Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich, Creamy Flavor: The combination of sour cream and cheeses creates a luscious sauce that enhances the chicken’s natural juiciness.
- Minimal Prep: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, this dish is quick and easy to prepare.
- Family-Friendly: The mild, cheesy flavors appeal to both kids and adults, making it a great choice for family dinners.
- Versatile Pairings: Pairs well with various sides like rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables, allowing for a complete and customizable meal.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup sour cream
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 4 slices mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish in a single layer. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Mix Sour Cream Sauce: In a bowl, combine sour cream, ½ cup of the Parmesan cheese, cornstarch, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and well-blended.
- Assemble Dish: Place a slice of mozzarella cheese on top of each chicken breast. Evenly spread the sour cream mixture over the chicken breasts. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 60 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes after baking. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe serves 4.
- Preparation Time: Approximately 10 minutes.
- Cooking Time: About 60 minutes.
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sour cream mixture for a spicy version.
- Herb Infusion: Substitute oregano with Italian seasoning or add fresh herbs like thyme or basil for a different flavor profile.
- Lower-Calorie Option: Use low-fat sour cream and part-skim mozzarella to reduce calorie content without sacrificing flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through, or microwave on medium power until heated, ensuring the chicken doesn’t dry out.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used. Adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
2. Is it possible to prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the dish up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
3. Can I substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream?
Yes, Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute for sour cream, offering a similar tangy flavor with fewer calories.
4. What sides pair well with this dish?
This chicken pairs well with rice, mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh green salad.
5. How can I tell if the chicken is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
7. What other cheeses can I use?
Provolone or cheddar can be used as alternatives to mozzarella for a different flavor.
8. How do I prevent the cheese from burning?
If the cheese starts to brown too quickly, cover the dish loosely with foil during baking.
9. Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Yes, adding sautéed spinach or mushrooms can enhance the dish’s flavor and nutritional value.
10. Is it necessary to use cornstarch in the recipe?
Cornstarch helps thicken the sour cream mixture, but if unavailable, you can omit it; the sauce may be slightly thinner.
Conclusion
Smothered Cheesy Sour Cream Chicken is a delightful, easy-to-make dish that combines creamy and cheesy elements to create a comforting meal. With its rich flavors and simple preparation, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy this dish with your preferred sides for a satisfying dining experience.
Smothered Cheesy Sour Cream Chicken
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Smothered Cheesy Sour Cream Chicken is a comforting, creamy dish featuring tender chicken breasts topped with a rich sour cream sauce, melted mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Perfect for family dinners, this easy-to-make recipe is both flavorful and versatile.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup sour cream
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 4 slices mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare Chicken: Arrange chicken breasts in the dish in a single layer. Season with salt and pepper.
- Mix Sauce: In a bowl, combine sour cream, ½ cup Parmesan cheese, cornstarch, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth.
- Assemble Dish: Place a slice of mozzarella on each chicken breast. Spread the sour cream mixture evenly over the chicken, then sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake: Bake for 60 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Rest & Serve: Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley, if desired.
Notes
- To make it spicier, add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
- Substitute oregano with Italian seasoning for a different flavor.
- For a lighter version, use low-fat sour cream and part-skim mozzarella.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
