Description
This Smothered Cheesy Sour Cream Chicken is a creamy, flavorful baked chicken dish featuring tender chicken breasts topped with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, smothered in a rich sour cream mixture with herbs and garlic. Perfectly baked to achieve a cheesy golden crust, it makes a comforting main course served over rice and garnished with fresh parsley.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Cheese and Dairy
- 4 slices mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated, not powdered
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (for topping)
Herbs and Seasonings
- 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
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the chicken.
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Lightly coat a 9×13-inch rectangular baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Mix the Sour Cream Sauce: In a bowl, combine the sour cream, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, dried oregano, dried basil, garlic powder, and corn starch. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated into a smooth sauce.
- Arrange Chicken Breasts: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts evenly in the prepared baking dish in a single layer.
- Add Mozzarella Slices: Place one slice of mozzarella cheese on top of each chicken breast, covering them evenly.
- Smother with Sour Cream Mixture: Spoon the sour cream and Parmesan mixture generously over each chicken breast, ensuring they are fully coated with the creamy sauce.
- Add Final Parmesan Topping: Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the sour cream mixture on top of the chicken.
- Bake the Chicken: Place the baking dish uncovered in the oven and bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour. Cooking time depends on the thickness of the chicken breasts; bake until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese topping is bubbly and slightly golden.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve the smothered cheesy sour cream chicken hot, ideally over cooked rice. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Notes
- If chicken breasts are very thick, consider pounding them to an even thickness for more even baking.
- The corn starch helps to thicken the sour cream mixture during baking to create a creamy sauce.
- You can substitute mozzarella with provolone or Monterey Jack cheese if preferred.
- Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes to 1 hour
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
