Smothered Cheesy Sour Cream Chicken : Rich & Creamy

There’s nothing quite like a dish that feels like a warm hug—and this smothered cheesy sour cream chicken does exactly that. It’s creamy, cheesy, and baked to perfection, with tender chicken breasts blanketed in a rich sour cream sauce and finished with bubbling mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

This meal is a cozy classic that’s simple to prepare but decadent enough to serve for a Sunday dinner. Inspired by American comfort food traditions, it delivers everything you crave: creamy texture, cheesy satisfaction, and heartwarming flavor—all in one baking dish.

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Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the sour cream sauce:
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup mayonnaise (optional for extra creaminess)
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon dried parsley
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, for depth)

Topping:
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
1/4 cup grated Parmesan
Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish.

Pat chicken breasts dry and season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

In a skillet over medium heat, sear the chicken in olive oil for 2–3 minutes per side until lightly browned. (This step is optional but adds flavor.)

In a medium bowl, combine sour cream, mayo, 1/2 cup mozzarella, 1/4 cup Parmesan, parsley, and Dijon mustard. Mix until smooth.

Spread a thin layer of the sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Place the seared chicken breasts on top.

Spoon the remaining sour cream mixture evenly over the chicken. Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.

Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temp should reach 165°F).

Let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

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Nutrition Information (per serving, based on 4 servings)

Calories: 460 kcal
Protein: 38 g
Fat: 31 g
Carbohydrates: 4 g
Sugar: 1 g
Sodium: 520 mg

Tips for Success

Use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness—overcooked chicken becomes dry.
Don’t skip the sear—it locks in moisture and adds flavor.
Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or caramelized onions for extra richness.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables. A crisp green salad with vinaigrette offers balance to the richness. Garlic bread or dinner rolls are ideal for soaking up the sauce.

Cultural Insight: Classic Comfort, Modern Convenience

This dish embodies the heart of American comfort food—hearty, homemade, and always satisfying. While it draws from the retro casserole era, the updated blend of cheeses and seasoning gives it a modern edge.

Variations

Swap chicken breasts for boneless thighs for added juiciness.
Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter version.
Try a spicy kick by adding crushed red pepper or jalapeños.

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FAQ

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the dish a day ahead, cover and refrigerate. Add 5–10 minutes to the bake time.

Can I freeze it?
Yes, freeze before baking. Thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.

What other cheeses can I use?
Cheddar, Gruyère, or Monterey Jack all work wonderfully for different flavor profiles.

External Links

How to Bake Chicken Breasts Perfectly Every Time
Why Sour Cream Makes Everything Better
Best Cheeses for Baking
Comfort Food Dinner Ideas

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