Description
This hearty and comforting Smothered Cheesy Sour Cream Chicken recipe features tender chicken breasts baked in a creamy, cheesy sauce made with sour cream, mozzarella, Parmesan, and aromatic herbs. It’s an easy one-dish meal perfect for family dinners, delivering rich flavors and a luscious texture served over rice and garnished with fresh parsley.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 slices mozzarella cheese
- Parsley, chopped, for garnish
Sauce
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (not powdered)
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (not powdered), for topping
- 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
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the chicken evenly.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly coat a 9x13 inch rectangular baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the sour cream, half a cup of grated Parmesan cheese, corn starch, dried oregano, dried basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until well blended.
- Arrange Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts evenly spaced in the prepared baking dish.
- Add Mozzarella Slices: Place one slice of mozzarella cheese on top of each chicken breast, allowing it to melt and become gooey while baking.
- Smother with Sauce: Spoon the sour cream mixture evenly over each mozzarella-topped chicken breast, ensuring they are well covered for maximum flavor.
- Top with Parmesan: Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the sour cream mixture to create a golden crust while baking.
- Bake: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 45 minutes to 1 hour. Cooking time depends on the thickness of the chicken breasts. Bake until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature 165°F) and the topping is bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Serve the cheesy smothered chicken breasts over cooked rice and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of color and freshness.
Notes
- To test chicken doneness, use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for better texture and flavor compared to powdered versions.
- If preferred, you can substitute mozzarella with provolone or Monterey Jack cheese for a different melting profile.
- For a lower-fat option, use reduced-fat sour cream and cheeses.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently in the oven or microwave.
- Serve with steamed vegetables or a side salad to complete the meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes to 1 hour
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
