Name: Sour Cream Chicken Bake
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts; 1 cup sour cream; 1 can cream of chicken soup; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon paprika; Salt to taste; Black pepper to taste; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers; 2 tablespoons melted butter; 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)

Sour Cream Chicken Bake is one of those cozy dinners I make when I want something creamy, hearty, and easy to put together. I coat tender chicken breasts in a rich sour cream and cream of chicken sauce, add a layer of cheddar cheese, and finish everything with a buttery Ritz cracker topping that bakes up beautifully golden and crisp.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts

1 cup sour cream

1 can cream of chicken soup

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon paprika

Salt to taste

Black pepper to taste

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup crushed Ritz crackers

2 tablespoons melted butter

1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)

Directions

I preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and lightly grease a baking dish.

I season the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.

In a bowl, I mix the sour cream and cream of chicken soup until smooth.

I place the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish and spread the sour cream mixture evenly over the top.

I sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the chicken.

In a separate bowl, I combine the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter and mix until coated.

I sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly over everything.

I bake the dish uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the topping is golden brown.

I garnish with chopped parsley if I want a little fresh color, then serve it warm.

Servings and timing

I make this recipe in about 50 minutes from start to finish, which makes it very manageable for a busy day. The prep time is 10 minutes, the cooking time is 40 minutes, and the recipe makes 4 servings. Each serving is about 420 calories.

Variations

I sometimes switch this recipe up depending on what I have in the kitchen. I can use mozzarella or Monterey Jack instead of cheddar for a different cheesy flavor. When I want more texture and color, I like adding cooked broccoli or sliced mushrooms under the sauce. I also enjoy using crushed cornflakes or breadcrumbs in place of Ritz crackers when I want a different type of crunchy topping. For a little extra flavor, I sometimes mix a bit of Parmesan cheese into the cracker topping before baking.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When I want to reheat it, I usually place a portion in the microwave until heated through. If I want to keep the topping a little crisper, I reheat it in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10 to 15 minutes, or until it is hot all the way through.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, I can absolutely use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts. I like this option when I want even juicier meat, and I just make sure they are fully cooked before serving.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, I can assemble the dish ahead of time and keep it covered in the refrigerator for several hours before baking. I usually add the cracker topping right before it goes into the oven so it stays crisp.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

I check that the chicken is cooked through by making sure the internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F). That gives me the best way to know it is safe and perfectly done.

Can I freeze Sour Cream Chicken Bake?

I can freeze it, but I find the creamy sauce and cracker topping are best when freshly baked. If I do freeze it, I let it cool first, store it tightly wrapped, and thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.

What can I serve with this dish?

I like serving it with rice, mashed potatoes, noodles, or a simple green salad. Roasted vegetables or steamed green beans also go really well with the creamy and cheesy flavors.

Conclusion

Sour Cream Chicken Bake is one of my favorite comfort food dinners because it is simple, creamy, and full of flavor. I get tender chicken, a rich sauce, melted cheese, and a buttery golden topping all in one dish. It is an easy recipe that feels cozy and satisfying every time I make it.

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