The combination of tender, juicy chicken breasts and a rich topping of sour cream and melted cheddar makes this dish an instant comfort food classic. The creamy topping bubbles into a golden crust during baking, locking in moisture and adding a satisfying richness that pairs perfectly with simple sides like mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables.
Whether you’re preparing dinner for your family or hosting guests, this dish offers both simplicity and decadence. It’s quick enough for busy weeknights but delicious enough to serve at special gatherings. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, this cheesy sour cream chicken is sure to win hearts at the dinner table.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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1 cup sour cream
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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1/2 teaspoon paprika
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/2 teaspoon black pepper
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1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1/2 cup mayonnaise (optional for extra richness)
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1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing)
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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In a mixing bowl, combine sour cream, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and optional mayonnaise. Mix until smooth.
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Pat chicken breasts dry and lightly season with additional salt and pepper.
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Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken on both sides until lightly browned (2–3 minutes per side).
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Place the seared chicken in a baking dish and generously spread the sour cream-cheese mixture on top.
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Sprinkle grated Parmesan evenly over the top.
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Bake for 25–30 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the topping is golden and bubbly.
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Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 420 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Smothered Cheesy Sour Cream Chicken: The Ultimate Comfort Food Classic
When it comes to comfort food, nothing quite compares to the warm, creamy, cheesy satisfaction of a baked chicken dish. Smothered Cheesy Sour Cream Chicken is the kind of recipe that brings people together. It’s hearty, delicious, and made with simple pantry ingredients yet it feels like something special every time you make it. Whether you’re whipping up a quick weeknight dinner or preparing a cozy weekend meal for the whole family, this recipe fits the bill perfectly.
Baked until golden and bubbly, this dish layers juicy, seared chicken breasts with a creamy mixture of sour cream, cheddar cheese, herbs, and spices, then finishes it all off with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan. The result? A melt-in-your-mouth chicken entrée with a savory tang from the sour cream and a rich depth of flavor that feels like something out of your favorite homestyle diner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s so much to love about this dish beyond its ooey-gooey, cheesy finish. First, it’s incredibly simple to make, ideal for beginner cooks or anyone short on time. All you need is one bowl to mix the topping and one baking dish to cook everything in. It’s also easily customizable: you can use chicken thighs instead of breasts, try different cheeses, or spice it up with jalapeños or a dash of cayenne.
The sour cream gives the dish a creamy tang, balancing the richness of the cheeses. Garlic and onion powders add warmth, while paprika gives a gentle smokiness and a beautiful golden hue when baked. The chicken turns out succulent every time, thanks to the moisture trapped in by the creamy topping.
Key Ingredients and Their Benefits
Let’s break down the main ingredients and what each one brings to the table:
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Chicken Breasts: A lean source of protein that becomes incredibly tender when baked under a creamy topping.
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Sour Cream: Adds moisture, tanginess, and a luscious texture to the dish.
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Cheddar Cheese: Offers sharpness and richness; it melts beautifully and forms that crave-worthy top layer.
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Parmesan Cheese: Brings a salty, umami flavor and helps create a golden crust.
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Garlic and Onion Powder: Essential pantry spices that give depth and a homestyle vibe.
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Paprika: Adds mild smokiness and beautiful color.
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Mayonnaise (optional): Enhances creaminess and richness for those who like an extra-indulgent dish.
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Fresh Parsley: Offers a pop of color and freshness as a final garnish.
Tips for Success
To make sure your Smothered Cheesy Sour Cream Chicken turns out perfect every time, keep these tips in mind:
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Sear first for flavor: Giving your chicken breasts a quick sear before baking locks in juices and adds flavor from the browned exterior.
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Use full-fat dairy: Full-fat sour cream and cheese provide the best texture and taste. Low-fat versions can make the topping watery or grainy.
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Rest before serving: Allow the baked chicken to rest for about 5 minutes after removing it from the oven. This helps the juices redistribute and makes for a better bite.
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Don’t overbake: Bake until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Overbaking will cause it to dry out, even under the creamy topping.
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Use a meat thermometer: To get perfectly cooked chicken every time, a meat thermometer is your best friend.
What to Serve with Smothered Cheesy Sour Cream Chicken
This dish is rich and creamy, so pairing it with lighter sides can help balance the meal. Here are a few perfect pairings:
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Mashed potatoes or garlic mashed cauliflower: These creamy sides soak up the cheesy sauce perfectly.
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Steamed green beans or broccoli: Their freshness cuts through the richness of the dish.
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A crisp garden salad: Adds a refreshing crunch and balances out the heaviness.
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Buttered egg noodles or rice: Both make a comforting, simple starch to complete the meal.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
This dish is also ideal for meal prepping or make-ahead dinners.
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To make ahead: Assemble everything in your baking dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready to serve.
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To store leftovers: Place in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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To reheat: Microwave individual servings or reheat in a 300°F (150°C) oven until warmed through. Cover loosely with foil to retain moisture.
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To freeze: Freeze the baked dish tightly covered for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.
Variations to Try
Want to switch things up? Try one of these delicious variations:
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Tex-Mex Twist: Add a packet of taco seasoning to the sour cream mix, swap cheddar for a Mexican blend, and top with sliced jalapeños.
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Bacon Lover’s Dream: Add cooked crumbled bacon on top before baking.
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Spinach and Artichoke: Mix in a half cup of chopped spinach and canned artichokes for a creamy, veggie-packed twist.
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Mushroom and Thyme: Add sautéed mushrooms and a dash of thyme for an earthy, comforting flavor combo.
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Buffalo Chicken Bake: Stir buffalo sauce into the sour cream mixture and top with blue cheese crumbles for a spicy spin.
Why It Works for Any Season
This recipe isn’t just for chilly winter nights. It’s cozy and hearty in the colder months but also works beautifully in summer alongside a fresh green salad. It’s versatile, reliable, and delicious all year round. The minimal prep also makes it a go-to when you don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen but still crave a satisfying, home-cooked meal.
Nutritional Profile (per serving, approx.)
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Calories: 420 kcal
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Protein: 35g
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Carbohydrates: 3g
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Fat: 28g
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Fiber: 0g
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Sugar: 1g
While it’s not low-fat, it is low in carbs and high in protein, making it suitable for low-carb and keto diets with a few minor adjustments (like omitting mayonnaise or using a reduced-fat cheese).
Conclusion
Smothered Cheesy Sour Cream Chicken is more than just a baked chicken recipe; it’s a creamy, comforting, and satisfying meal that feels indulgent without being fussy. With easy prep, common ingredients, and guaranteed crowd-pleasing flavor, it’s a staple that deserves a place in every home cook’s repertoire.
From busy weeknights to special family dinners, this dish delivers flavor and comfort in every bite. Whether you stick with the classic or get creative with your own variations, it’s one recipe that’s sure to be requested again and again.
So go ahead, preheat that oven and your next favorite chicken dinner is just 40 minutes away.