make your Stroganoff even tastier, pay attention to the quality of your ingredients. Using fresh chicken breast makes a significant difference in the final result. Feel free to swap mushrooms for hearts of palm (palmito) if you prefer. And don’t skip the fresh herbs—they add a vital pop of freshness.
Another key tip is to properly sear the chicken. Browning it well before adding liquids ensures a better texture and a more intense flavor. If you prefer an extra-rich sauce, you can add a tablespoon of cream cheese along with the heavy cream for an ultra-velvety finish.
While the classic Brazilian serving suggestion is white rice and potato sticks (batata palha), you can easily serve this with a fresh green salad or creamy mashed potatoes. Try adding a pinch of sweet or smoked paprika for a unique twist.
Remember to adjust seasoning as you go. For a deeper, more complex flavor profile, add a dash of Worcestershire sauce. These small adjustments turn a standard recipe into your own signature dish.
Prep Time:
Total time is approximately 40 minutes.
Servings:
This recipe yields about 6 generous servings.
A Bit of History:
Stroganoff originated in Russia, known as “stroganov.” The original Russian version is quite different from what we enjoy in Brazil today; it featured beef, mustard, and a splash of vodka, served alongside potatoes. Over time, the dish evolved as it traveled, adapting to local palates around the world.
In Brazil, the dish became a sensation in the 1970s. The chicken version became just as popular as the original beef, favored for being a lighter and more accessible option. Interestingly, Brazilian Stroganoff almost always includes mushrooms, which were not typically used in the early Russian iterations.
The simplicity and versatility of Stroganoff are its greatest strengths. It is easy to prepare, quick, and highly customizable. Whether you are hosting a formal dinner or cooking a simple weeknight meal, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that never goes out of style.
With this Creamy Chicken Stroganoff recipe, you have an easy, delicious meal that is guaranteed to be a hit. Try it today and be surprised by the incredible depth of flavor in this timeless classic!