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Smothered Cheesy Sour Cream Chicken

A rich, creamy baked chicken casserole layered with melty cheese, tangy sour cream, sautéed onions, and seasoned breadcrumbs, perfect for a comforting weeknight supper.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 580
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 ounces each) Thaw completely if using frozen chicken breasts.
  • 1 teaspoon salt For seasoning chicken.
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper For seasoning chicken.
  • 1 teaspoon paprika For seasoning chicken.
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil For searing chicken.
For the Creamy Topping
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped Sautéed with garlic.
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced Added to onions.
  • 1 cup sour cream Use full-fat for best flavor.
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise Optional, adds creaminess.
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese For creamy topping.
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese For creamy topping.
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard For flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme For flavor.
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley For garnish.
For the Crunchy Topping
  • 1 cup plain breadcrumbs Panko may be used for extra crunch.
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter To moisten breadcrumbs.
For Serving
  • lemon wedges For serving.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
  2. Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
  4. Sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side until golden, then remove to a plate.
Cooking Aromatics
  1. Reduce heat to medium and add chopped onion to the skillet.
  2. Cook onions for 4-5 minutes until soft, then add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
  3. Deglaze the pan with a splash of water or chicken broth if needed.
Making the Creamy Topping
  1. In a bowl, stir together sour cream, mayonnaise (if using), Dijon mustard, dried thyme, 1/2 cup cheddar, and half the Parmesan.
  2. Season lightly with salt and pepper and taste for flavor.
Assembling
  1. Spread the sautéed onions and garlic evenly in the bottom of the skillet or baking dish.
  2. Nestle the seared chicken breasts on top.
  3. Spoon the sour cream-cheese mixture over each breast.
Making the Crunchy Topping
  1. In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs, remaining cheddar, remaining Parmesan, and melted butter.
  2. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the chicken and sauce.
Baking
  1. Place the skillet or baking dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the topping is golden.
  2. Broil for 1-2 minutes if a deeper golden finish is desired.
Resting and Serving
  1. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
  2. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges.

Notes

This dish can be customized by using Greek yogurt for sour cream and gluten-free breadcrumbs. Serve alongside vegetables or a salad for a complete meal.