Smothered Cheesy Sour Cream Chicken

There’s something magical about cozy evenings spent in the kitchen, don’t you think? Picture this: you’ve had a long day, and all you want is a dish that wraps you in warmth and satisfaction. Enter Smothered Cheesy Sour Cream Chicken—a recipe that’s become my kitchen companion for its creamy richness and delightful cheesiness. Not only does it fill your belly, but it also hugs your soul in the best way possible.

Why you’ll love this recipe

So, why should this recipe be on your dinner table tonight? First off, it’s incredibly effortless—perfect for when you want a home-cooked meal but don’t have hours to spend. Each bite promises a harmonious blend of creamy sour cream, cheesy goodness, and tender chicken that melts away any worries of the day. Imagine the sharp, salty taste of Parmesan perfectly balanced with gooey, bubbling mozzarella that creates a comforting embrace around juicy chicken.

This dish is an ultimate crowd-pleaser, whether you’re cooking for a family, entertaining friends, or even just treating yourself. Plus, it has hidden health benefits—think protein-packed chicken paired with probiotic-rich sour cream! You’ll find yourself basking in compliments and satisfied bellies, and let’s face it, who doesn’t love hearing “This is so good!” after just one bite?

Gather these ingredients

Let’s round up the ingredients that will make this delicious meal come together. Here’s what you’ll need to fill your kitchen:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The base of our dish, providing protein and juiciness. Feel free to use chicken thighs if you prefer something even more succulent.

• 1 cup sour cream: This is your secret weapon for creating a creamy, tangy sauce. If you’re watching your fat intake, you can swap it for Greek yogurt—just as creamy and packed with probiotics!

• 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: This is where the umami kicks in. The first half will make the sauce multifaceted, while the second half will create that irresistible crispy topping.

• 4 slices mozzarella cheese: Ah, mozzarella—the gooier, the better. This adds that melty texture we’re all after. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could swap this for provolone for a different flavor profile.

• 1 tbsp cornstarch: A little magic for thickening our sauce. If you want to keep it gluten-free, you’re all set with cornstarch!

• 1 tsp dried oregano: This adds a whisper of herby freshness. You could use Italian seasoning if that’s what you have on hand.

• 1 tsp garlic powder: Because garlic is life! This will enhance the flavor depth wonderfully.

• Salt and black pepper: Season to your taste for a perfecting touch!

The cooking process explained

Now that we have our ingredients assembled, let’s dive into the magic of cooking this dish together!

1. Preheat your oven: Crank it up to 375°F (190°C) to get it nice and toasty.

2. Prepare your baking dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This step is key! A greased dish makes cleanup a breeze and ensures nothing sticks.

3. Arranging the chicken: Place those lovely chicken breasts in the prepared dish, giving them plenty of space to breathe—think of it as their little stage.

4. Create the creamy mixture: In a mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup sour cream, 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese, cornstarch, oregano, garlic powder, and some salt and pepper. Keep stirring until everything melds beautifully into a silky sauce.

5. Top with mozzarella: Lay one slice of mozzarella on each chicken breast. This will give those beauties a cozy, cheesy crown!

6. Spread the sauce: Now, drizzle that creamy mixture all over the chicken, making sure they’re all generously slathered. Top with the remaining Parmesan cheese for that golden, bubbly finish.

7. Bake: Slide the dish into your preheated oven and let it work its magic for about 60 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temp of 165°F (74°C). You’re looking for that crispy, bubbly cheese perfection on top!

8. Rest: Once it’s done, let it sit for a few minutes before serving. This step is vital—it allows the flavors to meld and makes for a more delectable experience.

Best way to enjoy it

When it’s time to serve this delightful chicken, think comfort food vibes! I like to plate it over a bed of fluffy rice or alongside creamy mashed potatoes—the sauce is just begging to be soaked up. If you want to green things up a bit, snatch some steamed broccoli or a crisp side salad.

You might also try pairing it with a refreshing white wine, like Chardonnay, which cuts through the creaminess beautifully. And don’t forget crusty bread for that decadent sauce—what’s not to love?

Keeping leftovers fresh

If by chance you have any leftovers (let’s be real, that’s rare!), here’s how you can store them. Allow the dish to cool completely before sealing it in an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Reheating is easy—just pop it back in the oven at a low temp until it’s warmed through. You can freeze leftovers too, for up to 3 months; just remember to portion them out before freezing for easy defrosting later on.

Pro chef tips

A few insider tips to elevate your experience:

• Feel free to add some sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the sour cream mixture for extra flavor and nutrients.
• For a little crunch, sprinkle some panko breadcrumbs on top before baking. They’ll turn golden and add a delightful texture.
• Always taste your sauce as you go. Adjusting seasonings to your preference makes the dish your own.

Creative Twists

Why stick to the same recipe each time? If you’re feeling adventurous, here are a few variations to tickle your taste buds:

• Swap out the oregano for fresh thyme or basil for a fresh twist.
• Add a splash of hot sauce or pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
• If you want to make it Mexican-themed, toss in some taco seasoning instead of the oregano and serve with guacamole!

Ingredients list

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup sour cream
• 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (divided)
• 4 slices mozzarella cheese
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper

Directions to follow

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
3. Arrange chicken breasts in a single layer.
4. In a bowl, mix sour cream, 1/2 cup Parmesan, cornstarch, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
5. Place one slice of mozzarella on each chicken breast.
6. Spread the sour cream mixture over the chicken and sprinkle with remaining Parmesan.
7. Bake for about 60 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and cheese is bubbly.
8. Let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Your questions answered

1. How long does it take to prep?
   About 15-20 minutes, with another hour for baking.

2. Can I make this ahead?
   Absolutely! You can assemble it ahead of time and just pop it in the oven when you’re ready.

3. What sides pair best?
   Rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted veggies are all perfect companions!

4. How can I make this dish healthier?
   Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt, and pair it with more veggies.

5. Can I use different cheeses?
   Sure! Cheddar or gouda would work nicely in place of mozzarella.

I hope this savory dish finds its way into your family meals, just as it has graced mine. It’s creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-comforting, embodying everything we love about home cooking. So go ahead, give it a shot, and remember to let your creativity flow. Whether you stick to the classic or venture out with your own twists, you’re sure to create something heartwarming and delicious. Happy cooking!

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Smothered Cheesy Sour Cream Chicken

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time Cook Time Rest Time Total Time 85 hrs

Cooking Temp: 375  F Servings: 4 Estimated Cost: $ 15 Calories: 450

Description

A comforting dish of tender chicken breasts smothered in a creamy, cheesy sauce that is perfect for cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

Main Ingredients

• 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts (Use chicken thighs if preferred)
• 1 cup sour cream (Can substitute with Greek yogurt)
• ³⁄₄ cup grated Parmesan cheese (Divided into two parts)
• 4 pieces slices mozzarella cheese (Could swap for provolone)
• 1 tbsp cornstarch (Use for thickening)
• 1 tsp dried oregano (Can substitute with Italian seasoning)
• 1 tsp garlic powder (Enhances flavor)
• to taste salt and black pepper (Season as desired)

Cooking Instructions

Preparation

1. Preheat Oven

   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   Mark as complete

2. Grease Baker

   Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
   This helps with cleanup and prevents sticking.
   Mark as complete

3. Arrange Chicken

   Place the chicken breasts in the prepared dish.
   Give them space to breathe.
   Mark as complete

4. Mix Sauce

   In a bowl, whisk together sour cream, 1/2 cup Parmesan, cornstarch, oregano, garlic powder, and salt and pepper until smooth.
   Mark as complete

5. Top with Cheese

   Place one slice of mozzarella on each chicken breast.
   Mark as complete

6. Spread Creamy Mixture

   Drizzle the creamy mixture over the chicken, and top with remaining Parmesan.
   Mark as complete

7. Bake

   Bake for about 60 minutes until chicken reaches an internal temp of 165°F (74°C) and cheese is bubbly.
   Mark as complete

8. Rest and Serve

   Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
   This step allows flavors to meld.
   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 450kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 28g44%

Saturated Fat 14g70%

Trans Fat 0g

Cholesterol 120mg40%

Sodium 750mg32%

Potassium 550mg16%

Total Carbohydrate 5g2%

Dietary Fiber 0g

Sugars 1g

Protein 42g84%

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Vitamin A 800 IU

Vitamin C 2 mg

Calcium 500 mg

Iron 1.5 mg

Vitamin D 0 IU

Vitamin E 0 IU

Vitamin K 0 mcg

Thiamin 0 mg

Riboflavin 0.4 mg

Niacin 10 mg

Vitamin B6 0.6 mg

Folate 5 mcg

Vitamin B12 1.5 mcg

Biotin 0 mcg

Pantothenic Acid 0.8 mg

Phosphorus 400 mg

Iodine 0 mcg

Magnesium 30 mg

Zinc 3 mg

Selenium 30 mcg

Copper 0.1 mg

Manganese 0 mg

Chromium 0 mcg

Molybdenum 0 mcg

Chloride 0 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Feel free to customize with additional ingredients such as sautéed mushrooms or different cheese options.

Keywords: chicken, cheesy, creamy, comfort food