Sour Cream and Onion Chicken Bake Recipe
This Sour Cream and Onion Chicken recipe features juicy, seared chicken breasts baked in a creamy and flavorful sour cream and onion sauce, topped with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, this dish combines simple ingredients to create a rich and comforting meal.
- Author: Grace
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Chicken and Seasonings
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Sauce and Toppings
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 packet (1 ounce) onion soup mix
- 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature by the time the chicken is ready for baking.
- Season Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to help the seasonings adhere better. Season both sides with garlic powder, smoked paprika if using, and black pepper evenly.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add chicken breasts and sear each side for about 3 minutes until golden brown. This step locks in flavor and helps build a nice crust. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Onions: In the same skillet, add the thinly sliced onions and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and slightly caramelized, enhancing their natural sweetness.
- Deglaze Pan: Pour in the chicken broth and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet; this adds depth to the sauce.
- Make Sauce: Reduce heat to low and stir in the sour cream and onion soup mix until smooth and well combined. This forms a rich and creamy sauce for the chicken.
- Return Chicken to Skillet: Place the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over them to coat.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded Parmesan cheese evenly over the chicken and sauce, which will melt during baking for added flavor.
- Bake: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring it is fully cooked.
- Rest Chicken: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes; this helps juices redistribute for a moist texture.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the chicken for a fresh, herbal note. Serve hot with sides like mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables.
Notes
- You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangier, lower-fat option.
- Use an oven-safe skillet like cast iron or stainless steel to make the transition from stovetop to oven seamless.
- Ensure chicken breasts are similar thickness for even cooking; you can pound them slightly if needed.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Smoked paprika is optional but adds a subtle smoky depth to the dish; you can omit it if preferred.
Keywords: Sour Cream and Onion Chicken, creamy chicken recipe, baked chicken breasts, easy chicken dinner, Parmesan chicken