Quick & Creamy Cheesy Sour Cream Chicken Bake Recipe for Dinner

Smothered cheesy sour cream chicken revamps ordinary poultry into a luxurious culinary experience.

Rich, velvety layers of dairy-based goodness blanket succulent meat with incredible depth and warmth.

Home cooks appreciate how effortlessly this recipe elevates weeknight dining into something extraordinary.

Creamy textures merge with savory undertones, creating a harmonious blend that feels simultaneously nostalgic and innovative.

Complex flavors emerge from simple ingredients, promising a meal that delights without demanding complicated techniques.

Each bite delivers a comforting, indulgent sensation that speaks to fundamental cooking pleasures.

Gather your ingredients and prepare for a dining experience that promises pure satisfaction.

Why Smothered Cheesy Sour Cream Chicken Feels Like a Warm Hug on a Plate

• Creamy Comfort Explosion: Dive into a dish that wraps you in pure, velvety richness with its decadent sour cream and melted cheese coating every single bite of tender chicken.
• Effortless Gourmet Magic: Transform basic ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal with minimal prep work, using just one baking dish and simple mixing technique that guarantees foolproof deliciousness.
• Protein-Packed Pleasure: Boasting an impressive 40g of protein per serving, this recipe delivers a nutritious powerhouse that keeps you satisfied and supports muscle health while tasting absolutely incredible.

What Goes into Smothered Cheesy Sour Cream Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: Tender and lean protein base for the dish, boneless and skinless preferred for even cooking.

• Sour Cream, Parmesan Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Creamy base that adds rich flavor and helps keep chicken moist, full-fat versions recommended for best taste.

• Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce and create a smooth texture, use fresh and clump-free cornstarch.
• Seasonings: Essential for enhancing overall flavor profile of the chicken dish.

How to Prepare Smothered Cheesy Sour Cream Chicken Without the Fuss

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.

Step 2: Arrange Chicken

Place the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish, positioning them evenly.

Step 3: Create Creamy Sauce

• Sour cream
• Parmesan cheese
• Cornstarch
• Seasonings (salt, pepper, garlic powder)

Whisk the ingredients until smooth and well blended.

Step 4: Add Cheese Topping

Top each chicken breast with a slice of mozzarella cheese.

Step 5: Smother with Sauce

Pour the prepared creamy sauce evenly over the chicken breasts, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 60 minutes.

Step 7: Check for Doneness

Verify the chicken is fully cooked and the cheese has turned golden and bubbly.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes before serving to let the flavors settle and make cutting easier.

Tips That Make Smothered Cheesy Sour Cream Chicken Even Richer

• Select Quality Chicken: Choose thick, even-sized chicken breasts to ensure uniform cooking and prevent dry edges.
• Prevent Sauce Separation: Whisk sour cream mixture gently and avoid overheating to maintain a smooth, creamy consistency.
• Cheese Melting Trick: Let mozzarella slice slightly overlap chicken edges for beautiful golden-brown crispy cheese corners.
• Moisture-Locking Technique: Cover baking dish with foil for the first 40 minutes to keep chicken tender and prevent excessive browning.
• Season Generously: Don't be shy with herbs and spices – they'll elevate the dish's overall flavor profile and make each bite more exciting.

The Best Way to Store and Reheat Smothered Cheesy Sour Cream Chicken

• Refrigerate: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within two hours of cooking. Gently place the chicken pieces in the container, keeping them whole to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Freeze: Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Chicken will stay delicious for up to three months when properly sealed.
• Reheat: Warm refrigerated chicken in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent moisture loss. For frozen chicken, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Microwave as a quick alternative, but be careful not to overcook – use 30-second intervals and check the temperature to ensure the chicken remains juicy and tender.

Side Dishes That Bring Out the Best in Smothered Cheesy Sour Cream Chicken

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: A chilled sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio cuts through the richness of the cheesy chicken, balancing its creamy texture with bright, zesty notes.
• Serve Alongside Roasted Vegetable Medley: Herb-roasted asparagus, carrots, and Brussels sprouts complement the dish's savory profile, adding color and nutritional balance to the plate.
• Match with Garlic Herb Bread: Warm, crusty bread helps soak up the extra creamy sauce, creating a delightful way to enjoy every last drop of the mouthwatering chicken's delectable coating.
• Recommend Fresh Arugula Salad: A light, peppery salad with lemon vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the heavy, cheesy chicken, cleansing the palate between bites.

Smothered Cheesy Sour Cream Chicken Variations You’ll Want to Try

• Mediterranean Herb Chicken: Replace Parmesan with crumbled feta cheese and add oregano, basil, and thyme to create a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwestern Chicken: Incorporate diced green chiles, chili powder, and swap mozzarella for pepper jack cheese for a zesty southwestern kick.
• Ranch-Style Chicken: Mix in dry ranch seasoning packet with the sour cream sauce and sprinkle crispy bacon bits on top for extra richness and crunch.
• Low-Carb Keto Version: Substitute cornstarch with almond flour and use full-fat sour cream to maintain the creamy texture while reducing carbohydrates.

Cheesy Sour Cream Chicken Bake Recipe

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4.6 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Smothered Cheesy Sour Cream Chicken delivers comfort straight from Southern kitchens with creamy, rich layers of flavor. Melted cheese and tangy sour cream embrace tender chicken, creating a hearty meal that welcomes you to savor each delicious bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Cheese:

• 4 slices mozzarella cheese
• ¾ cup (180 ml) Parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Thickeners:

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt (to taste)
• Black pepper (to taste)

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 ml) sour cream

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating it to 375°F (190°C) and thoroughly coat a 9×13-inch (23×33 centimeters) baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
2. Arrange the raw chicken breasts in a single layer within the prepared baking dish, ensuring they are evenly spaced for consistent cooking.
3. Create a luxurious sauce by whisking together full-fat sour cream, finely grated Parmesan cheese, cornstarch, garlic powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until smooth and well-combined.
4. Carefully place a thick slice of mozzarella cheese directly on top of each chicken breast, covering the surface completely.
5. Pour the creamy sauce evenly over the cheese-topped chicken, making sure each piece is generously coated and no areas are left exposed.
6. Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and cook for 55-65 minutes, monitoring the internal temperature of the chicken until it reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Once cooked, remove the dish from the oven and allow the chicken to rest for 5-7 minutes, which helps the juices redistribute and ensures maximum tenderness.
8. Serve the smothered cheesy chicken hot, garnishing with fresh chopped parsley or green onions for added color and flavor if desired.

Notes

• Leftovers stay fresh and delicious when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheat gently in the microwave or oven to prevent drying out the tender chicken.
• Pair this dish with roasted vegetables or a crisp salad for a complete meal that satisfies every craving.
• Low-fat sour cream works perfectly if you’re watching calories, maintaining the same creamy texture.
• Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives can add a bright, zesty garnish just before serving.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking, Frying, Sautéing, Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450 kcal
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 720mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 40g
• Cholesterol: 120mg