Smothered Cheesy Sour Cream Chicken is a rich, creamy, and indulgent dish that’s perfect for a comforting weeknight meal or special occasion. Tender chicken breasts are smothered in a velvety sour cream sauce, topped with gooey melted cheese, and baked until golden and bubbly. This dish is the perfect balance of savory flavors, creaminess, and cheese, making it an irresistible choice for anyone who loves cheesy, creamy chicken recipes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love Smothered Cheesy Sour Cream Chicken because it’s an easy-to-make dish that delivers big, satisfying flavors. The tangy sour cream sauce perfectly complements the juicy chicken, while the melted cheese adds a rich, indulgent touch. The dish is super comforting, filling, and always a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s versatile enough to pair with rice, pasta, or roasted vegetables, making it a go-to recipe for any meal.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
For the Sour Cream Sauce:
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or your preferred cheese)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Directions
-
Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
-
Season the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika on both sides.
-
Cook the chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
-
Make the sour cream sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to low. Add the chicken broth, sour cream, Dijon mustard (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine and cook for 2-3 minutes, until the sauce is smooth and heated through.
-
Assemble the dish: Place the cooked chicken breasts into the prepared baking dish. Pour the sour cream sauce evenly over the chicken breasts, making sure they are well coated.
-
Top with cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of each chicken breast, covering them completely.
-
Bake: Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the chicken is cooked through.
-
Garnish and serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and garnish with chopped parsley, if desired. Serve the smothered cheesy sour cream chicken over rice, pasta, or with a side of vegetables.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4 servings
- Total time: 35-40 minutes
Variations
- Use different cheese: Swap the cheddar for mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend for a different flavor.
- Add vegetables: Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers to the sour cream sauce for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Spicy version: Add a few dashes of hot sauce or sprinkle red pepper flakes on top for a spicy kick.
- Chicken thighs: You can substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs for an even juicier result.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, though the cheese may not be as melted.
FAQs
1. Can I make this recipe with bone-in chicken?
Yes, you can use bone-in chicken breasts or thighs. Just adjust the cooking time, as bone-in pieces will take longer to cook, about 35-40 minutes depending on thickness.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Store the cooked chicken in the refrigerator and assemble the dish when ready to bake. Just add the cheese and bake when you’re ready to serve.
3. Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes, Greek yogurt is a great substitute for sour cream if you prefer a healthier or tangier option.
4. Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled dish before baking. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.
5. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
6. Can I add bacon to this dish?
Yes, crispy bacon crumbles would make a great addition to the dish! Add them on top of the cheese before baking for an extra crunch and flavor.
7. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, substitute sour cream with dairy-free yogurt or a plant-based cream and use dairy-free cheese alternatives.
8. Can I add more flavor to the sauce?
Yes, you can enhance the flavor of the sauce by adding fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley, or by using chicken stock instead of broth for a deeper flavor.
9. What can I serve with this dish?
Serve Smothered Cheesy Sour Cream Chicken with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, roasted potatoes, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
10. Can I make this recipe spicier?
Yes, for a spicy kick, add some cayenne pepper, chili powder, or a few dashes of hot sauce to the sour cream sauce.
Conclusion
Smothered Cheesy Sour Cream Chicken is an easy and incredibly flavorful dish that’s perfect for a cozy dinner. The creamy sour cream sauce, rich melted cheese, and tender chicken come together for a comforting meal that everyone will love. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a special occasion, this dish will be a hit every time. Quick to make, packed with flavor, and satisfying, Smothered Cheesy Sour Cream Chicken is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.
Print
Smothered Cheesy Sour Cream Chicken
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Searing, Baking
- Cuisine: Comfort Food, American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Smothered Cheesy Sour Cream Chicken is a rich and creamy dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a velvety sour cream sauce, topped with melted cheese and baked to golden perfection. This comforting recipe is easy to make, full of savory flavors, and perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Serve it over rice, pasta, or with roasted vegetables for a wholesome, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
For the Sour Cream Sauce:
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or preferred cheese)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line with parchment paper.
- Season the chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
- Cook the chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C). Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Make the sour cream sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to low. Add chicken broth, sour cream, Dijon mustard (optional), garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and cook for 2-3 minutes, until smooth and heated through.
- Assemble the dish: Place cooked chicken breasts into the prepared baking dish. Pour the sour cream sauce over the chicken breasts, ensuring they’re fully coated.
- Top with cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the chicken breasts.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately with rice, pasta, or vegetables.
Notes
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with grilled tofu or a vegetable medley for a plant-based version.
- Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free sour cream and cheese alternatives for a dairy-free version.
- Spicy Kick: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the sour cream sauce for a spicier dish.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *