Baked Chicken In Sour Cream
Baked Chicken In Sour Cream is a comforting dish featuring tender cooked chicken topped with a creamy mushroom and water chestnut sauce, finished with a crunchy buttery cracker topping. Perfect for family dinners or entertaining, it offers rich flavors and a satisfying texture combination.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place the cooked, boned chicken in a greased flat 2-quart casserole dish.
- Mix mushroom soup, sour cream, chicken broth, drained water chestnuts, and almonds (if using).
- Heat the mixture until warm and pour over the chicken in the casserole dish.
- Toss Ritz cracker crumbs in melted oleo (butter) and sprinkle over the top of the casserole.
- Bake at 375°F until the cracker topping is browned and bubbly, about 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, add a bit more sour cream or use a flavored version. If you don't have water chestnuts, you can substitute with chopped celery for crunch. Almonds can be omitted or replaced with crushed crackers for added texture. Make sure to grease the casserole dish well to prevent sticking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this baked chicken dish with a side of steamed mixed vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with Potatoes Deluxe I for a comforting dinner. Consider adding a light vinaigrette salad on the side to complement the richness of the casserole.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, cover with foil to prevent the topping from burning, and warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for convenience.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Chicken In Sour Cream contains roughly 595 calories, with 18g protein, 57g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (36% of the Daily Value), iron (25% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 722mg per serving (31% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use uncooked chicken for this recipe?
While it's best to use cooked chicken for even cooking, you can use uncooked chicken breasts. Simply add more chicken broth and bake for longer until the chicken is fully cooked, ensuring it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this casserole a day in advance. Assemble it up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before putting it in the oven to ensure even cooking.
What can I substitute for Ritz crackers?
If you don't have Ritz crackers, you can use crushed cornflakes or any buttery crackers as a topping. Alternatively, for a gluten-free option, consider using gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers for a similar texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).