Smothered Cheesy Sour Cream Chicken Recipe

Introduction

This smothered cheesy sour cream chicken is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s easy to prepare. Tender chicken breasts are baked under a creamy, cheesy sauce with Italian herbs, creating a rich and satisfying meal perfect for any night of the week.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 4 slices mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (not powdered)
• 1 tablespoon corn starch
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, freshly ground
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper, freshly ground
• Parsley, chopped, for garnish
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (not powdered)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Step 2: Lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
3. Step 3: In a bowl, combine sour cream, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, oregano, basil, garlic powder, and corn starch. Mix well until smooth.
4. Step 4: Place the chicken breasts evenly in the prepared baking dish.
5. Step 5: Lay one slice of mozzarella cheese on top of each chicken breast.
6. Step 6: Spoon the sour cream mixture over each piece of chicken, fully smothering them.
7. Step 7: Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
8. Step 8: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the thickness of your chicken breasts, until cooked through and bubbly.
9. Step 9: Remove from oven and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve the chicken over rice or your favorite side.

Tips & Variations

• Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier meat and a richer flavor.
• Swap mozzarella for Monterey Jack or provolone cheese for a different cheese profile.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sour cream mixture if you prefer a little heat.
• If the sauce seems too thick, stir in a splash of milk before baking for creaminess.
• For a gluten-free version, ensure your corn starch is certified gluten-free.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave on medium power to avoid drying out the chicken.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I freeze smothered cheesy sour cream chicken?

Yes, you can freeze this dish before baking. Cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.

What can I serve with this chicken?

This rich chicken pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or a simple green vegetable like sautéed spinach or roasted broccoli to balance the creaminess.

Smothered Cheesy Sour Cream Chicken Recipe

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4.4 from 146 reviews

This Smothered Cheesy Sour Cream Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts baked in a creamy, cheesy sauce made with sour cream, mozzarella, Parmesan, and flavorful herbs. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, it’s baked to perfection and served with a fresh parsley garnish to brighten each bite.

• Author: Marco
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Cheese

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 4 slices mozzarella cheese
• 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (divided: 1/2 cup + 1/4 cup)

Sauce

• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon corn starch
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, freshly ground
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper, freshly ground

Garnish

• Parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the chicken.
2. Prepare Baking Dish: Coat a 9×13-inch rectangular baking dish with cooking spray to prevent the chicken from sticking.
3. Mix Sauce: In a bowl, combine the sour cream, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, salt, pepper, dried oregano, dried basil, garlic powder, and corn starch. Mix well until smooth to form the cheesy sour cream sauce.
4. Arrange Chicken: Place the chicken breasts evenly spaced in the prepared baking dish.
5. Add Mozzarella: Top each chicken breast with one slice of mozzarella cheese, ensuring full coverage.
6. Smother with Sauce: Spoon the sour cream and Parmesan mixture evenly over the mozzarella-topped chicken breasts, covering them thoroughly.
7. Add Remaining Parmesan: Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese on top of the sauce for an extra cheesy crust.
8. Bake: Bake the chicken uncovered in the preheated oven for 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the thickness of the breasts, until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is bubbly and golden on top.
9. Serve: Remove from oven and serve the smothered cheesy sour cream chicken over rice. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a bright finish.

Notes

• For best results, use fresh grated Parmesan rather than powdered to enhance flavor and texture.
• Adjust baking time according to the thickness of your chicken breasts to ensure they are fully cooked.
• Serve with steamed vegetables or a crisp salad for a balanced meal.
• You can substitute mozzarella with provolone or Monterey Jack for slight flavor variations.
• If sour cream is not available, Greek yogurt can be used as a healthier alternative.

Keywords: Cheesy chicken, sour cream chicken, baked chicken breasts, creamy chicken recipe, easy chicken dinner, Italian-inspired chicken