Sour Cream and Onion Chicken Recipe

If you’re looking for a true weeknight hero, Sour Cream and Onion Chicken might just become your new favorite. This dish is the ultimate comfort food: each juicy chicken breast is smothered in a creamy, savory sauce infused with classic onion soup flavors and a hint of cheesy tang, all baked to golden perfection. The aroma alone is irresistible, and the recipe couldn’t be easier or more satisfying—perfect for feeding the family or impressing guests with minimal effort!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe is chosen for maximum flavor and ease. You won’t need anything fancy—just simple, readily available items that create magic when combined. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one matters:

• Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless for speedy prep and tender results; the perfect canvas for all that creamy, savory flavor.
• Sour cream: The magic maker—rich, tangy, and creamy, it’s the base of the signature sauce.
• Dry onion soup mix: Unleashes layers of sweet onion flavor in every bite and couldn’t be more convenient!
• Garlic powder: Adds subtle warmth and depth, amplifying the whole dish.
• Black pepper: Freshly ground if possible, for a gentle kick and complexity.
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional): For a boost of salty umami and a touch of golden top—highly recommended if you have it!
• Olive oil or melted butter: Drizzled on top for extra richness and that luscious finish.
• Fresh chopped parsley (optional): The go-to garnish for a burst of color and freshness to balance the creamy sauce.

How to Make Sour Cream and Onion Chicken

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), and grab a 9×13-inch baking dish. Lightly grease it with a little cooking spray, butter, or olive oil—whichever you have on hand. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Sour Cream and Onion Mixture

In a small bowl, blend the sour cream, dry onion soup mix, garlic powder, black pepper, and Parmesan cheese (if you’re going all-in). Give it a good stir so the mix is smooth and thoroughly combined. This is your shortcut to restaurant-level flavor!

Step 3: Assemble Everything

Spread just a thin layer of that flavorful mixture across the bottom of your prepared dish. Next, nestle the chicken breasts in a single layer right on top. Spoon or spread the remaining sour cream mixture evenly over each piece, making sure every inch is coated—the more coverage, the better the flavor.

Step 4: Add a Rich Drizzle

For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle a tablespoon of olive oil or melted butter right over the top of everything. This helps the sauce bake up rich and golden, with a bit of mouthwatering sheen.

Step 5: Bake Until Tender and Bubbly

Cover with foil and bake in your preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and return the dish to the oven for another 15 to 20 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is cooked through (juices run clear!) and the sauce is bubbling and golden at the edges. Let it rest for a few minutes to settle before garnishing with fresh parsley and serving up your beautiful Sour Cream and Onion Chicken.

How to Serve Sour Cream and Onion Chicken

Garnishes

A shower of freshly chopped parsley brightens every bite and gives a splash of color to this creamy entrée. For a little zing, try a sprinkle of thinly sliced green onion, or even a dusting of crispy fried onions if you’re feeling playful—whatever suits your style and pantry!

Side Dishes

This main dish begs for something to soak up all that luscious sauce. Creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or buttered egg noodles are all perfect partners. A side of crisp green beans or a vibrant tossed salad brings extra freshness to round out the plate beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party twist, slice the chicken before topping it with extra sauce and arrange on a platter for easy serving. Or, make individual stacks layered with roasted veggies and serve over toasted sourdough. Leftovers even work tucked into a sandwich roll or wrapped in a tortilla for a decadent next-day lunch!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer leftover Sour Cream and Onion Chicken to an airtight container and refrigerate. It keeps well for up to 3 days, and the flavors only get better as they meld together!

Freezing

You can freeze portions of this dish for longer storage. For best results, wrap tightly or use a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve the creaminess of the sauce.

Reheating

For the juiciest results, reheat covered in a 325°F oven until warmed through, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk to refresh the sauce if needed. Microwave reheating works for lunches, too—just cover to prevent drying out.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Skinless, boneless chicken thighs work beautifully in this recipe and will be even more juicy. You may need to adjust cooking time slightly for smaller pieces.

What can I use instead of dry onion soup mix?

If you’re out of onion soup mix, try mixing dried minced onion, a bit of beef bouillon, onion powder, and a pinch of celery seed. It won’t be quite the same, but it’s a great stand-in for homemade flavor!

Is Sour Cream and Onion Chicken gluten-free?

The recipe is naturally gluten-free if your onion soup mix is certified gluten-free. Just check the label, and you’re good to go for a crowd-pleasing, celiac-safe meal.

How do I make this with Greek yogurt?

Simply swap the sour cream with an equal amount of plain Greek yogurt for a lighter, slightly tangier version of Sour Cream and Onion Chicken. The texture and taste are just as lovely!

Can I prep this in advance?

You sure can. Assemble the whole dish up to 24 hours ahead, cover, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. It’s a fantastic make-ahead dinner for busy nights or guests.

Final Thoughts

This Sour Cream and Onion Chicken is proof that a handful of pantry staples can create a truly crave-worthy meal. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just getting started, this recipe brings big flavor with easy steps. Give it a whirl—your kitchen will smell amazing, and everyone at the table will ask for seconds!

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