Few dishes deliver comfort quite like chicken smothered in a creamy, cheesy sauce. Smothered Cheesy Sour Cream Chicken is a meal that blends juicy chicken breasts with a tangy sour cream base and plenty of gooey melted cheese. It is hearty, satisfying, and easy to prepare—making it a perfect option for weeknight dinners or even entertaining guests. The combination of sour cream and melted cheese creates a sauce that clings beautifully to each bite, while the baked chicken stays moist and flavorful. With a handful of pantry staples and minimal prep, this dish guarantees maximum payoff at the table.

Ingredients

To get the best flavor and texture, measure the following ingredients carefully:

Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 ½ pounds / 680 g)
Sour Cream Mixture
- 1 cup (240 g) sour cream (full-fat recommended for creaminess)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Cheese Layer
- 1 cup (115 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup (115 g) shredded cheddar cheese
Topping
- ½ cup (30 g) crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs (optional for crunch)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter (to drizzle on topping)
Fresh Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or chives, chopped

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and pepper on both sides. Arrange them in the baking dish in a single layer.

Step 2: Make the Sour Cream Mixture

In a medium mixing bowl, combine sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, parsley, salt, and black pepper.
Stir until smooth and well blended.

Step 3: Smother the Chicken

Spread the sour cream mixture evenly over the chicken breasts.
Make sure each piece is completely covered to lock in moisture.

Step 4: Add the Cheese

Sprinkle mozzarella and cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the sour cream-coated chicken.
If using, mix crushed crackers with melted butter and sprinkle over the cheese for a crunchy topping.

Step 5: Bake

Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
Remove foil and bake for another 15–20 minutes, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and cheese is golden and bubbly.

Step 6: Rest and Garnish

Allow chicken to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for added color and freshness.

Conservation and Storage

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Not recommended, as the sour cream and cheese sauce may separate upon thawing.
Reheating: Reheat gently in a covered baking dish at 325°F (160°C) until warmed through. Add a splash of milk or broth if the sauce seems too thick.

Variations

Spicy Kick: Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the sour cream mixture.
Herb Lovers’ Version: Mix in fresh thyme, rosemary, or dill for a fragrant herbal twist.
Cheese Swap: Try Monterey Jack, Colby, or even Pepper Jack cheese for different flavors.
Crunch Factor: Use panko breadcrumbs instead of crackers for an extra crispy topping.
Lightened-Up: Use light sour cream and reduced-fat cheese. The texture will be slightly less rich but still delicious.
Vegetable Add-In: Layer sliced mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli under the chicken for a built-in side dish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with steamed rice or buttered noodles to soak up the creamy sauce.
Pair with roasted vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or asparagus for balance.
Add a simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette for freshness.
Serve alongside garlic bread or warm dinner rolls to complete the meal.
For a heartier dinner, pair with mashed potatoes topped with a spoonful of the cheesy sauce.

Tips for Perfecting the Dish

Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure uniform cooking.
Don’t skimp on seasoning—the sour cream and cheese need the right amount of spices to shine.
Cover during the first part of baking to prevent the chicken from drying out. Uncover at the end to let the cheese brown.
Use freshly shredded cheese rather than pre-shredded, which often contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to avoid undercooked or overcooked chicken.

Conclusion

Smothered Cheesy Sour Cream Chicken is the definition of comfort food—rich, flavorful, and easy to make. With juicy chicken, a tangy sour cream base, and a gooey cheese topping, this dish delivers indulgence in every bite. The recipe adapts easily with different cheeses, seasonings, or toppings, making it versatile for any occasion. Paired with simple sides, it becomes a complete meal that satisfies family dinners, potlucks, or even casual entertaining. By mastering this straightforward method, you’ll have a go-to dish that brings warmth, flavor, and comfort to the table every time.

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Smothered Cheesy Sour Cream Chicken

Author: hafsahafsa
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Juicy chicken breasts baked in a tangy sour cream sauce and smothered with melted mozzarella and cheddar. Topped with optional crunchy crumbs, this easy comfort food dish is hearty, creamy, and perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 ½ pounds / 680 g)

Sour Cream Mixture

1 cup (240 g) sour cream (full-fat recommended)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

½ teaspoon smoked paprika

½ teaspoon dried parsley

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

Cheese Layer

1 cup (115 g) shredded mozzarella cheese

1 cup (115 g) shredded cheddar cheese

Topping (optional)

½ cup (30 g) crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs

1 tablespoon melted butter

Fresh Garnish

2 tablespoons parsley or chives, chopped

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Pat chicken dry, season lightly with salt and pepper, and place in a single layer in dish.

Mix Sour Cream Base

Combine sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, parsley, salt, and pepper.

Stir until smooth.

Smother the Chicken

Spread sour cream mixture evenly over chicken.

Add Cheese

Sprinkle mozzarella and cheddar evenly over the chicken.

Mix crackers with melted butter and sprinkle on top (if using).

Bake

Cover loosely with foil and bake 20 minutes.

Remove foil and bake 15–20 more minutes until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and cheese is golden and bubbly.

Rest & Serve

Let chicken rest 5 minutes. Garnish with parsley or chives.

Notes

Pound chicken breasts to even thickness for uniform cooking.

Use freshly shredded cheese for best melting.

Don’t overbake—use a thermometer to check doneness.

Add a splash of broth or milk when reheating to keep sauce creamy.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American Comfort Food

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
Calories: 410
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 580 mg
Fat: 24 g
Saturated Fat: 12 g
Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 7 g
Fiber: 0.5 g
Protein: 38 g
Cholesterol: 135 mg

Keywords: smothered cheesy sour cream chicken, creamy baked chicken, cheesy chicken casserole, easy sour cream chicken bake, comfort food chicken recipe