Chicken stroganoff a new take on an old favorite dish
Some might say beef stroganoff's time has come … and gone. But as the saying goes, “everything old is new again,” which seems to be the case for this iconic Russian-French dish.
The origin of this dish can be traced to the 18th century, when the Europehopping, aristocratic Stroganoffs decided to bring their Francophile culinary tastes back to Russia in the form of a French chef.
Count Stroganoff, as legend has it, wanted to eat beef, but needed it to be soft due to his bad teeth. The chef decided to use thin strips tenderized in a mixture of mustard and sour cream, and Beef Stroganoff was born.
The recipe has changed significantly over the years, and today, while sour cream is still a key component, most don't include mustard. And many, like this week's Chicken and Mushroom Stroganoff, don't even include beef.
As it happens, almost anything bathed in a rich, sour cream sauce is delicious, and bits of browned chicken and thinly sliced mushrooms are no exception.
The chicken, in this case boneless chicken thighs, is a much more forgiving protein, and certainly more economical, than the often-used beef tenderloin.
While beef must be sautéed quickly to avoid overcooking (no one wants to turn a pricey tenderloin into a plate of rubber bands), chicken can simmer in the creamy sauce and maintain its tenderness.
Chicken and Mushroom Stroganoff
Serves 4.
Lighter than the traditional beef stroganoff, this chicken and mushroom version is still luxuriously rich and creamy. It's also quick and easy to make. Note: You can substitute 1/4 cup of dry white wine or a teaspoon of lemon juice for the sherry. From Meredith Deeds.
INGREDIENTS
12oz. uncooked extra-wide egg noodles
5tbsp. unsalted butter, divided
8 oz. cremini mushrooms, trimmed and sliced thin 1 medium onion, thinly sliced 1lb. boneless, skinless chicken thighs, trimmed and cut into 1-in. pieces 3cloves garlic, finely chopped
3 tbsp. all-purpose flour 1 tsp. Hungarian sweet paprika
3/4 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
1/2 tsp. dried thyme
1 1/4 c. chicken broth 2 tbsp. dry sherry (see Note) 1tbsp. Worcestershire sauce 1/2 c. sour cream
2 tbsp. finely chopped fresh parsley
DIRECTIONS
Cook noodles according to package directions, then drain. Toss hot noodles with 1 tablespoon butter. Meanwhile, heat 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over high heat. Add the mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are browned, about 4 to 5minutes. Transfer to a plate.
To the same skillet, over medium heat, add the remaining 2 tablespoons butter. Add onion and cook until softened, about 2 to 3 minutes. Add the chicken, garlic, flour, paprika, salt, pepper and thyme. Cook, stirring, until the chicken is lightly browned, about 3 minutes. Stir in the browned mushrooms, chicken broth, sherry (see Note) and Worcestershire sauce and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and gently simmer until chicken is cooked through and the sauce is thickened, about 5minutes. Stir in the sour cream. Taste and re-season with salt and pepper, if necessary. To serve, divide the noodles among plates. Top with the chicken mixture and a sprinkling of parsley.