Go Back
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup sour cream - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1 cup cream of mushroom soup - 1 tablespoon garlic powder - 1 tablespoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and black pepper, to taste - 1 cup breadcrumbs (optional) - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped Alternatives for sour cream You can use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. It adds a nice tang and is thick. Options for cream of mushroom soup If you want a healthier choice, use homemade soup or a can of cream of chicken soup. Both work well in this recipe. Cheese alternatives You can swap cheddar cheese for mozzarella or pepper jack. Each cheese brings a different taste. {{ingredient_image_2}} - Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This makes sure your dish cooks well. - Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil. This helps the chicken not stick. - In a medium bowl, mix together 1 cup of sour cream, 1 cup of cream of mushroom soup, 1 tablespoon of garlic powder, 1 tablespoon of onion powder, and 1 teaspoon of paprika. - Add a pinch of salt and black pepper. Stir until everything is smooth and well combined. - Arrange 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the greased dish. Season both sides with salt and pepper. - Spread the sour cream mixture over each chicken breast. Make sure each piece is fully coated. - Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top. If you like a crunchy texture, add 1 cup of breadcrumbs. - Cover the dish with aluminum foil to keep the chicken moist. - Place the dish in the oven and bake for 30 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes. - Check that the chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). The cheese should be bubbly and golden. - Best practices for seasoning chicken: Start with fresh chicken breasts. Use salt and black pepper generously on both sides. Mix garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika into the sour cream mixture for more flavor. This helps the seasoning stick well. - Ensuring chicken stays moist: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil while baking. This traps steam and keeps the chicken juicy. You can remove the foil later to let the cheese brown, but do not skip the foil at first. - Garnishing with parsley: After baking, sprinkle fresh parsley on top. This adds color and freshness to your dish. It makes the meal look festive and appetizing. - Pairing with sides like vegetables and salads: Serve with steamed broccoli, green beans, or a crisp salad. These sides balance the rich flavors of the dish. Choose bright colors for a more appealing plate. - Best methods for reheating leftovers: Use the oven for best results. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil. Heat for about 20 minutes or until warm. - Maintaining texture and flavor: Avoid using the microwave if possible. The oven keeps the chicken moist and the cheese bubbly. If using a microwave, cover the chicken with a damp paper towel to prevent it from drying out. Pro Tips Marinate for More Flavor: For an extra depth of flavor, marinate the chicken in the sour cream mixture for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator before baking. Use Fresh Herbs: Enhance the freshness of the dish by adding chopped fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the sour cream mixture for an aromatic twist. Experiment with Cheeses: While cheddar is delicious, try mixing in other cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for a different flavor profile. Check for Doneness: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption and optimal texture. {{image_4}} You can make this dish low-carb by using cauliflower instead of breadcrumbs. Simply chop the cauliflower into small bits and mix it into the sour cream layer. This keeps the texture nice while reducing carbs. For a different flavor, try using herbs like thyme or rosemary instead of the usual seasonings. These fresh flavors make your dish stand out. To kick up the taste, add spices like cayenne for heat or Italian seasoning for herb flavor. You can also incorporate sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. This adds color and nutrients to your meal. The vegetables also blend nicely with the creamy sauce, giving each bite more depth. If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. They work just as well in this dish. For dairy-free needs, you can swap the sour cream and cheese for vegan alternatives. There are many tasty plant-based options that mimic the creaminess of the original ingredients. This way, everyone can enjoy the Cheesy Sour Cream Chicken Bake. To keep your Cheesy Sour Cream Chicken Bake fresh, store leftovers in the fridge. Place them in an airtight container to prevent drying out. Make sure to cool the dish before sealing it. This dish lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. If you want to enjoy it later, freezing is a great option. To freeze your Cheesy Sour Cream Chicken Bake, follow these steps: - Allow the dish to cool completely. - Cut it into portions for easy thawing later. - Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. - Place the wrapped pieces in a heavy-duty freezer bag. - Label the bag with the date. When you're ready to eat, thaw the chicken bake in the fridge overnight. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. This way, you’ll enjoy the same cheesy, creamy goodness! You can serve many tasty sides with this dish. Here are some great options: - Steamed broccoli or green beans - A fresh garden salad with vinaigrette - Garlic bread for extra flavor - Mashed potatoes for a cozy touch These sides balance the rich and creamy chicken bake. Yes, you can prep this dish in advance. Here’s how: - Assemble the chicken bake as directed. - Cover it tightly and store it in the fridge. - Bake it when you are ready to eat. You can keep it in the fridge for up to two days before baking. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Here are some signs to look for: - The juices run clear, not pink. - The chicken feels firm to the touch. - The cheese is bubbly and golden. These cues help ensure a safe and delicious meal. Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Follow this guidance: - Thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight. - If you are short on time, you can use the microwave. - Make sure to check the internal temp to 165°F (75°C) while cooking. Using frozen chicken is a great way to save time. This article covered a tasty Cheesy Sour Cream Chicken Bake. I shared the key ingredients, steps, and some helpful tips. With options for substitutions and variations, you can easily adapt the recipe. Remember to store leftovers properly for the best flavor. I hope this dish brings joy to your table. Try it out and impress your family with your cooking skills!

Cheesy Sour Cream Chicken Bake

A creamy and cheesy chicken bake that's easy to prepare and packed with flavor.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • to taste salt and black pepper
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • In a medium mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, cream of mushroom soup, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
  • Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish and arrange the chicken breasts in a single layer. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Spread the creamy sour cream mixture over each chicken breast.
  • Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Optionally, add breadcrumbs for crunch.
  • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
  • Bake for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is bubbling.
  • Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a light salad.
Keyword bake, cheesy, chicken, sour cream