Creamy, cheesy, and crunchy - that's what you get when you have chicken breasts topped with a Parmesan-sour cream coating and sprinkle breadcrumbs on top. The sour cream mixture keeps the chicken from drying out while also adding a lot of flavor. The recipe calls for light sour cream but if you're feeling indulgent, regular sour cream works just as well. We don't recommend using fat-free however because it's too thin and may cause the coating to slip off the chicken.
1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
6 ounces light sour cream
1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1 clove garlic, pressed
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup dry Italian breadcrumbs
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Wipe the chicken dry and place the chicken in a single layer in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
Combine the sour cream, Parmesan cheese, garlic, paprika, salt and pepper until smooth. Spread the mixture evenly over the chicken.
Sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the top of the sour cream mixture. Mist the crumbs lightly with olive oil or nonstick cooking spray.
Bake at 350 degrees F for 25-30 minutes or until chicken tests done and the breadcrumbs are golden brown.
For a crispy topping, broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes of baking, watching closely to prevent the breadcrumbs from burning.
If the chicken breasts are different thicknesses, lightly pound them until they are evenly sized for even cooking.
For a lower carb option, substitute the breadcrumbs with a mixture of almond flour and grated Parmesan cheese.
Try different cheeses in the sour cream mixture, such as Asiago or Pecorino Romano.
Adding herbs such as dried oregano, basil, or thyme to the sour cream mixture can enhance the flavor. Start with 1/2 teaspoon of your chosen herb and adjust to taste.
If you don't have Italian breadcrumbs, you can use plain breadcrumbs or panko breadcrumbs mixed with Italian seasoning. To make your own Italian seasoning, combine dried basil, oregano, rosemary, and thyme.
You can use bone-in chicken breasts, but you'll need to adjust the cooking time as bone-in chicken generally takes longer to cook. It might take 35-45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
This chicken goes well with a variety of side dishes, such as roasted vegetables, steamed green beans, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad. Choose sides that complement the creamy and cheesy flavors of the chicken.
To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers mixed with Italian seasoning as a substitute for the Italian breadcrumbs.
To help the sour cream mixture adhere better, make sure the chicken breasts are dry before applying the coating. Patting the chicken dry with paper towels before spreading the mixture can make a significant difference.
You can assemble the dish (up to adding the breadcrumbs) and refrigerate it for a few hours before baking. Add the breadcrumbs just before baking to make sure they stay crispy.
If you don't have light sour cream, you can use full-fat sour cream for a richer flavor. Greek yogurt is another option that has a similar texture and tanginess.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through, adding a splash of water or chicken broth if the chicken seems dry.
Baking Dish (9x13-inch): For placing the chicken breasts in a single layer and topping with the sour cream mixture and breadcrumbs while baking.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: To measure out the sour cream, Parmesan cheese, seasonings, and breadcrumbs.
Mixing Bowl: For combining the sour cream, Parmesan cheese, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth before spreading it over the chicken.
Spatula or Spoon: For spreading the sour cream mixture evenly over the chicken.
Paper Towels: For wiping the chicken breasts dry before placing them in the baking dish.
Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Serve garlic mashed potatoes alongside the chicken to soak up the delicious flavors of the dish.
Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots roasted until caramelized will add a nice sweetness and texture that complements the savory chicken.
Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad with crisp romaine and tangy dressing pairs nicely with the richness of the chicken.
Creamy Risotto: An herb-infused creamy risotto will provide a substantial side, while the subtle flavors won't overpower the chicken.
Lemon Herb Quinoa: This light, zesty quinoa dish will provide a healthy, nutty side that contrasts well with the richness of the sour cream and cheese.
Garlic Bread: Crunchy, buttery garlic bread goes with pretty much anything.
Sauteed Spinach: Quickly sauteed spinach with garlic adds a fresh, vibrant pop of color and a slightly bitter note that contrasts nicely with the creamy chicken.
Pasta Primavera: A light pasta primavera with fresh vegetables will keep the meal balanced.
Wine Pairings
Chardonnay: Go for a nice oaked Chardonnay that offers buttery notes and a touch of vanilla. This wine's creaminess complements the rich sour cream and Parmesan while balancing the garlic flavor.
Sauvignon Blanc: If you prefer something zesty, look for a Sauvignon Blanc with citrus and herbal notes. Its bright acidity can contrast beautifully with the creamy chicken.
Pinot Grigio: A light and crisp Pinot Grigio can be a lovely companion. Seek out one with a hint of stone fruit flavors; the freshness will highlight the chicken's richness.
Other Alcohol Pairings
Pilsner: Its crisp, clean flavors can cut through the richness of the sour cream and Parmesan.
Moscato: Feeling a bit sweet? Grab a bottle of Moscato. Its fruity and floral notes will add a nice counterpoint to the savory chicken.
Gin and Tonic: A classic gin and tonic, with its refreshing and herbal character, pairs well here.
Non-Alcoholic Pairings
Sparkling Water with Lime: Sparkling water with a squeeze of lime can add a refreshing zing that cuts through the creaminess without stealing the spotlight from the chicken.
Herbal Iced Tea: A chilled herbal iced tea, perhaps something with mint or chamomile, can provide a soothing, light complement to the comforting flavors.
Vegetable Juice: If you want something hearty yet refreshing, a vegetable juice (like a V8) can bring a savory element that echoes the meal's flavors.
Pumpkins aren't just for pies or Halloween decorations. These large, orange gourds - while naturally sweet - also work well in savory dishes. They pair well with poultry and pork (and especially bacon) and their creamy-when-cooked texture blends easily into soups.
Keeping a can of frozen orange juice concentrate in the freezer means you can make more than just orange juice. Try it in a variety of orange-flavored recipes.
Love buffalo wings? Get that same hot, zippy flavor in everything from deviled eggs to enchiladas. And of course: wings.
reviews & comments
July 6, 2020
So easy and tasty! I had some large chicken breasts so I butterflied them, eyeballed the rest of the ingredients, used Italian seasoning instead of paprika and baked as per instructions. End result was amazing!
March 9, 2020
I made this exactly as written except I used chicken thighs since I didn't have any chicken breast. Can't believe how moist and tasty it was. My husband and 13 year old grandson absolutely loved it and went back for seconds. This is a definite keeper!
November 30, 2018
Just made this as a quick dinner tonight..husband loved it as I sure did too! Easy peasy..yummmy too!! Enjoy holidays....peace...
October 9, 2018
Amazing!!! I am on a diet, and used fat free Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. It was so so good!!!
April 18, 2017
I really liked the flavor of this recipe, it was very easy to follow and something different my whole family enjoyed. The only thing I did different was make a basic brine and I soaked my chicken for about 2 hours ahead of time to get a little added flavor to the chicken itself. I doubled the recipe and will likely use this tomorrow cold in a salad. The bread crumbs did not get as brown as I would have liked so I put them on broil for a few minutes at the end.
April 7, 2017
I love it and it came out so good very easy to make. Thank you #Pintrest
May 11, 2011
Very tasty and easy recipe! I did have to tweak the cooking a bit though, after 20 minutes my chicken was cooked but the breadcrumbs weren't browning so I put it under the broiler for the last 5 minutes so not to overcook the chicken but still have a crispy crust.
January 5, 2010
Excellent dish, I put the chicken breast in milk and let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight. I baked them at 400 degrees for 20 minutes.
May 5, 2009
This is a GREAT QUICK meal that my entire family loved. Even my picky 4 year old! I served it with brown rice, salad and fresh fruit.
January 15, 2009
so good! I use light sour cream and light parmesan cheese for a more diet friendly dish and it is so good! Also I didn't have italian breadcrumbs so I used plain wheat and it turned out really good