Cheesy Sour Cream Chicken Bake Recipe

Introduction

This Cheesy Sour Cream Chicken Bake is a delightfully creamy and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a busy weeknight. Tender chicken breasts are smothered in a cheesy sour cream mixture and topped with a crispy, buttery cracker crust. It’s an easy, comforting meal the whole family will enjoy.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup crushed buttery crackers (like Ritz)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
• Cooking spray or a drizzle of olive oil for greasing

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish using cooking spray or a drizzle of olive oil.
2. Step 2: In a small bowl, combine the sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until fully blended.
3. Step 3: Spread the sour cream mixture evenly over the top of each chicken breast, coating them generously.
4. Step 4: Arrange the coated chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish in a single layer.
5. Step 5: In another bowl, mix together the crushed buttery crackers and grated Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the chicken breasts.
6. Step 6: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the topping is golden and bubbly.
7. Step 7: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving, if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, try adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika instead of regular paprika.
• Substitute the cheddar with mozzarella or pepper jack cheese for a different taste.
• If you prefer less carbs, swap the crackers for crushed nuts like almonds or pecans.
• Make sure to use fresh parsley for a bright garnish, or leave it out if you don’t have any on hand.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through to maintain the crispy topping. Avoid microwaving to keep the crust crunchy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

Yes, but make sure to fully thaw the chicken breasts before assembling the dish to ensure even cooking and proper texture.

What can I serve with Cheesy Sour Cream Chicken Bake?

This dish pairs well with simple sides like steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.

Cheesy Sour Cream Chicken Bake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 92 reviews

This Cheesy Sour Cream Chicken Bake is a creamy, flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts smothered in a tangy sour cream and cheddar cheese mixture, topped with a crispy Parmesan and buttery cracker crust. Perfectly baked until golden and bubbly, it’s an easy and comforting meal for any night of the week.

• Author: Mia
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Sour Cream Mixture

• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Topping

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup crushed buttery crackers (like Ritz)

Other

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
• Cooking spray or a drizzle of olive oil for greasing

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish using cooking spray or drizzle with olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Sour Cream Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the sour cream, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and all ingredients are well blended.
3. Coat Chicken Breasts: Spread the sour cream mixture evenly over the tops of each chicken breast, ensuring they are generously coated for maximum flavor and creaminess.
4. Arrange Chicken in Dish: Place the coated chicken breasts into the prepared baking dish in a single layer.
5. Prepare and Add Topping: In another bowl, mix the crushed buttery crackers with the grated Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the coated chicken breasts to create a crunchy, cheesy topping.
6. Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. This helps the chicken cook gently and stay moist.
7. Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the topping turns golden brown and bubbly.
8. Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove from the oven and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm for a delicious, satisfying meal.

Notes

• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked to 165°F for food safety.
• For extra crispiness, broil the chicken for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking but watch carefully to avoid burning.
• Substitute crackers with breadcrumbs if preferred, keeping the same quantity.
• This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh green salad.

Keywords: cheesy chicken bake, sour cream chicken, baked chicken recipe, Parmesan chicken, easy chicken dinner