If you’re craving something primed for both comfort and flavor, look no further than Sour Cream and Onion Chicken. Juicy chicken breasts are blanketed in a creamy, tangy sauce that’s brimming with the bold, savory goodness of onion soup mix, then baked to perfection. This dish delivers everything you love about classic onion dip—reimagined as a satisfying main course—and is irresistibly easy to make for any weeknight dinner or casual get-together.

Ingredients You’ll Need
Just a handful of familiar, accessible ingredients come together for best-in-class taste and texture. Each element has a purpose—adding richness, punchy flavor, or the ideal golden finish—so don’t skip what you can include!
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: The protein-packed star, these stay wonderfully moist under a creamy sauce.
- Sour cream: Provides the base for a luscious and tangy sauce that keeps everything juicy.
- Dry onion soup mix: Bursting with oniony goodness, this is the secret flavor weapon (so convenient, too!).
- Garlic powder: Adds gentle warmth and depth without overpowering.
- Black pepper: A little pepper elevates all the other flavors—just enough to keep each bite interesting.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional): Adds a layer of cheesy, nutty richness that takes things to the next level.
- Olive oil or melted butter: Drizzled over the top, it encourages a gorgeous golden color and extra richness.
- Chopped parsley (optional): A sprinkle of fresh green for a pop of color and a hit of freshness.
How to Make Sour Cream and Onion Chicken
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish
Start by getting your oven nice and hot—preheat to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a bit of olive oil or nonstick spray to ensure your Sour Cream and Onion Chicken won’t stick, making cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Tangy Sauce
In a small bowl, combine the sour cream, dry onion soup mix, garlic powder, black pepper, and, if you want a little extra richness, the grated Parmesan cheese. This mixture is your ticket to that signature creamy blanket—go ahead and give it a quick taste to adjust seasoning if you like.
Step 3: Build Layers of Flavor
Spread a thin layer of the sour cream and onion mixture onto the bottom of your baking dish. This helps anchor the chicken and adds flavor to every bit—including the sauce that pools underneath.
Step 4: Coat and Tuck in the Chicken
Arrange the chicken breasts right atop that creamy base. Then, lavish the remaining sour cream mixture over each breast, spreading it thickly for maximum coverage. The result: every piece bakes up ultra-tender and perfectly seasoned.
Step 5: Add Richness and Bake
Give everything an extra drizzle of olive oil or melted butter over the top for added depth and color. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes to lock in juiciness, then uncover and bake another 15 to 20 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is beautifully cooked through and the sauce has bubbled up golden in spots.
Step 6: Rest and Garnish
Allow your finished Sour Cream and Onion Chicken to rest for at least 5 minutes before serving—this helps all the delicious juices redistribute. A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley adds a welcome pop of color and flavor.
How to Serve Sour Cream and Onion Chicken

Garnishes
Finish your Sour Cream and Onion Chicken with a generous shower of fresh parsley or chives for a blast of color and an herby lift that complements the savory sauce. If you want a cheesy twist, a second dusting of grated Parmesan is always a welcome touch.
Side Dishes
This dish absolutely shines when paired with something that can soak up its sumptuous sauce. Try fluffy white rice, pillowy mashed potatoes, or buttered egg noodles—each lets that creamy onion flavor stand front and center. For a burst of color and freshness, add a simple green salad or steamed veggies alongside.
Creative Ways to Present
For weeknight ease, simply serve a chicken breast with plenty of sauce by itself or over your favorite starch. Hosting friends? Slice the chicken and fan it out on a platter, drizzling the pan sauce over the top. You can even shred leftovers into wraps or spoon them over baked potatoes for a totally new twist on Sour Cream and Onion Chicken.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Sour Cream and Onion Chicken keeps well for up to 3 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The sauce will thicken, so save a little extra to spoon over when reheating for best results.
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze, place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags. The sauce may separate slightly upon thawing, but give it a good stir once reheated and it comes right back together. For optimal texture, enjoy within two months.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chicken and sauce in a covered dish in the oven at 325°F or in the microwave. Add a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen the sauce if it’s thickened too much—this brings your Sour Cream and Onion Chicken back to creamy perfection.
FAQs
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Absolutely! Greek yogurt swaps in beautifully and delivers a lighter tang while keeping the sauce creamy and satisfying. Try using plain, full-fat Greek yogurt for the closest texture to traditional sour cream.
Is there a way to make this dish ahead of time?
You can assemble Sour Cream and Onion Chicken up to one day ahead—just cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Add about 5 extra minutes to the baking time if cooking straight from the fridge.
What if I only have bone-in chicken pieces?
Baking times will be a bit longer with bone-in cuts, but you’ll get deliciously juicy results. Bake covered until nearly cooked through, then uncover and finish until the chicken reaches an internal temp of 165°F and the sauce bubbles.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
Check for doneness by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest part—it should read 165°F. The meat will turn opaque, and the juices should run clear. Letting it rest a few minutes ensures maximum juiciness in every bite.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Definitely! Simply double all ingredients and bake in two dishes or a large roasting pan. Check for doneness since oven times may vary when cooking larger quantities. Your guests will love this crowd-pleasing Sour Cream and Onion Chicken.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to serve up big flavor with minimal fuss, make this Sour Cream and Onion Chicken your next dinner hero. It’s incredibly easy, endlessly comforting, and guaranteed to become a new family favorite. I can’t wait for you to try it and taste the magic for yourself!
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Sour Cream and Onion Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Sour Cream and Onion Chicken recipe is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a comforting dinner. The combination of sour cream, onion soup mix, and garlic creates a flavorful sauce that coats tender chicken breasts, making it a family favorite.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 packet (1 oz) dry onion soup mix
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix the sauce: In a small bowl, combine sour cream, onion soup mix, garlic powder, black pepper, and Parmesan cheese if using.
- Prepare the dish: Spread a thin layer of the sour cream mixture in the baking dish. Place the chicken breasts on top and spread the remaining mixture over them.
- Bake: Drizzle with olive oil or melted butter, cover with foil, and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
- Rest and serve: Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
- Serve over rice, mashed potatoes, or egg noodles to enjoy the flavorful sauce.
- You can use Greek yogurt as a lighter alternative to sour cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 90mg