Sour Cream Baked Chicken
Creamy baked chicken with sour cream and herbs offers tender, flavorful meat perfect for comforting family dinners and versatile enough to serve with rice and vegetables.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Spray a baking pan with non-stick spray.
- Place one piece of chicken in the palm of your hand and spread evenly with sour cream.
- Place each piece in the pan, one at a time, with sides touching and sour cream on the bottom.
- Once all pieces are in the pan, sprinkle with salt and freshly ground pepper.
- Spread remaining sour cream over the top of the chicken.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 24 hours to tenderize the chicken.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Sprinkle the chicken with herb-flavored bread crumbs.
- Dot the top with small pieces of butter.
- Bake for 1 hour until cooked through and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavorful twist, consider adding minced garlic or herbs like thyme to the sour cream mixture. If you don't have herb-flavored bread crumbs, regular bread crumbs with Italian seasoning can be a great substitute. Marinating the chicken overnight will enhance the flavor and tenderness, making this dish even more like your favorite American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This Sour Cream Baked Chicken pairs beautifully with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh garden salad. For a heartier meal, consider serving it over rice or with mashed potatoes. A glass of white wine or a light citrus beverage complements the flavors well, making it a perfect dish for a family dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it may make the chicken dry.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sour Cream Baked Chicken contains roughly 177 calories, with 16g protein, 16g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 663mg per serving (29% 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 skin-on chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use skin-on chicken breasts, but keep in mind that the cooking time may vary slightly. The skin will add extra flavor and moisture, but you may need to adjust the baking time to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
Is it necessary to refrigerate the chicken before baking?
Refrigerating the chicken allows the flavors to meld and tenderizes the meat. While it's not strictly necessary, marinating for at least 2 hours enhances the taste significantly. If you're short on time, you can bake it immediately, but the results may not be as flavorful.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and apply the sour cream and bread crumbs the day before. Simply cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator. When you're ready to cook, just preheat the oven and bake as directed for a convenient and delicious meal.
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).