WHAT’S FOR DINNER?
Sour Cream Parmesan Chicken
Array/5
COOK TIME
25 minutes
TOTAL TIME
35 min
SERVINGS
2-3 chicken breasts
Get ready for a deliciously simple dinner with this Sour Cream Parmesan Chicken! This recipe combines tender chicken with a creamy, tangy sauce and a crispy parmesan crust, perfect for busy weeknights. You’ll love how easy and tasty this dish is, making it an instant favorite in your family dinner rotation.
Coming up with dinner ideas for my busy family can be a real challenge. But that’s where I get to be creative! I love looking in my fridge and pantry to see what I can whip up, often finding the best meals that way. This parmesan chicken with sour cream was born from one of those “what do I have on hand?” moments, and it’s now a family favorite!
One day, I looked in my fridge and spotted a container of Hilland Sour Cream that needed to be used up. I love how versatile sour cream is—it’s not just for tacos! It’s perfect for adding creaminess and tang to a variety of dishes, from dips to baked goods, and even in this easy chicken recipe.
For this chicken dish, I used sour cream as a coating to keep the chicken moist and flavorful. The tangy sour cream paired with the crispy parmesan crust creates a delicious contrast in textures and flavors. It’s a simple yet incredibly satisfying dish that’s become a staple in our home, and it’s super easy to prepare!
Simply coat the chicken in a mixture of sour cream, garlic powder, and a dash of paprika for flavor. Then, press each piece into a bowl of grated parmesan cheese to create a crispy coating. Arrange the chicken on a baking sheet, pop it in the oven, and bake until it’s golden and juicy. Pair it with some Ranch Roasted Carrots and a side of Rustic Mashed Potatoes for a full, satisfying meal that can be enjoyed any night of the week!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
It’s incredibly easy to make, with just a few simple steps and minimal prep time. You can have this dish ready for the oven in under 15 minutes, making it perfect for those busy weeknights.
The combination of sour cream and parmesan creates a deliciously tangy and crispy coating. The tanginess of the sour cream perfectly complements the salty, savory flavor of the parmesan, giving you a delicious taste with every bite.
This recipe uses common ingredients you likely already have in your fridge and pantry. No need for a special trip to the grocery store; you probably have everything you need right at home!
It’s a versatile dish that pairs well with various sides, from veggies to pasta. Serve it with roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or your favorite pasta dish for a complete meal.
The chicken stays moist and flavorful thanks to the sour cream coating. The sour cream locks in the juices, making sure your chicken is tender and never dry.
It’s a family-friendly meal that both kids and adults will love. The crispy coating and delicious flavor make it a hit with everyone, even the picky eaters in your house!
Ingredient Notes
Chicken Breast (boneless, skinless) – This is the star of the dish, giving the coating a lean and tender base that pairs perfectly with creamy and crispy textures.
Sour Cream – Acts as a tangy marinade that keeps the chicken moist and infuses it with a rich flavor, while also helping the parmesan stick to the chicken.
Shredded Parmesan Cheese – Adds a salty, nutty flavor and creates a deliciously crispy crust when baked, enhancing the overall texture of the dish.
Seasonings (garlic powder, salt, pepper, paprika) – These spices add depth and flavor to the chicken, making sure every bite is well-seasoned and tasty.
Italian Breadcrumbs – Gives the chicken extra crunch and a hint of Italian herbs, complementing the parmesan.
Olive Oil – Helps the chicken bake to a golden brown texture and adds a subtle richness that enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
Step By Step Instructions
Prepare for baking: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and generously spray a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick spray to prevent sticking. Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts evenly in the baking dish and set them aside for later.
Mix the coating: In a medium bowl, thoroughly combine the sour cream, shredded parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth and combined.
Coat the chicken: Spread the sour cream mixture evenly over the top of each chicken breast, then sprinkle the Italian breadcrumbs generously over the sour cream mixture for a crispy finish. Drizzle a bit of olive oil over the chicken to help it bake to a golden brown perfection.
Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts, until the chicken is cooked through and the top is golden and crispy.
Serve: Remove from the oven, let it rest for a few minutes, then serve with your favorite side dish. Enjoy!
Recipe Tips
If you’re unsure, use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe eating and perfectly cooked meat.
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels before coating to help the sour cream mixture adhere better and prevent a soggy coating.
Press the breadcrumb mixture gently into the sour cream mixture on the chicken to create a firmer, crispier coating that won’t fall off during baking.
Use freshly grated parmesan cheese for the best texture and flavor, as it melts better and adds a richer taste.
Slice thicker chicken breasts in half horizontally to have an even cooking and a shorter bake time.
Line your baking dish with parchment paper for easier cleanup and to prevent sticking.
Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after baking to let the juices redistribute, making it juicier and more flavorful.
Use a broiler for the last few minutes of baking if you want a crispier top, but watch closely to avoid burning.
Ways To Add More Flavor
Use panko breadcrumbs instead of Italian breadcrumbs for an extra crispy texture.
Add a teaspoon of Italian seasoning to the breadcrumb mixture for additional herb flavor.
Swap out the parmesan cheese with other hard Italian cheese like Asiago for a different flavor.
Mix in some chopped fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or thyme into the sour cream mixture for added freshness and a pop of color.
Use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika to give the chicken a subtle smoky flavor.
Replace the chicken breasts with chicken thighs for a juicier protein.
Mix in some lemon zest into the sour cream mixture for a bright, citrusy note.
Drizzle a bit of hot sauce over the chicken before adding the sour cream mixture for a spicy kick.
Storing & Freezing
Storing: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the chicken covered to prevent it from drying out.
Freezing: Freeze the fully cooked chicken in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. For a crispier coating, place the chicken under the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes of reheating.
FAQ
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use chicken thighs for this recipe. They may take slightly longer to cook, so adjust the baking time until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the chicken and sour cream mixture ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, coat the chicken with the sour cream mixture and breadcrumbs, then proceed with the baking instructions.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes, Greek yogurt is a great substitute for sour cream in this recipe. It adds a similar tangy flavor and creamy texture while adding a bit more protein.
How can I make the coating extra crispy?
To get an extra crispy coating, use panko breadcrumbs and press them firmly into the sour cream mixture. You can also broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes of baking to enhance the crispiness.
More Chicken Dinner Recipes
Print
Sour Cream Parmesan Chicken
Easy to make creamy and delicious recipe to make your chicken extra special. Only a few ingredients and done in less than 30 minutes.
Ingredients
1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breasts
½ cup Hiland Dairy Sour Cream
1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup Italian breadcrumbs
Olive oil
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick spray. Place chicken breasts in the baking dish and set aside.
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In a medium bowl, mix and combine the Hiland Sour Cream, parmesan cheese, garlic, paprika, salt and pepper.
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Spread sour cream mixture over the top of each chicken breast. Then sprinkle the bread crumbs over top of the sour cream mixture.
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Drizzle a bit of olive oil over top of everything then bake for about 20-25 minutes depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts.
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Remove from the oven, serve with your favorite side dish. Enjoy!
Notes
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