The Ultimate Cheesy Sour Cream Chicken Casserole Recipe

Creamy, indulgent cheesy sour cream chicken casserole upgrades ordinary dinners into extraordinary culinary experiences.

Comfort food doesn’t get more inviting than this rich, satisfying dish that promises pure deliciousness.

Southern kitchens have long celebrated these one-pan miracles that combine protein and dairy into something magical.

Layers of tender meat nestle beneath a blanket of melted cheese and silky sauce, creating irresistible textures.

Each forkful delivers a harmonious blend of savory and tangy flavors that dance across your palate.

Busy families will appreciate how quickly this crowd-pleaser comes together without compromising on taste or quality.

The secret lies in selecting fresh ingredients and allowing them to shine in perfect harmony.

Why This Chicken Casserole Is So Comforting

• Creamy Comfort Meets Cheesy Delight: This casserole delivers a luxurious blend of tender chicken smothered in a rich, velvety sour cream sauce that melts in your mouth with every bite.
• Effortless Gourmet Experience: Requiring minimal prep and basic ingredients, this recipe transforms simple chicken into a restaurant-worthy dish that looks impressive but takes less than an hour to create.
• Protein-Packed Nutrition Powerhouse: Boasting an incredible 44g of protein per serving, this meal supports muscle health while satisfying serious hunger with its hearty and filling profile.
• One-Pan Wonder: Streamline your cooking process with a single baking dish that goes from oven to table, reducing cleanup and making weeknight dinners a breeze for busy home cooks.

What Goes Into This Cheesy, Creamy Chicken Bake

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein base with mild flavor that pairs well with creamy sauces and easily absorbs seasoning.
• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Melty cheeses that provide rich, tangy flavor and create golden brown topping with delicious texture.

• Sour Cream: Smooth, tangy ingredient that creates rich sauce and helps keep chicken moist during baking.
• Cornstarch: Thickening agent that helps sauce maintain proper consistency and prevents separation.
• Oregano, Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper: Classic herb and spice blend that adds depth and enhances overall flavor profile.

• Parsley, Chives: Fresh herbs that provide bright color, mild herbal notes, and visual appeal to finished dish.

How to Put Together the Perfect Sour Cream Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Cooking Space

Warm up your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Place chicken breasts in the baking dish and sprinkle with salt and pepper to your taste preference.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce

• Sour cream
• Parmesan cheese
• Oregano
• Garlic powder
• Cornstarch
• Salt
• Pepper

Whisk until the mixture becomes smooth and well-combined.

Step 4: Layer the Cheese and Sauce

• A slice of mozzarella cheese
• Evenly spread sour cream mixture
• Remaining Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

• Chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F
• Cheese turns golden and bubbly

Step 6: Let It Rest

Remove from oven and allow the casserole to sit for several minutes, letting the sauce thicken naturally.

Step 7: Serve with Style

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives for a burst of color and extra flavor. Serve warm and enjoy!

Flavor Tips for Creamier, Cheesier Casserole Goodness

• Cheese Selection Magic: Choose high-quality Parmesan and mozzarella for richer, more complex flavor profiles that elevate the entire dish.
• Moisture Lock Technique: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil during the first 40 minutes of baking to prevent chicken from drying out and maintain juiciness.
• Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to accurately check chicken's internal temperature, guaranteeing perfectly cooked, safe-to-eat protein.
• Seasoning Balance: Adjust salt and pepper quantities based on personal preference, but remember that Parmesan cheese already contains natural saltiness.
• Resting Time Secret: Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking, allowing flavors to meld and sauce to thicken naturally for a more cohesive texture.

Smart Storage for a Casserole That Tastes Like Day One

• Refrigerate the chicken casserole in an airtight container within two hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for up to 3-4 days. Seal the container tightly to prevent moisture loss and protect the dish's delicious flavors.
• Reheating Method: Place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture, and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Alternatively, warm the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, covering with aluminum foil to prevent excessive drying and maintain the creamy texture.

Great Side Dishes to Serve with This Creamy Chicken Dish

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a chardonnay or pinot grigio that cuts through the richness of the creamy, cheesy chicken casserole, balancing its heavy texture with bright, refreshing notes.
• Serve Alongside Roasted Vegetables: Prepare simple roasted asparagus or green beans with olive oil and garlic, which complement the casserole's savory profile and add a light, nutritious side dish.
• Match with Crusty Bread: Grab a rustic sourdough or French baguette to soak up the delicious sauce, providing a perfect textural contrast and helping to capture every last bit of the creamy chicken goodness.
• Create a Fresh Salad Companion: Toss together a light mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the dish, bringing a zesty, fresh element to balance the creamy casserole.

Flavor Variations to Try with Your Cheesy Chicken Casserole

• Spicy Southwest Chicken Fusion: Replace oregano with chili powder, add diced green chilies, and top with pepper jack cheese for a zesty kick.
• Mediterranean Herb Chicken Bake: Swap Parmesan with crumbled feta, incorporate dried basil and thyme, and sprinkle with sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean flair.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Chicken Casserole: Substitute cornstarch with almond flour, add riced cauliflower as a base, and use cream cheese instead of sour cream for a keto-friendly version.
• Ranch-Style Chicken Delight: Mix in ranch seasoning mix, use cheddar cheese instead of mozzarella, and garnish with crispy bacon bits for extra flavor and texture.

Cheesy Sour Cream Chicken Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comforting Cheesy Sour Cream Chicken Casserole brings Southern kitchen warmth to dinner tables with creamy, golden layers of tender chicken and melted cheese. Hearty ingredients merge into a crowd-pleasing meal you’ll savor from first to last delicious bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Proteins:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.4 kg / 3 pounds)

Cheeses:

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

Seasonings and Binding Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 pinch of salt
• 1 pinch of black pepper
• 1 cup (240 ml) rich sour cream
• Cooking oil (for greasing the dish)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and thoroughly grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 centimeters) baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
2. Place the chicken breasts in a single layer within the prepared baking dish, then season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the overall flavor profile.
3. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together sour cream, grated Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, garlic powder, cornstarch, additional salt, and cracked black pepper until the mixture becomes completely smooth and well-integrated.
4. Layer a slice of mozzarella cheese directly onto each chicken breast, creating a delectable cheese foundation.
5. Carefully spread the prepared sour cream mixture evenly across the mozzarella-topped chicken, ensuring complete coverage.
6. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese over the top, creating a golden, crispy cheese crust.
7. Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the cheese turns bubbly and golden brown.
8. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-7 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and flavors to meld together.
9. Garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley or chives to add a bright, herbaceous note before serving the dish warm.

Notes

• Leftover chicken transforms into a creamy, cheesy dream with minimal kitchen effort.
• Customize spice levels by adjusting garlic powder and pepper to match personal taste preferences.
• Cornstarch acts as a secret weapon, creating a luxuriously thick and smooth sauce that clings perfectly to chicken.
• Mozzarella and Parmesan cheese combination delivers a decadent, rich flavor profile that elevates this simple casserole.
• Fresh herbs like parsley or chives provide a bright, fresh finishing touch that cuts through the richness of the dish.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 464 kcal
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 823 mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 13g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 7g
• Fiber: <1g
• Protein: 44g
• Cholesterol: 152mg