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Cheesy Sour Cream Chicken Bake Recipe

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4.6 from 137 reviews

This Cheesy Sour Cream Chicken Bake is an easy and comforting baked chicken dinner that features tender chicken breasts smothered in a creamy, cheesy sour cream sauce, topped with a crispy Parmesan and cracker crust. Perfect for a family meal, it combines simple ingredients with straightforward preparation for a deliciously satisfying dish.

Ingredients

Chicken

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Sauce

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

Topping

  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup crushed buttery crackers
  • 2 tbsp chopped parsley (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and to ensure easy cleanup.
  2. Make the Sauce: In a bowl, combine sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until you get a smooth, creamy mixture.
  3. Coat the Chicken: Take each chicken breast and generously coat it with the sour cream and cheese mixture, ensuring they're completely covered for maximum flavor.
  4. Arrange in Baking Dish: Place the coated chicken breasts evenly spaced in the prepared baking dish to allow even cooking.
  5. Prepare Topping: Mix the crushed buttery crackers with the grated Parmesan cheese until well combined, creating a flavorful crunchy topping.
  6. Top the Chicken: Sprinkle the cracker and Parmesan mixture evenly over the coated chicken breasts.
  7. Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. This step helps the chicken cook through without drying out.
  8. Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until the top is golden brown and the chicken is fully cooked.
  9. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley over the baked chicken for a fresh pop of color and flavor before serving, if desired.

Notes

  • Ensure chicken breasts are of even thickness for uniform cooking; consider pounding if needed.
  • Use crushed buttery crackers for the best crispy topping; substitute with breadcrumbs if unavailable.
  • Covering with foil during the initial baking prevents the chicken from drying out.
  • Check chicken internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
  • Parsley garnish is optional but adds a fresh flavor and nice presentation.