Description
This Cheesy Sour Cream Chicken Bake is a creamy, flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts covered in a rich sour cream mixture, sharp cheddar cheese, and a crispy Parmesan-cracker topping. Baked to perfection, this comforting meal combines a golden, bubbly cheese crust with juicy chicken, making it perfect for an easy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Others
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- Cooking spray or a drizzle of olive oil for greasing
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: 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 to prevent sticking.
- Mix Sour Cream Coating: In a small bowl, combine 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, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and evenly blended.
- Coat Chicken Breasts: Spread the sour cream and cheese mixture generously and evenly over the tops of each boneless, skinless chicken breast, ensuring they’re well coated to keep the chicken moist and flavorful during baking.
- Arrange Chicken in Baking Dish: Place the coated chicken breasts into the prepared baking dish in a single layer, ensuring they are spaced slightly apart.
- Prepare Topping: In a separate bowl, mix together 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese and 1/2 cup crushed buttery crackers. Sprinkle this crunchy topping evenly over each coated chicken breast to add texture and extra flavor.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with foil to retain moisture and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. This initial baking allows the chicken to cook through gently and the flavors to meld.
- 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 (75°C) and the topping is golden brown and bubbly, giving a delicious crust.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, sprinkle 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley over the chicken for a fresh pop of color and flavor, then serve hot.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken breasts are evenly sized for uniform cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to confirm the chicken is fully cooked to 165°F for safety.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute the buttery crackers with gluten-free crackers.
- Fresh parsley is optional but adds vibrant flavor and color.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Chicken bake, cheesy chicken, sour cream chicken, baked chicken recipe, easy chicken dinner, creamy chicken bake
