If you’re after a truly comforting, crowd-pleasing dinner that tastes straight out of a beloved family cookbook, look no further than Smothered Cheesy Sour Cream Chicken. This dish wraps juicy chicken breasts in a gorgeously rich, garlicky sour cream and parmesan sauce, then blankets everything beneath bubbling pools of mozzarella. Every bite is decadent, creamy, and so flavorful you’ll want to sop up every spot of sauce—whether with bread, rice, or just a fork and a big smile.

Smothered Cheesy Sour Cream Chicken Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

This lineup of easy-to-find ingredients is simple, but every element works a little magic in Smothered Cheesy Sour Cream Chicken. The spices and cheeses build irresistible layers of flavor, while the chicken transforms into fork-tender deliciousness under that luscious sour cream topping.

Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless, and thick enough for juicy results—avoid thin cutlets which may dry out while baking.
Mozzarella cheese slices: Melts into gooey goodness on top of each chicken breast, perfect for that stretchy cheese pull.
Sour cream: Delivers the creamy tang that is the backbone of the sauce—full-fat yields the richest flavor.
Parmesan cheese, grated: Adds a salty, nutty punch; just make sure you use grated, not the powdered kind, for a better melt and taste.
Corn starch: Helps thicken the sauce so it’s rich and clings beautifully to every bite.
Dried oregano: Brings a warm herbal note that complements the creamy sauce.
Dried basil: Adds aromatic sweetness and rounds out the herbs.
Garlic powder: Delivers deep garlic flavor quickly and evenly throughout the sauce.
Salt, freshly ground: Seasons everything to perfection—don’t be shy, taste as you go.
Pepper, freshly ground: Balances richness with a subtle kick.
Parsley, chopped: For a bright and fresh finish sprinkled on top.
Extra grated Parmesan (1/4 cup): For an irresistible golden crust after baking.

How to Make Smothered Cheesy Sour Cream Chicken

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F, making sure you give it enough time to come fully to temperature—that’s the key to a perfectly baked Smothered Cheesy Sour Cream Chicken. Lightly spray a 9×13 inch rectangular baking dish with non-stick spray. This helps with easy cleanup and ensures every cheesy morsel lifts right out.

Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

In a medium mixing bowl, blend together the sour cream, a half cup of grated parmesan, salt, pepper, oregano, basil, garlic powder, and corn starch. Stir until everything combines into a thick, luscious sauce with specks of herbs and just a hint of garlicky aroma beginning to waft up—it’s already mouthwatering!

Step 3: Arrange and Top the Chicken

Nestle your chicken breasts side-by-side in the baking dish. Lay a generous slice of mozzarella cheese over each piece, letting the ends droop so they’ll melt into the sauce and edges. This step really sets the foundation for the gooey finish that makes Smothered Cheesy Sour Cream Chicken a weeknight legend.

Step 4: Smother with Sauce and More Cheese

Now for the showstopper: pour that dreamy sour cream-parmesan mixture evenly over the chicken, using a spoon to gently cover each piece. Every nook gets full coverage! Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of grated parmesan over the top—this will bake into a golden, savory crust.

Step 5: Bake Until Bubbling and Golden

Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake uncovered for 45 minutes to 1 hour, adjusting the time depending on the thickness of your chicken breasts. When the sauce is bubbling, cheese is gorgeously browned around the edges, and the chicken is fork-tender and juicy, you know it’s ready!

How to Serve Smothered Cheesy Sour Cream Chicken

Smothered Cheesy Sour Cream Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Top off this creamy masterpiece with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley as soon as it comes out of the oven—this simple touch adds color, freshness, and a little pop against the dreamy sauce. For an extra layer of flavor, a light zest of lemon can also elevate the dish.

Side Dishes

Serve your Smothered Cheesy Sour Cream Chicken nestled over a fluffy bed of steamed rice to soak up all that extra sauce. Mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or even a crusty artisan bread work wonderfully as an alternative—whatever catches every last drop of creamy, cheesy goodness!

Creative Ways to Present

For a more elegant presentation, slice the chicken breasts on a diagonal and fan them out on a platter, spooning the sauce and cheese over the top. Pair with vibrant roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad for a dinner-party-worthy meal nobody will forget. Mini portions also make a fabulous buffet option for gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Smothered Cheesy Sour Cream Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to meld, making the reheated dish just as delicious—if not more—than the first night.

Freezing

To freeze, let the cooked chicken and sauce cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe dish or heavy-duty bags. Label and date, and you’ll have an easy dinner ready in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

For best texture, reheat in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, for 15–20 minutes or until heated through and bubbly. If you’re in a hurry, you can microwave individual portions on medium power, but take care to reheat gently so the chicken stays tender and the sauce remains creamy.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs bring extra juiciness and deeper flavor. Just adjust the baking time as needed—thighs can be slightly thicker and may take a few extra minutes.

Is it possible to make Smothered Cheesy Sour Cream Chicken ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble everything in the baking dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Remove from the fridge about 20 minutes before baking to take the chill off, then bake as directed.

What other cheeses work well in this recipe?

Mozzarella melts beautifully, but feel free to experiment with provolone, gouda, or even a sharp white cheddar for a bolder flavor twist in your Smothered Cheesy Sour Cream Chicken.

Can this be made gluten-free?

Yes, it already is! The sauce uses cornstarch rather than flour for thickening, so it’s naturally free from gluten. Just double-check ingredient labels to be safe.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

The safest way is to check with a meat thermometer—the thickest part should register at least 165°F. If you don’t have one, pierce the center of a breast and make sure the juices run clear and the meat is opaque.

Final Thoughts

It’s hard to beat the warm, melty comfort of Smothered Cheesy Sour Cream Chicken. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or treating friends to something extra special, this recipe is sure to earn rave reviews. Don’t be surprised if it quickly becomes your own signature dish—so dig in and enjoy every last cheesy, creamy bite!