Smothered Cheesy Sour Cream Chicken for Cozy Weeknight Meals Recipe
This Smothered Cheesy Sour Cream Chicken recipe features tender boneless chicken breasts baked in a rich, creamy sauce made from sour cream, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheese, seasoned with oregano and garlic. Perfect for a cozy weeknight meal, it combines a luscious cheesy topping with the tang of sour cream for a comforting and satisfying dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 70 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 pieces Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts (Thighs are a flavorful substitute)
Sauce
- 1 cup Sour Cream (Greek yogurt is a healthy substitute)
- 2 tablespoons Cornstarch (Can substitute with all-purpose flour)
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano (Italian seasoning or dried basil can be used)
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder (Fresh minced garlic can substitute for a stronger flavor)
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Pepper
Cheese
- 1 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese (Freshly grated is best)
- 2 cups Mozzarella Cheese (Fresh or regular slices work for melting)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Arrange Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the baking dish in a single, even layer, ensuring they are evenly spaced for consistent cooking.
- Make Sauce Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the sour cream, half of the grated Parmesan cheese, cornstarch, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir together until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Add Mozzarella Cheese: Generously place a slice of mozzarella cheese on top of each piece of chicken for rich flavor and creamy texture.
- Top with Sauce and Parmesan: Evenly spread the creamy sour cream mixture over the chicken breasts and mozzarella. Then sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese on top for a golden, cheesy crust.
- Bake: Bake the dish in the preheated oven for about 60 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the cheese on top turns golden and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes before serving to let the juices settle and flavors meld.
Notes
- Substitute chicken thighs for a juicier and more flavorful result.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a healthier alternative.
- Cornstarch can be replaced with all-purpose flour if preferred.
- Fresh minced garlic can intensify the garlic flavor compared to garlic powder.
- If you don’t have Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning or dried basil can enhance the sauce flavor as oregano substitutes.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked through by checking it reaches 165°F (74°C) internally.
- Let the chicken rest after baking to retain moisture and improve texture.
Keywords: smothered chicken, cheesy chicken, sour cream chicken, baked chicken breast, weeknight dinner, comfort food
