Sour Cream Onion Chicken is a delightful dish that brings together the rich flavors of creamy sour cream and the savory essence of onions, creating a mouthwatering experience that is hard to resist. This recipe has its roots in classic comfort food, often found in family gatherings and potlucks, where it has warmed hearts and filled bellies for generations. The combination of tender chicken, luscious sour cream, and aromatic onions not only tantalizes the taste buds but also offers a satisfying texture that keeps everyone coming back for more.
People love Sour Cream Onion Chicken for its incredible taste and convenience; it’s a one-pan wonder that makes weeknight dinners a breeze. With minimal prep time and simple ingredients, this dish is perfect for busy families or anyone looking to whip up a delicious meal without the fuss. Join me as we explore this beloved recipe that is sure to become a staple in your kitchen!
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 packet (1 oz) onion soup mix
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Preparing the Chicken
1. **Preheat the Oven**: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your chicken will cook evenly and thoroughly. 2. **Prepare the Chicken Breasts**: Rinse the chicken breasts under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This step is crucial as it helps the sour cream mixture adhere better to the chicken. 3. **Season the Chicken**: In a small bowl, mix together salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Sprinkle this seasoning mix evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts. This will enhance the flavor of the chicken and complement the sour cream and onion soup mix.Making the Sour Cream Mixture
4. **Combine Sour Cream and Soup Mix**: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the sour cream and the onion soup mix. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and the soup mix is fully incorporated into the sour cream. This will be the flavorful coating for your chicken. 5. **Coat the Chicken**: Take each seasoned chicken breast and dip it into the sour cream mixture, ensuring that it is fully coated. I like to use a spatula or the back of a spoon to spread the mixture evenly over the chicken. This step is where the magic happens, as the sour cream will keep the chicken moist while adding a delicious flavor.Preparing the Coating
6. **Prepare the Breadcrumbs**: In a shallow dish, add the breadcrumbs. If you want to add a little extra flavor, you can mix in some grated Parmesan cheese or Italian seasoning at this stage. This will give your chicken a delightful crunch and an extra layer of flavor. 7. **Coat the Chicken with Breadcrumbs**: After coating the chicken in the sour cream mixture, take each piece and press it into the breadcrumbs, ensuring that both sides are well-coated. I like to gently press down to make sure the breadcrumbs stick well. This step is essential for achieving that crispy texture.Cooking the Chicken
8. **Prepare the Baking Dish**: Drizzle the olive oil in a 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom. This will help prevent the chicken from sticking and will also contribute to a nice golden color. 9. **Arrange the Chicken in the Dish**: Place the coated chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Make sure to leave a little space between each piece to allow for even cooking. 10. **Add Cheese**: Once all the chicken is in the dish, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of each chicken breast. This will melt beautifully during baking and add a rich, creamy texture. 11. **Bake the Chicken**: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). The breadcrumbs should be golden brown and crispy, and the cheese should be melted and bubbly.Finishing Touches
12. **Check for Doneness**: After about 30 minutes, I like to check the chicken with a meat thermometer to ensure it’s fully cooked. If you don’t have a thermometer, you can cut into the thickest part of the chicken to check that the juices run clear and there’s no pink meat. 13. **Let it Rest**: Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the chicken, making it more tender and juicy. 14. **Garnish and Serve**: If you like, chop some fresh parsley and sprinkle it over the top for a pop of color and freshness. Serve the Sour Cream Onion Chicken with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.Tips for Success
– **Marinating Option**: For an even deeper flavor, consider marinating the chicken in the sour cream mixture for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator. This will infuse the chicken withConclusion:
In summary, this Sour Cream Onion Chicken recipe is an absolute must-try for anyone looking to elevate their weeknight dinners with minimal effort and maximum flavor. The creamy, tangy sour cream combined with the savory notes of onion creates a delightful sauce that perfectly complements the tender chicken, making it a dish that will surely impress your family and friends. For serving suggestions, consider pairing this dish with fluffy rice or buttery mashed potatoes to soak up that delicious sauce. You could also serve it alongside a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding some sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the sauce for an extra layer of flavor, or swap out the chicken for pork chops or even tofu for a vegetarian twist. I encourage you to give this Sour Cream Onion Chicken a try and experience the delightful flavors for yourself. Once you do, I would love to hear about your experience! Share your thoughts, any variations you tried, or even a photo of your creation. Cooking is all about sharing and enjoying, and I can’t wait to see how you make this recipe your own! PrintSour Cream Onion Chicken: A Deliciously Easy Recipe for Dinner
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Sour Cream Onion Chicken is a moist and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts coated in a creamy sour cream and onion soup mixture, topped with crispy breadcrumbs and melted cheddar cheese. It’s an easy weeknight dinner that pairs perfectly with your favorite sides!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 packet (1 oz) onion soup mix
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Rinse the chicken breasts under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
- In a small bowl, mix together salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Sprinkle this seasoning mix evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts.
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the sour cream and the onion soup mix. Stir until smooth.
- Dip each seasoned chicken breast into the sour cream mixture, ensuring it is fully coated.
- In a shallow dish, add the breadcrumbs. Optionally, mix in grated Parmesan cheese or Italian seasoning.
- Press each coated chicken breast into the breadcrumbs, ensuring both sides are well-coated.
- Drizzle olive oil in a 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Place the coated chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish, leaving space between each piece.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of each chicken breast.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the breadcrumbs are golden brown.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness or cut into the thickest part of the chicken to ensure juices run clear.
- Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes.
- Optionally, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top and serve with your favorite sides.
Notes
- For deeper flavor, consider marinating the chicken in the sour cream mixture for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
- Feel free to customize the breadcrumb mixture with herbs or spices to suit your taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes