If you’re craving a cozy, comforting dinner that bursts with creamy, savory flavors, the Sour Cream Onion Chicken Recipe is an absolute must-try. This dish combines tender chicken breasts smothered in a luscious blend of sour cream and onion soup, then topped with gooey cheddar cheese that melts beautifully in the oven. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate—simple to make, yet deeply satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this recipe promises to become a go-to favorite in no time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering just a handful of straightforward ingredients, this recipe highlights how simplicity can bring big flavors. Each component plays a key role—from the juicy chicken that serves as the star protein to the tangy sour cream and savory onion soup mix that create the rich sauce, all perfectly crowned with cheddar cheese for that irresistible finish.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Choose evenly sized pieces for consistent cooking.
- 1 cup sour cream: Adds creamy tanginess and keeps the chicken moist.
- 1 packet onion soup mix: Infuses a savory, deep onion flavor without extra fuss.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully to create a golden, cheesy topping.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps to brown the chicken to perfection and adds richness.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasoning to enhance all the flavors.
How to Make Sour Cream Onion Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s ready to gently bake the chicken and meld all those delicious flavors.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Sauce
In a medium bowl, stir together the sour cream and the entire packet of onion soup mix until you have a smooth, flavorful sauce that will coat your chicken beautifully.
Step 3: Brown the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. While it warms, season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Then, cook each breast for 3-4 minutes on each side until they develop a lovely golden brown crust. This step locks in juiciness and adds great texture.
Step 4: Assemble for Baking
Transfer those beautifully browned chicken breasts to a baking dish. Pour the creamy sour cream and onion mixture evenly over the top, making sure each piece is well coated with that tangy, savory sauce.
Step 5: Add the Cheesy Finish
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the sour cream layer. This melts during baking to form a golden, bubbly crust that’s completely irresistible.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pop the baking dish into your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The chicken should be cooked through and tender, while the cheese is beautifully melted and golden on top.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once out of the oven, let the dish rest for a few minutes so the flavors settle. Then get ready to dig in and savor your homemade Sour Cream Onion Chicken Recipe!
How to Serve Sour Cream Onion Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Freshness is always a welcome balance to rich dishes. Scatter finely chopped parsley, chives, or green onions over the chicken before serving. These bright green garnishes not only add a pop of color but also a lovely herbaceous note that complements the creamy sauce perfectly.
Side Dishes
This flavorful chicken pairs wonderfully with hearty mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles that soak up the sauce effortlessly. Roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or green beans add a fresh crunch and vibrant color to your plate, making the meal well-rounded and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant twist, serve the chicken on a bed of wild rice or quinoa sprinkled with toasted almonds. You can also try plating it alongside a crisp salad dressed with a lemon vinaigrette to brighten the palate and add contrast to the creamy richness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Sour Cream Onion Chicken Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, making it a great option for next-day meals.
Freezing
This dish freezes well if you want to prepare in advance. Cool completely, then wrap tightly or store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep the texture and flavor intact.
Reheating
Warm leftovers gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 15-20 minutes, or microwave on medium power in short intervals. Avoid overheating to preserve the creamy sauce and tender chicken texture perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe and offer even more juiciness and flavor. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they’re cooked through.
Is there a substitute for the onion soup mix?
If you don’t have onion soup mix, you can create your own by mixing dried onion flakes, onion powder, beef or vegetable bouillon powder, garlic powder, and a touch of parsley. This keeps the flavor profile authentic.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, try using coconut milk yogurt or a similar creamy alternative instead of sour cream, and skip the cheddar or use a dairy-free cheese substitute that melts well.
How can I make the dish spicier?
Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some finely chopped jalapeños to the sour cream mixture can give this recipe a nice kick without overpowering the creamy onion flavors.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Definitely! This dish holds up well in the fridge and reheats nicely, making it an excellent choice for meal prep lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a quick but impressive dinner, the Sour Cream Onion Chicken Recipe is your new best friend. It’s comfort food at its finest, combining creamy, cheesy, and savory elements in a way that always feels special. Whip it up for your next meal and prepare to fall in love with this satisfying, crowd-pleasing classic.
Print
Sour Cream Onion Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Savor the rich and creamy flavors of Sour Cream Onion Chicken, a delightful dish featuring tender, browned chicken breasts smothered in a tangy sour cream and onion soup mixture, topped with melted cheddar cheese, and baked to perfection. This easy-to-make recipe makes a comforting weeknight dinner that’s both flavorful and satisfying.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 packet onion soup mix (about 1 oz)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the chicken.
- Mix Sauce: In a bowl, thoroughly mix the sour cream with the onion soup mix until well combined to form a creamy sauce.
- Prepare Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Brown Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the hot skillet and brown them for about 3-4 minutes on each side to lock in flavor and texture.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Transfer the browned chicken breasts into a baking dish and evenly pour the sour cream and onion mixture over the top of the chicken.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the sour cream mixture to add a rich, cheesy finish.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is cooked through.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve the Sour Cream Onion Chicken hot for a delicious and comforting meal.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh, high-quality chicken breasts.
- You can substitute the cheddar cheese with mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a different flavor.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sour cream mixture.
- Make sure to check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer to ensure it is fully cooked.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
