There is something truly comforting and indulgent about a well-made Sour Cream and Onion Chicken Recipe. This dish combines tender, juicy chicken breasts with a crispy, flavorful breadcrumb coating and the creamy tang of a homemade sour cream sauce that’s studded with fresh green onions. Perfect for weeknight dinners or a cozy weekend gathering, this recipe brings together familiar flavors with a fresh twist, leaving everyone at the table asking for seconds. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this crowd-pleaser will quickly become one of your go-to dishes to share with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple but essential ingredients is the first step towards creating this delightful Sour Cream and Onion Chicken Recipe. Each component plays a role—crisp breadcrumbs add texture, the blend of spices brings a gentle warmth, and the sour cream sauce ties everything together with its creamy, tangy goodness.
- 1 cup fresh breadcrumbs: Use Italian-style for added herbs and flavor that boost the crust’s savoriness.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the taste without overpowering the dish’s delicate flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder: Adds subtle onion aroma that deepens the overall profile.
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika: Provides a hint of color and a mild smoky note for warmth.
- 1 1/2 cups melted margarine: Essential for dipping and drizzling to create a golden, crispy coating.
- 4 whole chicken breasts (8 halves): The star ingredient—choose fresh, plump breasts for tender juiciness.
- 1 1/2 cups onions, chopped into eighths: Adds savory sweetness and texture when baked atop the chicken.
- 2 tablespoons melted butter: Used in the sauce to enrich flavor and aid thickening.
- 2 tablespoons flour: Acts as a thickening agent for the creamy sour cream sauce.
- 16 ounces sour cream: Brings the signature tang that makes this recipe irresistible.
- Pepper: Freshly ground for a gentle kick and balance.
- 4 tablespoons chopped green onions: Freshness and a mild bite that brighten up the sauce and final presentation.
How to Make Sour Cream and Onion Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crumb Mixture
Start by combining the fresh breadcrumbs with salt, onion powder, and paprika in a bowl. This mixture will give your chicken that irresistible crust packed with flavor, so take a moment to mix well and ensure each ingredient is evenly distributed.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken
Dip each chicken breast half into the melted margarine, making sure they’re fully coated. This step ensures the breadcrumb mixture sticks perfectly and bakes into a golden crust that’s both crunchy and delicious.
Step 3: Apply the Breadcrumbs
Next, press the buttery chicken pieces into your crumb mixture, covering each side thoroughly. Set aside some of the crumb mixture to use later for topping the onions and the baking dish.
Step 4: Arrange in Baking Pan
Place the coated chicken breasts evenly in one or two 9×13-inch baking pans. This arrangement helps the chicken cook uniformly while allowing the crispy crust to form beautifully.
Step 5: Add Onions and Toppings
Scatter the quartered onions on top of and around the chicken breasts. Then, sprinkle the reserved breadcrumb mixture over the onions for added crunch and flavor when baked.
Step 6: Finish with Butter and Bake
Drizzle the remaining melted margarine over the entire dish—it’s the secret to achieving a perfectly golden finish. Bake in a 350-degree oven for about 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the topping is crisp and inviting.
Step 7: Make the Sour Cream Sauce
While the chicken bakes, melt the butter in a pan over medium heat, then whisk in the flour and cook briefly to create a light roux. Stir in the sour cream, chopped green onions, and pepper, cooking for another minute or two to blend the flavors. If the sauce feels too thick, a splash of milk can bring it to the ideal consistency.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!
When the chicken is ready, pour the luscious sour cream sauce evenly over the pieces and save some for drizzling over your favorite mashed potatoes. This is the moment where all the flavors come together into a comforting, unforgettable meal.
How to Serve Sour Cream and Onion Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh green onions or chopped parsley sprinkled on top add a burst of color and freshness that complements the richness of this dish perfectly. A light sprinkle of paprika can also enhance visual appeal and flavor.
Side Dishes
This chicken pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or a simple buttered noodle side. A crisp green salad or steamed vegetables provide a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the sour cream and onion sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the chicken on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of the sour cream sauce and extra breadcrumbs on the side for added texture. For a family-style feel, plate everything in a large casserole dish right from the oven, inviting everyone to dig in together.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool the chicken completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it will keep well for up to 3 days, making for easy next-day meals with minimal effort.
Freezing
If you want to save this for longer, freeze the cooked chicken in a suitable freezer-safe container or bag. It will maintain its flavor and texture for up to 3 months, perfect for busy days or unexpected guests.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw if frozen, then warm in an oven set to 350 degrees until heated through and the crust re-crisps slightly. Alternatively, gently microwave with a cover to avoid drying out, then finish under the broiler for a minute or two if you want the breadcrumb topping nice and crunchy again.
FAQs
Can I use fresh onions instead of onion powder and green onions?
Absolutely! Fresh onions bring a lovely texture and bright onion flavor to the dish. The recipe already includes sliced onions baked with the chicken, so using fresh green onions in the sauce really balances it out beautifully.
Is it necessary to use margarine, or can I use butter instead?
Butter can definitely be used as a substitute for margarine, and it offers a richer flavor. Either will work well to create the buttery coating needed for this recipe’s crispy crust.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version, substitute sour cream with a dairy-free sour cream alternative and use dairy-free margarine or oil in place of butter. Keep in mind this may alter the flavor slightly but will still be delicious.
What’s the best way to ensure chicken breasts don’t dry out?
Using the breadcrumb coating soaked in butter helps lock in moisture. Also, baking at 350 degrees and monitoring the chicken closely ensures it cooks thoroughly but stays juicy.
Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?
Yes! The recipe is easy to scale up—just use additional baking pans and adjust cooking time if necessary to avoid overcrowding the chicken, ensuring even baking.
Final Thoughts
There is no doubt that this Sour Cream and Onion Chicken Recipe will earn a cherished spot in your family’s meal rotation. Its perfect balance of crispy texture, savory onions, and creamy sauce makes for a timeless comfort dinner that feels special yet is simple to prepare. Give it a try and watch how quickly it disappears from the plate—this is one recipe you’ll want to make again and again.
Print
Sour Cream and Onion Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Sour Cream and Onion Chicken recipe features juicy, baked chicken breasts coated in a flavorful breadcrumb mixture, topped with onions, and drizzled with a rich sour cream and green onion sauce. It’s a comforting and satisfying dish perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Coating
- 1 cup fresh breadcrumbs (Progresso Italian recommended)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1 1/2 cups melted margarine, divided
Chicken & Topping
- 4 whole chicken breasts (8 halves)
- 1 1/2 cups onions, chopped into eighths
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 16 ounces sour cream
- 4 tablespoons chopped green onions
- Freshly ground pepper, to taste
- Optional: a little milk (to thin sauce if needed)
Instructions
- Prepare Coating: In a bowl, combine the fresh breadcrumbs, salt, onion powder, and paprika to make the crumb mixture. Set aside a portion of this mixture for later.
- Coat Chicken: Dip each chicken breast into the melted butter, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- Apply Crumb Mixture: Coat the buttered chicken thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Reserve Remaining Crumbs: Keep the remaining crumb mixture for topping.
- Arrange Chicken: Place the coated chicken breasts in a 9 x 13-inch baking pan.
- Add Onions: Scatter the chopped onions on top of the chicken and around the pan.
- Top with Crumbs: Sprinkle the reserved breadcrumb mixture evenly over the onions.
- Drizzle Butter: Drizzle the remaining melted margarine over the crumb topping and onions.
- Bake Chicken: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and juices run clear.
- Make Sauce – Melt Butter: While chicken is baking, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a pan over medium heat.
- Make Roux: Stir in the flour and cook for a brief moment to create a roux.
- Add Sour Cream & Seasoning: Stir in sour cream, chopped green onions, and pepper. Cook the mixture for one to two minutes, stirring continuously.
- Adjust Consistency: If sauce is too thick, add a little milk to thin it to your preferred consistency.
- Serve: Pour the sauce over the cooked chicken. Reserve some sauce to serve alongside mashed potatoes or as desired.
- Enjoy: Serve hot and enjoy your flavorful Sour Cream and Onion Chicken!
Notes
- Use fresh breadcrumbs for the best texture and flavor coating.
- Make sure the chicken is fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- The sauce can be kept warm while chicken bakes and thickened to your liking with milk.
- This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables.
- To add extra flavor, consider adding garlic powder or fresh herbs to the breadcrumb mixture.
