If you’re craving a rich, creamy, and ultra-comforting meal, this Chicken Stroganoff with Crispy Bacon over Rice is going to be your new favorite dish! It’s packed with tender chicken, smoky bacon, and a luscious, flavorful sauce that clings perfectly to fluffy white rice.
What makes this dish special? The crispy bacon! It adds a smoky crunch that balances out the creamy sauce beautifully. The combination of mushrooms, Dijon mustard, and paprika gives the stroganoff a deep, savory flavor that makes every bite absolutely irresistible.
Whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a special weekend meal, this recipe comes together in just 35 minutes and is sure to be a hit with the whole family!
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Easy & Quick – On the table in just 35 minutes!
✔ Rich & Creamy – A silky, flavorful sauce that coats every bite.
✔ Comfort Food at Its Best – Warm, satisfying, and deeply flavorful.
✔ Bacon Makes Everything Better! – Crispy bits of smoky goodness in every bite.
✔ Family-Friendly – A dish everyone will love, even picky eaters.
🥦 How to Make This Dish Healthier
If you love Creamy Chicken Stroganoff but want a lighter version, here are a few easy swaps:
✅ Use Greek Yogurt – Replace heavy cream with ½ cup of Greek yogurt for a lighter, protein-packed sauce.
✅ Go Lean with Turkey or Plant-Based Options – Substitute ground turkey or tofu instead of chicken.
✅ Reduce the Bacon – Use 3 strips instead of 6 or swap for turkey bacon.
✅ Serve Over Cauliflower Rice or Quinoa – A great way to cut carbs while still enjoying a filling meal.
🌎 Can I Make This Recipe International?
Want to add a global twist? Try these variations!
🌶 Mexican-Inspired Stroganoff: Add a pinch of cumin and chili powder for extra warmth. Serve over cilantro-lime rice.
🥥 Thai-Inspired Stroganoff: Swap the heavy cream for coconut milk, add a splash of soy sauce and ginger for a fragrant twist.
🧀 Italian-Inspired Stroganoff: Add Parmesan cheese and sun-dried tomatoes, and serve over orzo pasta instead of rice.
⏳ Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips
Want to save time? This dish is great for meal prep!
🥡 Make the sauce ahead – Prepare the stroganoff sauce 1-2 days in advance and store it in an airtight container.
🥩 Marinate the chicken – Toss the chicken in olive oil, garlic, and paprika a few hours before cooking for extra flavor.
🍚 Prep the rice early – Cook and store rice in the fridge, then reheat with a splash of water before serving.
❄ Freeze for later – Store the stroganoff (without rice) in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
🛒 Ingredients
For the Chicken Stroganoff:
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 6 strips of bacon, diced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 tbsp flour (to thicken the sauce)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (adds depth to the sauce)
- 1 tsp paprika (for warmth and a hint of smokiness)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Serving:
- 2 cups cooked white rice (jasmine or basmati works great!)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
🔪 Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
✔ Large skillet – To cook everything in one pan.
✔ Wooden spoon or spatula – For stirring and scraping up those flavorful bits.
✔ Rice cooker or pot – To cook the perfect fluffy rice.
🍽 How to Make Creamy Chicken Stroganoff with Bacon
Step 1: Cook the Rice 🍚
- Prepare the rice according to package instructions and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon 🥓
- In a large skillet, cook diced bacon over medium heat until crispy (about 5-7 minutes).
- Remove the bacon and set it aside, leaving a little bacon grease in the pan for extra flavor.
Step 3: Sauté the Chicken 🍗
- Add 1 tbsp olive oil to the same skillet.
- Add the chicken pieces and cook until golden brown on all sides (about 5 minutes).
- Remove the chicken and set aside.
Step 4: Sauté the Aromatics & Mushrooms 🍄
- In the same skillet, add onions and garlic. Sauté until soft and fragrant (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add sliced mushrooms and cook until they release moisture and begin to brown (about 5 minutes).
Step 5: Make the Creamy Stroganoff Sauce 🥣
- Sprinkle 1 tbsp flour over the mushrooms and stir to coat.
- Slowly pour in chicken broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
- Stir in heavy cream, Dijon mustard, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Let the sauce simmer and thicken for 5-7 minutes.
Step 6: Combine Everything 🔄
- Return the cooked chicken and crispy bacon to the skillet.
- Stir everything together and let simmer for another 5 minutes, until the flavors meld.
Step 7: Serve & Enjoy! 🍽
- Spoon the creamy chicken stroganoff over warm, fluffy white rice.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy every bite!
🍷 What to Serve with This Dish
This dish is rich and satisfying on its own, but here are a few great pairings:
- Steamed or Roasted Veggies – Green beans, asparagus, or broccoli complement the creamy sauce.
- Garlic Bread – Because extra sauce deserves to be soaked up!
- Crisp Side Salad – A light, citrusy salad balances out the richness.
- Wine Pairing: A Chardonnay or a light Pinot Noir pairs beautifully.
🔥 Pro Tips for the Best Stroganoff
✔ Don’t overcook the chicken – Since it finishes cooking in the sauce, sear it lightly at first.
✔ Use a mix of mushrooms – Cremini, button, or shiitake add depth of flavor.
✔ Deglaze the pan – Scrape up the browned bits from the pan when adding broth for extra richness.
✔ Make it spicier – A pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes adds a nice kick.
🥡 How to Store & Reheat
- Store: Leftovers can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
- Freeze: The stroganoff (without rice) can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.
❓ FAQ
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Absolutely! Thighs will add extra juiciness and flavor.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
Half-and-half or Greek yogurt mixed with a little milk works well.
Can I make this low-carb?
Yes! Swap rice for cauliflower rice or serve over zucchini noodles.
Can I add more veggies?
Of course! Try spinach, bell peppers, or peas for added color and nutrients.
✨ Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken Stroganoff with Crispy Bacon over Rice is the perfect comfort food—rich, creamy, smoky, and packed with flavor! It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough for guests or a special occasion.
👉 Tried this recipe? Leave a comment below and tag your photos on Pinterest & Instagram! I’d love to see your delicious creations! 💕🍽
