If you’ve ever looked into your fridge at 5:42 p.m., praying for dinner inspiration while your kids yell about missing socks and your inbox pings like popcorn—this one’s for you. Sour Cream Chicken is the weeknight wonder we all need: creamy, cheesy, quick, and comforting enough to feel like a warm hug in casserole form.
This recipe is one of those “where have you been all my life?” dinners. With just a handful of pantry staples and zero fancy moves, you’ll be dishing out a meal that tastes like you fussed (you didn’t).
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Sour Cream Chicken
Let’s start with the obvious: sour cream. It’s tangy, luscious, and turns plain chicken into a crave-worthy comfort dish. Add cheddar cheese, a whisper of garlic and onion powder, and boom—flavor fireworks.
Whether you’re feeding picky eaters, entertaining guests, or just need a cozy dinner that won’t have you scrubbing pans till 10 p.m., this recipe hits the sweet spot.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s your grocery list for the magic to happen:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 ½ cups sour cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or any cheese blend you love)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter
- Optional: chopped parsley or green onions for garnish
Step-by-Step: Cheesy Sour Cream Chicken
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Set your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a baking dish with butter or cooking spray—because who wants to scrape off baked-on cheese later?
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Dream
In a bowl, combine sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and dreamy.
Step 3: Chicken Down
Place your chicken breasts in the dish like little flavor sponges waiting to soak it all up. Spread that sour cream mixture generously over each piece—no skimping!
Step 4: Say Cheese
Sprinkle shredded cheese on top. For extra cheesiness (because why not?), stir a little cheese into the sour cream before slathering it on.
Step 5: Bake and Bubble
Cover loosely with foil and bake for 25–30 minutes. Then uncover and let it cook another 10–15 minutes until golden, bubbly, and irresistible. Check that the chicken hits 165°F internally—safety first!
Step 6: Garnish and Glory
Let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with parsley or green onions if you’re feeling fancy, and serve while warm and gooey.
Aneta’s Tip: Flavor Boost Ahead!
Want to level it up? Add a dash of smoked paprika or chopped cooked bacon to the sour cream mix. Or swap in pepper jack cheese if you like a little kick. This dish is flexible like your favorite pair of yoga pants—comforting, forgiving, and always makes you feel good.
My Chicken Love Story
This sour cream chicken became my go-to after a long week juggling work, school runs, and everything in between. One night, I threw it together with what I had on hand—and my family went silent at the table. The good kind of silent. That’s when I knew we had a keeper.
FAQs About Sour Cream Chicken
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Absolutely! It’ll be a bit tangier and lighter, but still delicious.
What if I only have chicken thighs?
Go for it. Just adjust baking time slightly if they’re bone-in—aim for that 165°F temp.
How do I store leftovers?
Pop them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They reheat beautifully in the microwave or oven.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble everything, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to eat—just add a few extra minutes if it’s going straight from fridge to oven.
Conclusion
When it comes to easy comfort food, Sour Cream Chicken checks all the boxes. It’s quick enough for Tuesday nights and delicious enough for Sunday dinner. Plus, it’s a real crowd-pleaser—cheesy, creamy, and oh-so-satisfying.
So next time you’re staring down dinner duty without a plan, remember this dish. It’s proof that simple ingredients can deliver magic (and melt a little stress away).
Discover More Creamy Chicken Comforts
If this Sour Cream Chicken stole your heart (and your dinner table), you’ll love exploring more of our flavor-packed, easy-to-make chicken creations. Here are a few cozy favorites that pair perfectly with your weeknight routine:
- Craving more rich, savory goodness? Try our Creamy Dijon Chicken—a tangy, velvety masterpiece that’s just as effortless as tonight’s dish.
- Want a baked classic with a twist? Don’t miss the Baked Chicken Stroganoff for that hearty, home-style vibe.
- Love meals that are bold and globally inspired? Check out Basil Chicken with Coconut Curry Sauce to spice things up while staying creamy.
- For a pasta lover’s dream that’s still super satisfying, our Marsala Chicken Orzo brings comfort food to a whole new level.
These recipes complement your kitchen’s new MVP—Sour Cream Chicken—by delivering more variety, warmth, and flavor, without the stress. Bookmark a few, and let the magic keep cooking !
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Sour Cream Chicken
- Total Time: 50 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Sour Cream Chicken is a creamy, cheesy, and crowd-pleasing dinner that comes together quickly with simple ingredients. It’s the ultimate comfort food for busy nights—tender chicken baked in a tangy sour cream sauce and topped with golden melted cheddar.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 ½ cups sour cream
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a cheese blend)
1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter
Optional: chopped parsley or green onions for garnish
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
In a bowl, combine sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Place chicken breasts in the prepared dish. Spread the sour cream mixture evenly over the top.
Sprinkle shredded cheese over the sour cream layer. (Optional: mix some cheese into the sour cream too!)
Cover loosely with foil and bake for 25–30 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and chicken reaches 165°F internally.
Rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with parsley or green onions and serve warm.
Notes
You can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a lighter version.
Try adding cooked paprika, or pepper jack cheese for extra flavor.
Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat beautifully.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 40 mins
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg