The cheesy, creamy layers of this sour cream chicken bake bring home-style comfort right to your dinner table. The tangy sour cream perfectly balances the sharp cheddar, while the crushed cracker topping adds a savory crunch in every bite. It’s one of those no-fail, crowd-pleasing recipes that turns a simple chicken breast into something crave-worthy.
This dish is ideal for busy weeknights or a cozy family dinner on the weekend. It comes together with minimal prep but delivers maximum flavor. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or looking for something comforting and satisfying, this cheesy sour cream chicken is a true dinnertime hero.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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1 cup sour cream
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1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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1 teaspoon paprika
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/2 teaspoon black pepper
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1/2 cup crushed buttery crackers (like Ritz)
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2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
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Cooking spray or a drizzle of olive oil for greasing
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
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In a small bowl, mix sour cream, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined.
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Spread the sour cream mixture evenly over each chicken breast, coating the tops generously.
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Place coated chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish.
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Mix crushed crackers and Parmesan cheese in a bowl, then sprinkle evenly over the chicken.
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Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temp of 165°F) and the topping is golden and bubbly.
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Garnish with fresh parsley before serving, if desired.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: 410 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Why Cheesy Sour Cream Chicken Is a Must-Try Dish
When it comes to comfort food, few things rival the creamy, savory joy of baked chicken dishes. The Cheesy Sour Cream Chicken Bake is one of those timeless recipes that combines simplicity, flavor, and a cozy, home-cooked feel all in one dish. Perfect for families, busy professionals, or anyone craving a hearty meal, this dish doesn’t just feed the belly—it nourishes the soul.
At the core of this recipe is an incredibly moist and flavorful chicken breast that gets baked under a blanket of rich sour cream, sharp cheddar cheese, and aromatic spices. What sets it apart is the buttery cracker and Parmesan topping that bakes into a crispy golden crust, adding contrast to the creamy base beneath it. It’s both indulgent and accessible—an ideal blend for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings.
The Comfort Food Experience
Comfort food is more than just taste—it’s about the feelings a dish evokes. With Cheesy Sour Cream Chicken, you get all the hallmarks of a comforting meal: warmth, creaminess, and nostalgia. The moment it comes out of the oven, golden and bubbling, it immediately evokes memories of family dinners, cozy evenings, and second helpings.
Unlike deep-fried or overly complex recipes, this dish focuses on everyday ingredients and traditional flavors. The use of sour cream gives the chicken a creamy tanginess that isn’t too rich, while the cheddar cheese adds a sharp, salty kick. The cracker-Parmesan crust is a masterstroke, giving the final dish a crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft, juicy chicken underneath.
A Recipe Designed for Busy Schedules
One of the greatest appeals of this Cheesy Sour Cream Chicken recipe is how effortlessly it fits into a busy lifestyle. With a short prep time of around 10 minutes and a bake time of just 35 minutes, you can have a delicious dinner on the table in under an hour.
It’s a one-dish wonder—just prep it in the baking dish, pop it in the oven, and let the heat do the work. There’s no need for complicated cooking methods, obscure spices, or hours of marinating. Even beginners in the kitchen will find this recipe approachable and rewarding.
Customizable to Fit Your Tastes
Though this dish is fantastic as-is, it’s also highly adaptable. Want to make it spicier? Add a dash of cayenne or chopped jalapeños to the sour cream mix. Prefer a different cheese? Try Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even a smoked Gouda for a new flavor twist.
You can also substitute the crushed crackers for panko breadcrumbs if you’re looking for a different texture. For a gluten-free version, simply use gluten-free crackers and make sure your sour cream and cheese are compliant. If you’re looking to sneak in veggies, a handful of chopped spinach or sautéed mushrooms can be mixed right into the topping.
Nutrition Meets Satisfaction
Despite its creamy texture and indulgent appearance, this dish can be part of a balanced meal when served with healthy sides. Pair it with steamed broccoli, a fresh garden salad, or roasted carrots for a well-rounded plate.
Chicken breasts are high in lean protein and low in saturated fat, making them a good choice for most diets. Using light sour cream or a Greek yogurt substitute can reduce fat content, and choosing a reduced-fat cheese helps lighten it up even more. It’s a dish that feels indulgent but can be made surprisingly nutritious with just a few tweaks.
Perfect for Family Dinners or Hosting Guests
This recipe is a true entertainer’s friend. It’s budget-friendly, easy to scale, and always impresses. Whether you’re feeding a family of four or hosting a casual dinner party, you can double the ingredients and bake in a larger pan with no extra hassle.
It also holds up well for leftovers, making it a smart choice for meal prepping. Simply store any remaining portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to preserve that crispy topping, or use the microwave if you’re in a hurry.
Kids and Adults Alike Love It
Cheesy Sour Cream Chicken is one of those rare meals that wins over picky eaters and sophisticated palates alike. The creamy, cheesy flavors appeal to children, while the complex layers of flavor—from garlic powder and onion to sharp cheddar and tangy sour cream—keep adults coming back for seconds.
It’s familiar enough for kids to love, yet indulgent enough for adults to savor. You can even add it to a kid-friendly rotation of meals, as it contains no spicy elements by default and doesn’t require any unusual or “weird” ingredients.
A Reliable Classic You’ll Return To
One of the most satisfying things about this dish is that it becomes a staple in your rotation. It’s not trendy or overly experimental, but that’s its strength. It’s the kind of dish you’ll find yourself returning to week after week when you want something guaranteed to please everyone at the table.
And unlike more elaborate meals, you won’t dread making it again. It uses ingredients you likely already have in your fridge or pantry, and the clean-up is minimal. It’s the kind of meal that works just as well on a Monday night as it does for Sunday dinner.
Pairs Well with a Variety of Sides
Another great aspect of this recipe is its versatility in pairing. You can serve it with:
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Garlic mashed potatoes
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Steamed green beans or broccoli
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Wild rice or herbed couscous
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A crisp Caesar or garden salad
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Roasted vegetables or sweet potatoes
The savory nature of the dish complements a wide variety of sides, allowing you to switch things up depending on the season or your pantry stock.
Great for Make-Ahead or Freezing
If you’re into meal planning or freezer cooking, this dish holds up well in the freezer. Assemble it ahead of time in a freezer-safe dish, skip the cracker topping, and freeze. When you’re ready to bake, thaw it in the fridge overnight, add the topping, and bake as directed.
It’s an excellent option for new parents, busy professionals, or even as a meal to gift someone in need of a break from cooking.
Conclusion: A Comfort Classic That Belongs in Every Kitchen
The Cheesy Sour Cream Chicken Bake is more than just another baked chicken recipe. It’s a celebration of rich flavor, minimal effort, and warm, satisfying meals made with love. Whether you’re an experienced home cook or just starting out, this recipe offers a low-stress, high-reward experience that brings people to the table and keeps them asking for seconds.
From its crisp, golden topping to its creamy, flavorful base, this dish embodies the best of comfort food—easy to make, endlessly customizable, and always delicious. If you’re looking to add a foolproof, family-favorite dinner to your recipe box, this is it.