Okay, so you know how sometimes you just want something *delicious* but you’re staring at the clock, dreading a mountain of dishes? Yeah, me too! That’s exactly why I fell head-over-heels for this One Pan Sour Cream Chicken Bake. Seriously, it’s a weeknight dinner miracle. You basically dump everything into one dish, pop it in the oven, and magic happens. The chicken comes out so tender, and that creamy, cheesy topping? Oh my goodness. It’s the kind of recipe that makes me feel like a kitchen rockstar without breaking a sweat. Trust me, this one is going to become a staple!
Why You’ll Love This Easy One Pan Sour Cream Chicken Bake
Seriously, what’s not to love about this dish? It’s a total game-changer for busy nights!
- Super Speedy: Ready in under 40 minutes from start to finish!
- Effortless Cleanup: Just one pan to wash. Yes, please!
- Incredible Flavor: Tender chicken with a rich, cheesy, creamy topping. Yum!
- Crowd-Pleaser: Even picky eaters gobble up this One Pan Sour Cream Chicken Bake.
Gathering Your Ingredients for One Pan Sour Cream Chicken Bake
Alright, let’s get our ducks in a row for this amazing One Pan Sour Cream Chicken Bake. The beauty of this recipe is that it uses pretty basic stuff you probably already have lurking in your fridge or pantry. It’s all about simplicity, so don’t stress about fancy ingredients!
Chicken and Seasonings
We’re starting with about a pound and a half of boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Just chop ’em up into bite-sized pieces, about an inch or so. Then, we need a tablespoon of olive oil, a good teaspoon each of garlic powder and onion powder, and then just a pinch of salt and pepper to make everything sing.
Creamy Topping and Cheese
This is where the magic really happens! You’ll need one cup of good old sour cream – full fat is best for richness, trust me. And for that gooey, bubbly finish, grab about half a cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Any kind you like will work, but sharp cheddar gives it a nice kick!
Fresh Garnish
Just a little something to make it pretty and add a burst of freshness at the end. We need about a quarter cup of chopped fresh parsley. If you don’t have fresh, you can skip it, but it really does add that perfect finishing touch!
Step-by-Step Guide to Your One Pan Sour Cream Chicken Bake
Alright, let’s get this deliciousness in the oven! Making this One Pan Sour Cream Chicken Bake is ridiculously easy, I promise. You’ll be amazed at how little effort it takes for such a tasty meal.
Preparing the Chicken
First things first, grab a bowl – any bowl will do! Toss those chopped chicken pieces in there with the olive oil. Now, sprinkle in that garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Get your hands in there (or use a spoon if you’re feeling fancy!) and make sure every single piece of chicken is nicely coated. We want all those yummy seasonings to stick!
Initial Baking
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread that seasoned chicken out in a single layer in your 9×13 inch baking dish. Don’t let it pile up too much! Pop it in the oven and let it bake for about 15 minutes. This gets it started so it’s not too raw when we add the creamy stuff.
Adding the Creamy Topping
Carefully pull that hot pan out of the oven. Now, take your cup of sour cream and spread it all over the chicken. Try to get an even layer; it’s the base for our cheesy goodness! Then, sprinkle that shredded cheddar cheese all over the top of the sour cream. Don’t be shy with the cheese!
Final Baking and Finishing Touches
Pop the pan back into the oven for another 10 to 15 minutes. You’re looking for the chicken to be cooked all the way through – no pink bits! – and for that cheese to be all melty, bubbly, and maybe even getting a little golden. Once it’s perfect, take it out of the oven. Let it sit for just a minute, then sprinkle all that fresh, chopped parsley over the top. Doesn’t that look amazing?
Tips for the Perfect One Pan Sour Cream Chicken Bake
Want your One Pan Sour Cream Chicken Bake to be absolutely perfect every single time? I’ve got a few little tricks up my sleeve! First off, make sure you really get those chicken pieces coated well in the oil and seasonings – that’s where all the initial flavor comes from. Don’t overcrowd the pan during that first bake; give the chicken some breathing room so it cooks evenly. And when you’re spreading the sour cream, try to get it as even as possible so you don’t have dry spots or huge globs of it. Oh, and if your cheese isn’t melting quite right, you can always pop it under the broiler for just a minute or two at the very end, but watch it like a hawk so it doesn’t burn!
Ingredient Notes and Delicious Variations for One Pan Sour Cream Chicken Bake
This One Pan Sour Cream Chicken Bake is already fantastic as is, but let’s chat about a few things and how you can totally make it your own! The sour cream is key for that tangy, creamy sauce – full-fat really gives the best texture, but if you’re in a pinch, light sour cream works, it’ll just be a little less rich. And cheddar cheese? Totally classic, but feel free to mix in some Monterey Jack or even a little Parmesan for extra oomph!
Vegetable Additions
Want to sneak in some veggies? Smart thinking! Toss some broccoli florets, sliced bell peppers, or even some chopped zucchini right in with the chicken and seasonings before the first bake. They’ll cook up perfectly in the pan!
Creaminess Boost
If you like your sauce a little looser, just stir a tablespoon or two of milk into the sour cream before spreading it over the chicken. It makes it super silky!
Serving and Storage for Your One Pan Sour Cream Chicken Bake
This One Pan Sour Cream Chicken Bake is so versatile, it goes with almost anything! I honestly love serving it with a simple side salad and some crusty bread to sop up all that delicious sauce. Rice or mashed potatoes are also fantastic choices if you want something a bit heartier. If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), just let the dish cool down completely. Then, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer the chicken to an airtight container. It’ll keep nicely in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. To reheat, just pop it back in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes until it’s warmed through and bubbly again. Easy peasy!
Frequently Asked Questions About One Pan Sour Cream Chicken Bake
Got questions about this amazing One Pan Sour Cream Chicken Bake? I’ve got answers!
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully here. They might take a few extra minutes to cook through, so just keep an eye on them and make sure they’re fully cooked before adding the sour cream and cheese. They’ll be super tender!
Q: What if I don’t have cheddar cheese?
A: No worries at all! Monterey Jack, a Mexican blend, or even a mix of Parmesan and mozzarella would be delicious. The goal is just a good melting cheese to get that bubbly topping on your easy dinner chicken bake.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: You can definitely prep the chicken with the seasonings and oil ahead of time and store it in the fridge. For the sour cream and cheese, it’s best to add those right before baking to keep everything fresh and bubbly. The whole dish comes together so quickly, it’s really meant for same-day cooking!
Q: How do I make the sauce creamier?
A: If you like a little extra sauce, just stir a tablespoon or two of milk or heavy cream into the sour cream before spreading it over the chicken. It makes it super silky and delicious!
Nutritional Estimates for One Pan Sour Cream Chicken Bake
Just a heads-up, these numbers are estimates, but they give you a good idea of what you’re working with for this yummy One Pan Sour Cream Chicken Bake! A typical serving packs around 350 calories. You’re looking at about 20g of fat, with 10g of that being saturated, and a fantastic 35g of protein to keep you full. It’s also pretty low in carbs, around 5g per serving, with only 1g of fiber.
One Pan Sour Cream Chicken Bake: Astonishing 35 Min Dinner
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and flavorful chicken bake made in one pan, perfect for a weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Spread the seasoned chicken evenly in a single layer in a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Bake for 15 minutes.
- Remove the dish from the oven. Spread the sour cream evenly over the chicken.
- Sprinkle the cheddar cheese over the sour cream.
- Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- You can add other vegetables like broccoli florets or sliced bell peppers to the pan. Add them with the chicken.
- For a creamier sauce, you can stir a tablespoon of milk into the sour cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: one pan, chicken bake, sour cream chicken, easy dinner, weeknight meal, cheesy chicken