Description
This Rich & Comforting Smothered Cheesy Sour Cream Chicken is a creamy, flavorful baked chicken dish featuring tender boneless breasts smothered in a cheesy sour cream sauce and topped with a golden crust of Parmesan and optional butter crackers. Perfect as a hearty family dinner, it blends garlic, onion, and Italian seasonings to create a luscious one-dish meal that’s both simple to prepare and deeply satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasonings
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Cheesy Sour Cream Sauce
- 1½ cups full-fat sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
Topping (Optional)
- ½ cup crushed butter crackers or breadcrumbs
Garnish (Optional)
- Chopped parsley
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Season the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then arrange them in the prepared baking dish.
- Mix the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, and onion powder until fully blended.
- Coat the Chicken: Spread the cheesy sour cream mixture evenly over each chicken breast, ensuring they are well covered.
- Add Topping (Optional): Sprinkle crushed butter crackers or breadcrumbs on top of the sour cream mixture to add a crunchy texture.
- Bake the Chicken: Place the dish uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Broil for Browning (Optional): If desired, switch the oven to broil and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes to achieve a golden-brown crust on top.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove the dish from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- Make sure to check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- The crushed butter crackers topping adds a nice crunch but can be omitted for a gluten-free version.
- Use full-fat sour cream for a richer texture and flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently to prevent drying out.
- Serve with steamed vegetables, rice, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
