Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Smothered Cheesy Sour Cream Chicken is a crowd-pleaser thanks to its decadent texture and comforting flavors. The sour cream sauce keeps the chicken juicy, while the combination of Parmesan and mozzarella creates a melty, slightly crisp topping. It’s made with pantry staples, requires minimal prep, and bakes in one dish—perfect for hassle-free cleanup. Whether you're feeding picky eaters or cooking for guests, this dish is always a hit.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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1 cup sour cream
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¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
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4 slices mozzarella cheese
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1 tablespoon cornstarch
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
Directions
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Arrange the chicken breasts in a single layer in the prepared dish.
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In a mixing bowl, stir together the sour cream, ½ cup of the Parmesan cheese, cornstarch, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well-blended.
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Place one slice of mozzarella cheese over each chicken breast.
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Evenly spread the sour cream mixture over the chicken, then sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese on top.
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Bake for about 60 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is golden and bubbly.
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Let rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Servings and timing
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Servings: 4
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 60 minutes
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Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Variations
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Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños for a spicy twist.
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Add Veggies: Mix in chopped spinach or mushrooms into the sour cream sauce before baking.
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Cheese Swap: Try using provolone or Swiss cheese instead of mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
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Herbaceous Touch: Add chopped fresh parsley or basil after baking for a fresh finish.
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Low Carb: Serve with roasted cauliflower or zucchini noodles for a keto-friendly meal.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through, or microwave individual portions in 30-second intervals until hot. For best texture, avoid over-microwaving.
FAQs
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and tend to be more flavorful and juicy.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the dish and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add an extra 5–10 minutes to the bake time if starting from cold.
Is it necessary to use cornstarch?
Cornstarch helps thicken the sauce, but you can omit it if desired. The result will be slightly less thick but still delicious.
What sides go well with this dish?
It pairs perfectly with steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice, or a crisp green salad.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free if you ensure the cornstarch and all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes, Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute for a tangier flavor and added protein.
What other seasonings can I add?
Feel free to experiment with Italian seasoning, thyme, or smoked paprika for different flavor notes.
Why is my cheese not browning?
If your cheese isn’t browning, place the dish under the broiler for the last 2–3 minutes of baking, watching closely to prevent burning.
Conclusion
Smothered Cheesy Sour Cream Chicken is the ultimate comfort dish—easy to prepare, rich in flavor, and always satisfying. Whether you’re planning a family dinner or meal-prepping for the week, this creamy and cheesy chicken recipe is one you'll return to again and again.
Smothered Cheesy Sour Cream Chicken
This Smothered Cheesy Sour Cream Chicken is a rich and comforting baked dish featuring juicy chicken breasts covered in a creamy sour cream sauce and topped with gooey mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for family dinners or weeknight meals, it’s indulgent, simple, and always satisfying.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup sour cream
¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
4 slices mozzarella cheese
1 tbsp cornstarch
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp garlic powder
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Arrange the chicken breasts in a single layer in the prepared dish.
- In a mixing bowl, combine sour cream, ½ cup Parmesan, cornstarch, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well-blended.
- Place one slice of mozzarella cheese over each chicken breast.
- Spread the sour cream mixture evenly over the chicken, then sprinkle the remaining Parmesan on top.
- Bake for 60 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (165°F/74°C) and the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Add red pepper flakes or jalapeños for spice.
- Mix in spinach or mushrooms for extra veggies.
- Swap mozzarella with provolone or Swiss for a flavor twist.
- Add fresh parsley or basil after baking for freshness.
- Store leftovers in the fridge up to 3 days or freeze up to 2 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
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