If you’re craving a comforting and creamy dinner that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you’ve got to try this delightful Sour Cream Chicken. It’s a wonderfully simple recipe that brings together tender chicken breasts smothered in a luscious sour cream sauce with garlic and onion spices, topped with melty cheddar cheese that bubbles to golden perfection. This dish is a perfect weeknight winner, combining rich flavors with minimal effort for a meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. Plus, the creamy texture and cheesy topping make every bite absolutely irresistible.

Sour Cream Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to making this Sour Cream Chicken truly shine. Each component plays a key role in delivering the creamy, savory, and cheesy experience we’re after, creating harmony in flavor and texture that’s as satisfying as it is simple.

Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless for easy cooking and perfect tenderness.
Sour cream: The star in the sauce that adds tangy creaminess and helps keep the chicken juicy.
Garlic powder: Infuses a mild yet irresistible garlicky warmth without overpowering.
Onion powder: Adds subtle sweetness and depth to the sauce.
Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance all the flavors.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into a bubbly, golden topping that locks in moisture and adds rich flavor.
Olive oil or melted butter: For greasing the dish and adding a hint of richness.
Optional garnish (parsley or green onions): Fresh herbs brighten the dish visually and flavor-wise.

How to Make Sour Cream Chicken

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Then, lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil, melted butter, or cooking spray. This helps prevent sticking and ensures an easy cleanup later on.

Step 2: Mix the Sour Cream Sauce

In a medium bowl, combine the sour cream with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir these together until you have a smooth, creamy mixture that will coat the chicken beautifully and season it evenly.

Step 3: Arrange the Chicken

Place your chicken breasts neatly in the greased baking dish. Make sure they’re spaced out slightly, so the heat circulates evenly during baking, helping the chicken cook thoroughly and maintain tenderness.

Step 4: Add the Sour Cream Mixture

Spread the sour cream mixture evenly over each piece of chicken. This coating not only flavors the chicken but also helps keep it moist as it bakes, creating that signature creaminess that makes this recipe so special.

Step 5: Top with Cheese

Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of each chicken breast. For an extra cheesy touch, you can mix some cheese into the sour cream sauce before spreading it on the chicken—this locks in even more cheesy goodness.

Step 6: Bake Covered and Then Uncovered

Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. This allows the chicken to steam gently and start cooking through. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes to let the cheese bubble and turn a lovely golden brown. Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safety and juiciness.

Step 7: Rest and Garnish

Once out of the oven, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. This short pause helps the juices redistribute, ensuring every bite is tender and juicy. Sprinkle with chopped parsley or green onions for a fresh pop of color and flavor right before serving.

How to Serve Sour Cream Chicken

Garnishes

Adding fresh garnishes like chopped parsley or sliced green onions not only creates a beautiful presentation but also cuts through the richness with a gentle brightness. They give the dish a fresh contrast that’s both visually appealing and palate-refreshing.

Side Dishes

Because Sour Cream Chicken is rich and indulgent, pairing it with lighter side dishes balances the meal perfectly. Try fluffy steamed rice, buttery mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad. Roasted vegetables, especially asparagus or green beans, also complement the creamy chicken wonderfully and bring a welcome texture.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress your guests? Serve the Sour Cream Chicken atop a bed of buttery egg noodles or spoon the sauce over roasted potatoes for a rustic yet elegant look. You can also slice the chicken and arrange it over a mixed green salad for a hearty main course salad that feels special and satisfying.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Sour Cream Chicken keeps beautifully in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container. It stays fresh for up to 3 days, making it a convenient choice for next-day lunches or quick dinners. The flavors actually deepen after resting!

Freezing

If you want to prepare this dish in advance, you can freeze it after baking. Freeze in a freezer-safe container or tightly wrapped foil for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep the texture nice and tender.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the chicken gently in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 15-20 minutes, or microwave in intervals to avoid drying out. Cover the dish loosely while reheating to keep the sauce creamy and the chicken moist.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! While cheddar adds a classic tangy flavor, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses work wonderfully too. Feel free to experiment with your favorites for different flavor profiles.

Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

For a dairy-free version, you can substitute sour cream with a coconut cream or cashew-based cream alternative, and use a dairy-free cheese substitute. Keep in mind the flavor and texture will be a bit different but still delicious.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs are a great alternative and tend to be even more tender and flavorful. Adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take longer to reach the safe internal temperature.

What if I don’t have garlic powder or onion powder?

You can use fresh minced garlic and finely chopped onions if you prefer. Just sauté them slightly before mixing with the sour cream to mellow the flavors and avoid any raw pungency.

Can this recipe be made in a slow cooker?

It can, but you’ll want to reserve the cheese topping until the last 15 minutes of cooking to prevent it from overcooking. Cook the chicken on low for 4-6 hours with the sour cream mixture, then add cheese and continue until melted and bubbly.

Final Thoughts

This Sour Cream Chicken is one of those recipes that feels like a trusted friend in the kitchen—reliable, comforting, and full of flavor. Its simplicity belies the richness packed into every bite, making it a fantastic choice for busy nights or casual gatherings. I can’t recommend it enough; once you try it, I’m certain it will become a staple in your meal rotation, bringing creamy, cheesy joy to your table every time.

Sour Cream Chicken Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 17 reviews

Author: Ella
Total Time: 50-55 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Salt

Print Recipe

Description

Sour Cream Chicken is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting baked chicken dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners. Tender chicken breasts are smothered in a savory sour cream mixture, topped with melted cheddar cheese, and baked to juicy perfection.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Sour Cream Mixture

1 ½ cups sour cream
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper

Toppings

1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a cheese blend)
1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter (for greasing the baking dish)
Optional: chopped parsley or green onions for garnish

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Prepare Sour Cream Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well blended to create a smooth, flavorful sauce.
Arrange Chicken: Place the chicken breasts evenly in the prepared baking dish. Spread the sour cream mixture evenly over the top of each chicken breast, ensuring full coverage.
Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the sour cream layer. For extra cheesiness, you can mix some cheese into the sour cream mixture before spreading it.
Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. This allows the chicken to cook through while keeping it moist.
Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden, and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Rest and Garnish: Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes after removing from the oven. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions for a fresh, vibrant finish, then serve warm.

Notes

For extra flavor, consider mixing some shredded cheese into the sour cream mixture before spreading over the chicken.
You can substitute cheddar cheese with a cheese blend or mozzarella for a different taste and texture.
Ensure chicken breasts are uniform in size for even cooking.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
This recipe pairs well with steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh green salad.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American