When it comes to comfort food, few dishes compare to the creamy, hearty goodness of Chicken Bacon Mushroom Stroganoff. This recipe combines tender chicken breasts with smoky bacon, earthy mushrooms, and a rich, creamy sauce, creating a dish that will quickly become a favorite at your dinner table. With the help of a slow cooker, this dish is easy to prepare and can be enjoyed by everyone in the family. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner to enjoy on a chilly evening or a showstopper for a weekend gathering, this Chicken Bacon Mushroom Stroganoff is guaranteed to impress.
In this article, we’ll explore the origins of Chicken Stroganoff, why this version with bacon and mushrooms is so irresistible, and provide you with step-by-step instructions to make this rich and creamy dish in your own kitchen. From the ingredients to tips for perfecting your stroganoff, you’ll find everything you need for a delicious and comforting meal.
Table of Contents
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Perfect Sides to Serve with Chicken Bacon Mushroom Stroganoff
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Can You Make Chicken Bacon Mushroom Stroganoff Ahead of Time?
Introduction to Chicken Bacon Mushroom Stroganoff
Chicken Stroganoff is an adaptation of the classic Beef Stroganoff, which originally hails from Russia and was popularized in Europe during the 19th century. Traditionally made with tender beef, the dish was created as a luxurious meal, often enjoyed by the upper class. Over the years, the recipe has evolved, and many variations have emerged. One of the most popular alternatives is Chicken Stroganoff, which uses chicken breasts as the main protein.
This rich and creamy dish has become a staple in many households, especially for family dinners, as it’s both hearty and comforting. The key to making Chicken Bacon Mushroom Stroganoff truly special lies in the combination of smoky bacon, tender chicken, and creamy sauce, all of which are cooked together to infuse every bite with flavor.
For this recipe, the slow cooker does the hard work of tenderizing the chicken and melding the flavors, making it a stress-free option for busy weeknights. Served over egg noodles (or pasta of your choice), this dish is filling, satisfying, and perfect for any occasion.
The History of Stroganoff: A Classic Dish with a Twist
Stroganoff has an interesting history, as it is believed to have been created by a French chef in the service of Count Pavel Stroganoff, a Russian aristocrat, in the mid-19th century. The dish was originally made with beef, but over time, as it spread across the world, variations using different meats such as chicken, pork, and even lamb became common.
The traditional Beef Stroganoff includes beef tenderloin, onions, sour cream, and mustard, all simmered together to create a creamy sauce. As the recipe gained popularity, the addition of mushrooms, garlic, and various spices was incorporated to add depth to the flavors.
Today, Chicken Stroganoff is a widely popular variation of the classic dish. It’s lighter than the original beef version but still retains the creamy, indulgent flavor that makes Stroganoff a beloved comfort food. By adding bacon to this version, we take it to a new level of richness and flavor.
Why Bacon Makes This Stroganoff Better
Bacon is the secret ingredient that elevates this Chicken Bacon Mushroom Stroganoff to another level of indulgence. The smokiness of the bacon adds depth to the dish, contrasting perfectly with the creamy sauce and tender chicken. The crispy bacon also adds a satisfying crunch that balances out the softness of the chicken and mushrooms.
Bacon’s fat also plays a crucial role in the recipe. As the bacon cooks, it releases flavorful grease, which is used to sauté the onions, garlic, and mushrooms. This ensures that every component of the dish is infused with the rich, smoky flavor of the bacon, making it an essential ingredient in this version of Stroganoff.
The Role of Mushrooms in Stroganoff
Mushrooms have long been a staple in Stroganoff recipes, and for good reason. The earthy, umami-rich flavor of mushrooms pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce and tender chicken. In this recipe, you can choose between button mushrooms or cremini mushrooms, both of which contribute a deep, savory flavor to the dish.
Mushrooms also add texture and substance to the stroganoff, making it feel more hearty and filling. When cooked in the slow cooker, mushrooms become soft and tender, absorbing all of the rich flavors of the sauce.
Additionally, mushrooms provide health benefits. They are low in calories and fat but high in nutrients such as fiber, B vitamins, and antioxidants, making them a great addition to any meal.
How to Make Chicken Bacon Mushroom Stroganoff
Ingredients
To create this delicious dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Stroganoff:
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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6 slices bacon, chopped
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1 medium onion, diced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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8 oz mushrooms (button or cremini), sliced
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1 cup chicken broth
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1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
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1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
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1 teaspoon dried thyme
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1 teaspoon paprika
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Creamy Finish:
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½ cup sour cream
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½ cup heavy cream
For Serving:
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12 oz egg noodles (or pasta of your choice)
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Cook the Bacon:
Begin by cooking the chopped bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Once cooked, remove the bacon and set it aside. Leave the bacon grease in the skillet, as it will add flavor to the dish. -
Sear the Chicken:
Using the same skillet, sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. After searing, transfer the chicken breasts to the slow cooker. -
Sauté the Veggies:
In the same skillet, add the diced onion, minced garlic, and sliced mushrooms. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until the onions are softened and fragrant. -
Make the Sauce:
To the skillet, add the chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together and bring it to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits left in the pan. -
Slow Cook:
Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. -
Shred & Add Creaminess:
After the chicken has cooked, shred it directly in the slow cooker using two forks. Stir in the sour cream and heavy cream, then let it cook for an additional 10 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld. -
Cook the Noodles:
While the stroganoff is finishing in the slow cooker, cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions. Drain the noodles and set them aside. -
Serve & Enjoy:
Serve the creamy Chicken Bacon Mushroom Stroganoff over the cooked noodles. Garnish with the crispy bacon and fresh parsley to add a touch of color and flavor.
Slow Cooker vs Stovetop: Which is Best?
While this recipe is designed for the slow cooker, it can easily be adapted for the stovetop if you’re short on time. The slow cooker method allows the flavors to meld together slowly, ensuring that the chicken becomes tender and the sauce thickens beautifully. However, if you’re in a hurry, you can make this recipe on the stovetop in about 30 minutes. Simply follow the steps, adjusting the cooking time accordingly.
Perfect Sides to Serve with Chicken Bacon Mushroom Stroganoff
This creamy Chicken Bacon Mushroom Stroganoff pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Here are a few ideas:
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Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes provide a healthy and flavorful side that complements the richness of the stroganoff.
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Green Salad: A light, crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances out the heaviness of the dish.
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Garlic Bread: Serve with warm garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
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Steamed Asparagus: The fresh, crisp texture of steamed asparagus provides a nice contrast to the creamy stroganoff.
Tips for Perfect Stroganoff Every Time
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Don’t skip searing the chicken: Searing the chicken breasts before adding them to the slow cooker helps develop a rich flavor and ensures the chicken remains juicy.
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Use full-fat cream and sour cream: For the richest, creamiest texture, stick with full-fat sour cream and heavy cream. Reduced-fat versions won’t give you the same indulgent result.
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Season well: Taste the sauce before serving and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or Worcestershire sauce if needed. The seasoning is key to bringing out the flavors in this dish.
Healthier Alternatives and Substitutions
While this Chicken Bacon Mushroom Stroganoff is a rich dish, there are ways to lighten it up without sacrificing flavor:
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Chicken: You can substitute the chicken breasts with chicken thighs for a more flavorful and juicy option.
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Bacon: Swap out regular bacon for turkey bacon to reduce fat and calories.
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Cream: For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or a combination of low-fat sour cream and Greek yogurt.
Can You Make Chicken Bacon Mushroom Stroganoff Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Chicken Bacon Mushroom Stroganoff is perfect for meal prep. You can prepare the entire dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth to adjust the consistency if needed.
Freezing and Storing Chicken Bacon Mushroom Stroganoff
If you want to make this dish in advance for later use, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Allow the stroganoff to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. To reheat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and warm it up on the stovetop or in the microwave.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe? Yes, frozen chicken breasts can be used, but you will need to extend the cooking time to ensure they cook through.
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Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes, you can use any type of pasta that you prefer, such as penne, fusilli, or fettuccine.
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Can I make this dish on the stovetop? Yes, you can make this dish on the stovetop if you’re in a hurry. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
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Can I make this gluten-free? To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and make sure the Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free.
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How do I make the sauce thicker? If you prefer a thicker sauce