Irresistible Cheesy Sour Cream Chicken Casserole Recipe

The aroma of a hearty, bubbling cheesy sour cream chicken casserole fills the kitchen with warmth and comfort.

This delightful dish promises a creamy, savory experience that melts in your mouth with every bite.

Tender chicken nestles perfectly among layers of rich, tangy ingredients that sing with flavor.

Weeknight dinners never looked so inviting with this simple yet incredibly satisfying meal.

Home cooks love how quickly this casserole comes together, blending classic ingredients into a crowd-pleasing masterpiece.

The golden, crispy top and creamy interior make this recipe a true standout at any dinner table.

Let’s find out this delectable creation and watch as smiles light up around the table.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Calories: 478 kcal

Servings: 5

What’s in Cheesy Sour Cream Chicken Casserole

• Chicken Breasts: Lean, tender protein that creates the hearty base of the casserole, best when fresh and boneless for even cooking and maximum flavor absorption.

• Sour Cream, Parmesan Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Luxurious dairy components that deliver rich, tangy creaminess and melt-in-your-mouth texture with deep, complex flavor profiles.

• Cornstarch, Garlic Powder, Dried Oregano, Black Pepper, Salt: Perfectly balanced blend of spices and thickening agent that enhances overall taste, provides aromatic depth, and ensures smooth sauce consistency. Choose fresh, high-quality dried herbs for maximum flavor impact. Adjust seasoning to personal taste preferences.

• Cooking Oil: Essential for preventing sticking and promoting even browning, ensuring a perfectly prepared casserole surface.

Tools to Bake Cheesy Sour Cream Chicken Casserole

• 9×13-inch baking dish: Essential for roasting and holding the casserole.
• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining sour cream and seasoning mixture.
• Measuring cups: Precise for getting ingredient proportions right.
• Measuring spoons: Help add exact amounts of spices and cornstarch.
• Cheese grater: Optional, if using fresh Parmesan cheese.
• Chef's knife: Useful for chopping fresh herbs for garnish.
• Oven mitts: Crucial for safely handling hot baking dish.

How to Assemble Cheesy Sour Cream Chicken Casserole

• Oven Preparation Kitchen Setup

Warm up your oven to a cozy 375°F and grab a spacious baking dish. A light brush of oil will help prevent any sticky situations.

• Chicken Placement

Nestle your chicken breasts into the baking dish, sprinkling them with a pinch of salt and pepper to wake up their flavor potential.

• Creamy Flavor Blend

In a mixing bowl, whisk together a dreamy combination of sour cream, Parmesan, oregano, garlic powder, and a touch of cornstarch until everything looks silky smooth.

• Cheese Layer Magic

Crown each chicken breast with a melty slice of mozzarella, then lavishly spread the sour cream mixture across the top. Dust with remaining Parmesan for an extra flavor punch.

• Baking Transformation

Slide the dish into the oven and let it bake for about an hour. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken hits 165°F and the cheese turns golden and bubbly.

• Resting and Serving

Give the casserole a few minutes to settle and let the sauce thicken. Sprinkle some fresh herbs on top for a beautiful finishing touch before bringing this delicious creation to the table.

Helpful Tips for Cheesy Sour Cream Chicken Casserole

• Swap chicken breasts with thighs for richer flavor, or use turkey breast for a leaner protein option that keeps the creamy texture intact.
• Replace cornstarch with almond flour or xanthan gum to reduce carbohydrates while maintaining the sauce's silky consistency and thickening power.
• Add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños to the sour cream mixture for a zesty kick that transforms the mild casserole into a spicier meal.
• Experiment with fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or basil instead of oregano to create unique flavor profiles that complement the cheesy chicken base.
• Assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, remove from fridge 30 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking and perfect temperature distribution.

Plating Cheesy Sour Cream Chicken Casserole Perfectly

• Comfort Food Companion: Serve this casserole alongside fluffy mashed potatoes that soak up the creamy sauce, creating a perfect flavor marriage.
• Veggie Sidekick: Roasted green beans or steamed broccoli add a fresh, crisp contrast to the rich, cheesy chicken, bringing balance to your plate.
• Fresh Finish: Sprinkle extra chopped parsley or chives on top just before serving to brighten the dish with a pop of color and subtle herbal freshness.
• Wine Pairing Delight: A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the creamy texture and cuts through the richness of the cheesy chicken.

Storing Cheesy Sour Cream Chicken Casserole Leftovers

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain delicious flavors.
• Quick Reheating Technique: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, covering with a damp paper towel to prevent cheese from drying out. Alternatively, reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through and cheese becomes bubbly again.
• Freezer-Friendly Approach: Wrap casserole portions in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain optimal texture and taste.
• Meal Prep Pro Tip: Prepare the entire casserole in advance, cover, and refrigerate uncooked for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, simply bake as directed, adding 5-10 minutes to cooking time if coming directly from the refrigerator.

Creamy Sour Cream Chicken Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Mexican-inspired Cheesy Sour Cream Chicken Casserole blends zesty flavors with creamy comfort. Hearty ingredients create a satisfying meal you’ll crave for family dinners and potluck gatherings.

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Ingredients

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• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.4 kg / 3 pounds)
• ¾ cup (180 ml) finely shredded Parmesan cheese
• 4 slices mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup (240 ml) rich sour cream
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 pinch of salt
• 1 pinch of black pepper
• Cooking oil (for greasing the dish)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and thoroughly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray, ensuring complete surface coverage.
2. Chicken Layering: Arrange chicken breasts in a single layer within the prepared dish, seasoning generously with kosher salt and black pepper to maximize flavor depth.
3. Sauce Creation: Whisk sour cream, Parmesan cheese, oregano, garlic powder, cornstarch, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl until achieving a silky, uniform consistency that will coat the chicken perfectly.
4. Cheese Integration: Position a mozzarella slice atop each chicken breast, creating a rich, melty foundation for the upcoming sauce layer.
5. Sauce Application: Distribute the sour cream mixture evenly across the mozzarella-topped chicken, ensuring complete and uniform coverage that promises exceptional taste in every bite.
6. Cheese Topping: Liberally sprinkle remaining Parmesan cheese over the surface, developing a golden, crispy cheese crust that will caramelize during baking.
7. Baking Process: Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven and roast for 50-60 minutes, monitoring until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internal temperature and cheese transforms into a bubbling, bronzed masterpiece.
8. Resting Phase: Extract the casserole from the oven and allow 5-7 minutes of resting time, permitting sauce to thicken and flavors to harmonize deliciously.
9. Final Touch: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives, adding a vibrant, herbaceous accent that elevates the entire dish’s visual and flavor profile.

Notes

• Chicken Temperature Check: Always use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption, preventing potential foodborne illnesses.
• Cheese Melting Tip: Use freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded varieties for smoother melting and richer flavor development.
• Moisture Preservation: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil during initial baking to prevent chicken from drying out, removing foil in the last 15 minutes for cheese browning.
• Ingredient Substitution: Can replace sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter version without compromising the creamy texture and tangy flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 478
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 503 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 44 g
• Cholesterol: 138 mg