Easy Sour Cream Chicken – Creamy, Cheesy, and Delicious
Craving dinner that's rich, comforting, and effortlessly delicious? This Easy Sour Cream Chicken hits all the right notes with juicy chicken breasts baked in a creamy, cheesy sauce made from pantry staples. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, it feels indulgent yet is incredibly simple to prepare.
With a luscious blend of sour cream, cheese, garlic, and just a dash of seasoning, this dish brings ultimate comfort in every bite. Serve it with rice, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up every last drop of the creamy goodness!
Ingredients
🥩 Chicken & Pantry
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
🧄 Flavor Base
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder optional, for added flavor
🥛 Creamy Sauce
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese or Monterey Jack
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley plus extra for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
- Heat oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the chicken for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden.
- Remove chicken and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
- Lower heat to medium. Add garlic (and onion powder if using), sauté until fragrant (30 seconds).
- Reduce heat to low, then stir in sour cream, cheddar, and Parmesan until smooth and creamy.
- Stir in chopped parsley.
Step 4: Combine & Bake
- Nestle chicken breasts into the creamy sauce in the skillet.
- Transfer skillet to oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F and sauce bubbles.
Step 5: Serve
- Garnish with extra parsley and serve chicken smothered in sauce.
- Pair with rice, pasta, roasted potatoes, or steamed veggies.
Notes
💡 Variations
Cheddar Jalapeño: Stir in diced jalapeño peppers with the cheese for a spicy kick. Bacon Lovers: Top with cooked crispy bacon pieces before baking. Mushroom Twist: Sauté sliced mushrooms before adding garlic for an earthy touch. Italian Version: Swap cheddar for mozzarella and Parmesan; add Italian seasoning to the sauce. Low-Carb Option: Skip starches and serve over cauliflower rice or a bed of greens. 🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Freezer: Freeze sauce separately or cover, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheating: Oven: Warm at 325°F for 10–15 minutes. Microwave: Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring sauce between rounds. ❓ 10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use chicken thighs instead?
Yes! Boneless thighs work great and stay juicy. Is sour cream interchangeable with Greek yogurt?
You can substitute Greek yogurt, but it may be tangier and slightly thicker. Can I add vegetables to bake with it?
Absolutely—spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers make excellent additions. Can this be made ahead?
Yes—prepare sauce and chicken, assemble, refrigerate, and bake when ready. What cheese works best?
Cheddar or Monterey Jack melt beautifully; Parmesan adds savory richness. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Ensure the sour cream and cheese are certified gluten-free. How spicy is this recipe?
It’s mild and creamy—add crushed red pepper or jalapeños if you like heat. Can it be doubled for a crowd?
Yes—use two skillets or a larger casserole dish; bake a few extra minutes. Does the sauce separate when reheated?
If separated, whisk gently with a splash of cream or milk to restore creaminess. What should I pair it with?
Think mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, steamed veggies, or crisp salad.
🏁 Conclusion
This Easy Sour Cream Chicken delivers all the creamy, cheesy goodness you crave—without complicated steps or ingredients. Juicy chicken breasts nestled in a rich sour cream sauce, baked until bubbly, make for a meal that’s both satisfying and simple. Whether you're cooking for loved ones or treating yourself, this dish brings warmth and flavor to the table—every single time. Serve it with your favorite sides and enjoy every delicious bite! 🧀✨
Cheddar Jalapeño: Stir in diced jalapeño peppers with the cheese for a spicy kick. Bacon Lovers: Top with cooked crispy bacon pieces before baking. Mushroom Twist: Sauté sliced mushrooms before adding garlic for an earthy touch. Italian Version: Swap cheddar for mozzarella and Parmesan; add Italian seasoning to the sauce. Low-Carb Option: Skip starches and serve over cauliflower rice or a bed of greens. 🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Freezer: Freeze sauce separately or cover, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheating: Oven: Warm at 325°F for 10–15 minutes. Microwave: Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring sauce between rounds. ❓ 10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use chicken thighs instead?
Yes! Boneless thighs work great and stay juicy. Is sour cream interchangeable with Greek yogurt?
You can substitute Greek yogurt, but it may be tangier and slightly thicker. Can I add vegetables to bake with it?
Absolutely—spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers make excellent additions. Can this be made ahead?
Yes—prepare sauce and chicken, assemble, refrigerate, and bake when ready. What cheese works best?
Cheddar or Monterey Jack melt beautifully; Parmesan adds savory richness. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Ensure the sour cream and cheese are certified gluten-free. How spicy is this recipe?
It’s mild and creamy—add crushed red pepper or jalapeños if you like heat. Can it be doubled for a crowd?
Yes—use two skillets or a larger casserole dish; bake a few extra minutes. Does the sauce separate when reheated?
If separated, whisk gently with a splash of cream or milk to restore creaminess. What should I pair it with?
Think mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, steamed veggies, or crisp salad.
🏁 Conclusion
This Easy Sour Cream Chicken delivers all the creamy, cheesy goodness you crave—without complicated steps or ingredients. Juicy chicken breasts nestled in a rich sour cream sauce, baked until bubbly, make for a meal that’s both satisfying and simple. Whether you're cooking for loved ones or treating yourself, this dish brings warmth and flavor to the table—every single time. Serve it with your favorite sides and enjoy every delicious bite! 🧀✨