Smothered Cheesy Sour Cream Chicken Recipe

Smothered Cheesy Sour Cream Chicken is a creamy, comforting dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a flavorful, cheesy sauce made from sour cream, cheese, and a blend of seasonings. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something easy to prepare, yet indulgent and flavorful. It’s rich, hearty, and packed with flavors that will satisfy your cravings and leave everyone asking for seconds.

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

• Season the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps to ensure the chicken browns properly during cooking. Season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and dried thyme (if using).
• Sear the chicken: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown on the outside and cooked through (an internal temperature of 165°F). If necessary, cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet.
• Remove the chicken: Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside. You will be using the same skillet to create the cheesy sour cream sauce, which will add flavor to the sauce.

Step 2: Make the Cheesy Sour Cream Sauce

• Sauté garlic: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add a little more olive oil or butter if the skillet is too dry. Sauté 1 teaspoon of garlic powder (or 2-3 cloves of minced garlic) for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Add the sour cream: To the skillet, add the sour cream, chicken broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well to combine. The sour cream adds a creamy base, while the chicken broth helps thin it out slightly, making it the perfect sauce consistency.
• Incorporate the cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and shredded mozzarella cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
• Season the sauce: Add Dijon mustard (if using) for a tangy bite, along with salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper (optional). Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Step 3: Smother the Chicken

• Return the chicken to the pan: Place the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet with the cheesy sour cream sauce. Spoon some sauce over the top of the chicken to ensure each piece is well-coated.
• Simmer: Cover the skillet with a lid and let the chicken simmer in the sauce for about 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together and ensure the chicken is fully cooked through.

Step 4: Serve and Garnish

• Serve the chicken: Once the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce is thick and creamy, plate the chicken. Spoon extra sauce over the top for added flavor and creaminess.
• Garnish: Sprinkle the chicken with chopped parsley or green onions. If you like a little extra crunch or flavor, top with bacon bits, jalapeños, or a dollop of extra sour cream.

Tips for Success:

1. Use Fresh Chicken: For the best texture and flavor, use fresh chicken breasts. If you’re using frozen chicken, make sure to fully thaw it before cooking.
2. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When searing the chicken, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. This allows the chicken to cook evenly and get a nice sear on both sides.
3. Balance the Sauce: If the sauce is too thick, add a little more chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, allow it to simmer for a few more minutes to reduce and thicken.
4. Cheese Variety: If you’re not a fan of cheddar or mozzarella, you can substitute other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, or Gruyère for a different flavor profile.
5. Baking Option: If you want to make this dish even more decadent, transfer the chicken and sauce into a baking dish after step 3. Top with more shredded cheese and bake in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
6. Make It Spicy: For a spicier dish, add jalapeños, chili flakes, or sriracha sauce into the sour cream sauce, or use spicy cheese like pepper jack.

Variations:

1. Smothered Cheesy Sour Cream Chicken with Bacon: Add crispy bacon bits or crumbled bacon strips on top of the chicken before serving. Bacon adds an irresistible smoky, salty flavor that pairs perfectly with the cheesy sauce.
2. Low-Carb / Keto-Friendly Version: To make this dish keto-friendly, simply replace the chicken broth with bone broth (for added nutrition) and ensure you are using full-fat sour cream and cheeses. You can also serve it over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice.
3. Make It with Chicken Thighs: If you prefer darker meat, you can easily substitute the chicken breasts with bone-in, skinless chicken thighs. They will provide extra moisture and flavor.
4. Mushroom Lovers’ Version: For added richness and earthiness, add sautéed mushrooms to the sauce. Mushrooms will absorb the flavors of the sauce and give the dish a lovely texture contrast.
5. Smothered Chicken with Spinach: Add fresh spinach to the sauce for added nutrition. It’ll wilt nicely and blend in with the creamy sauce, offering an extra burst of color and flavor.

Serving Suggestions:

1. With Rice or Mashed Potatoes: This dish is perfect with a side of fluffy white rice, brown rice, or mashed potatoes to soak up the creamy sauce. For a healthier option, opt for cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
2. With Roasted Vegetables: Serve this chicken with a side of roasted vegetables such as broccoli, green beans, or carrots to balance the richness of the dish.
3. As a Meal Prep Option: This recipe is excellent for meal prepping. Prepare a batch for the week and store it in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth to prevent the sauce from drying out.

History and Origin of “Smothered” Dishes:

“Smothered” dishes, particularly in Southern and Cajun cuisine, refer to a cooking method where food (typically meat) is browned and then slow-cooked in a flavorful sauce. The term “smothered” comes from the idea of covering the dish with a rich sauce that “smothers” it, locking in moisture and enhancing the flavors. Popular smothered dishes include smothered chicken, smothered pork chops, and smothered steak, all of which are typically served over rice.

Conclusion:

Smothered Cheesy Sour Cream Chicken is a hearty and comforting dish that brings together the best of both worlds: tender, juicy chicken and a rich, creamy sauce that is both indulgent and satisfying. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or for a special occasion, this recipe will surely impress with its bold flavors and creamy goodness. With a variety of easy substitutions and variations, you can make this dish your own, tailoring it to suit different dietary preferences or simply your mood.

This dish is perfect for those who love rich, cheesy comfort food, and the best part is that it comes together in no time. Enjoy it with a variety of sides, and you’ll have a meal that feels both special and easy to prepare.

Yield: 4

Smothered Cheesy Sour Cream Chicken Recipe

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Smothered Cheesy Sour Cream Chicken is a creamy, comforting dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a flavorful, cheesy sauce made from sour cream, cheese, and a blend of seasonings. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something easy to prepare, yet indulgent and flavorful. It’s rich, hearty, and packed with flavors that will satisfy your cravings and leave everyone asking for seconds.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix (or homemade ranch seasoning)
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven:Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the chicken:Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder (if using). Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Sear the chicken:Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and sear for about 4-5 minutes on each side, until golden brown. The chicken doesn’t need to be cooked through at this point—just a good sear on both sides. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. Prepare the sauce:In a medium bowl, combine the sour cream, cream cheese, ranch seasoning, and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until smooth and well combined.
5. Assemble the dish:Place the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet (or transfer to a baking dish if needed). Spread the cheesy sour cream mixture evenly over the top of each chicken breast.
6. Bake:Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
7. Serve:Garnish with chopped parsley (optional) and extra shredded cheese if desired. Serve hot with your choice of side dishes like rice, potatoes, or vegetables.

Notes

• If you like a bit of spice, add some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheesy sauce mixture.
• You can use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier option.
• To make this dish even creamier, you can use a combination of sour cream and heavy cream.