Smothered Cheesy Sour Cream Chicken That Melts in Your Mouth

This Smothered Cheesy Sour Cream Chicken is comfort food turned elegant. Tender chicken breasts bake under a blanket of tangy sour cream and two kinds of cheese until golden and bubbling. It’s an effortless weeknight winner that still feels special for guests. Serve with a crisp salad or buttery mashed potatoes for a picture-perfect plate. For a creamy side that complements this dish beautifully try creamy scalloped potatoes.

Why choose this recipe

This recipe is simple, forgiving, and delivers big flavor with minimal effort. The sour cream sauce keeps chicken juicy while the cornstarch gives it a silky, clingy finish. Parmesan and mozzarella create that irresistible golden top and gooey pull. It requires just a handful of pantry staples and only one baking dish, which means less cleanup. Kids and grownups alike love the cheesy texture and savory notes. The method scales well for a small crowd or leftovers that reheat beautifully.

Flavor and texture

Expect a rich, tangy base from sour cream that balances the salty, nutty Parmesan. Garlic powder and oregano add warm savory undertones without overpowering the dish. The cornstarch helps the sauce thicken and stick to the chicken so every bite is coated. Mozzarella melts into soft, stretchy ribbons while Parmesan crisps and browns on top for contrast. The chicken stays moist through the long bake, creating a comforting fork-tender texture that pairs wonderfully with simple sides. If you like creamy casseroles, this chicken sits right alongside classics like creamy chicken and spinach casserole.

Ingredients

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup sour cream
• 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
• 4 slices mozzarella cheese
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Step by step instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Arrange the chicken breasts in a single layer in the prepared dish.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine sour cream, 1/2 cup Parmesan, cornstarch, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well-blended.
4. Place one slice of mozzarella cheese over each chicken breast.
5. Spread the sour cream mixture evenly over the chicken, then sprinkle the remaining Parmesan on top.
6. Bake for 60 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (165°F/74°C) and the cheese is golden and bubbly.
7. Let rest for a few minutes before serving.

Tips and tricks for success

Use similar-sized chicken breasts so everything cooks evenly. If breasts are thick, consider a light pound to uniform thickness to avoid overbaking. Stir the sauce well to dissolve the cornstarch and prevent lumps. If you prefer extra browning, switch to broil for the last 1 to 2 minutes while watching closely. Leftovers reheat gently in the oven to keep the sauce creamy and prevent drying.

Storage and make ahead tips

You can assemble the dish a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake; add a few extra minutes to the baking time if chilled. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through to keep the sauce silky and the cheese unseparated.

Personal Closing Thought

Personal closing thought

This dish feels like a cozy hug on a plate simple, cheesy, and reliably delicious. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll come back to when you want fuss-free comfort with a little shine. Try it with a fresh green salad and crusty bread for an easy, satisfying meal.

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