Sour Cream and Onion Chicken Recipe

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This Sour Cream and Onion Chicken recipe is the ultimate comfort food. Creamy, tangy, and bursting with savory onion flavors, it transforms simple chicken breasts or thighs into a luxurious meal. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this dish pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Rich and Creamy Flavor: The combination of sour cream and onion creates a luscious sauce that enhances the chicken.
2. Easy to Make: With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, it’s a beginner-friendly recipe.
3. Versatile: Works with different cuts of chicken, including breasts, thighs, or drumsticks.
4. Customizable: Add herbs, spices, or extra vegetables to make it your own.

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Season and Coat: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper. Lightly dredge each piece in flour, shaking off any excess.
2. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Onions

1. In the same skillet, add butter and reduce the heat to medium.
2. Add the sliced onions and cook for 5-7 minutes until softened and caramelized. Stir frequently to avoid burning.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

1. Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the skillet to release any browned bits.
2. Incorporate the Creaminess: Stir in sour cream, cream cheese, and heavy cream (if using). Whisk until smooth and creamy.
3. Flavor Boost: Add Dijon mustard and onion powder, stirring to combine. Simmer the sauce for 3-5 minutes to thicken slightly.

Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce

1. Return the seared chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce.
2. Spoon the sauce over the chicken to coat. Cover and simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F).

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives over the dish for a pop of color and added freshness.
2. Serve hot with your choice of sides.

Perfect Pairings

This Sour Cream and Onion Chicken is a versatile dish that pairs well with many sides:

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1. Mashed Potatoes: Creamy potatoes complement the rich sauce perfectly.
2. Rice or Quinoa: Soaks up the flavorful sauce for a complete meal.
3. Pasta: Serve over egg noodles or linguine for a comforting twist.
4. Roasted Vegetables: Broccoli, carrots, or green beans make a healthy, vibrant addition.
5. Crusty Bread: Ideal for dipping into the sauce.

Tips for Success

1. Use Room Temperature Sour Cream: Prevents curdling when added to the warm sauce.
2. Sear the Chicken Well: Browning the chicken adds depth of flavor to the dish.
3. Adjust Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add more chicken broth; if it’s too thin, simmer longer to reduce.
4. Caramelize the Onions Fully: This step is key to the dish’s deep, sweet-savory flavor.
5. Check for Doneness: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.

Variations and Customizations

1. Add Vegetables: Incorporate mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for added texture and nutrients.
2. Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne for heat.
3. Herbaceous Touch: Include fresh thyme or rosemary in the sauce for a fragrant twist.
4. Cheesy Delight: Stir in grated Parmesan or Gruyère for an extra layer of flavor.
5. Lighter Version: Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and replace heavy cream with milk.

Why This Recipe Works

1. Balance of Flavors: The tangy sour cream and savory onions create a harmonious, comforting sauce.
2. Simple Yet Elegant: Minimal ingredients deliver restaurant-quality results.
3. Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike enjoy the creamy, mild flavors.
4. Adaptable: Easily adjusted to suit dietary preferences or available ingredients.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Bone-In Chicken?

Yes! Bone-in chicken adds flavor but may require a longer cooking time.

What If I Don’t Have Sour Cream?

You can substitute Greek yogurt or a mix of heavy cream and lemon juice for a similar tangy flavor.

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Can I Make This Dish Ahead?

Absolutely. Prepare the dish as directed, cool completely, and refrigerate. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the oven before serving.

How Do I Prevent the Sauce from Curdling?

Use room temperature sour cream and stir it into the sauce off the heat or over very low heat.

Make-Ahead Tips

1. Pre-Sear the Chicken: Sear the chicken and store it in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
2. Caramelize Onions in Advance: Prepare the onions a day ahead to save time.
3. Prepare the Sauce Base: Mix the sour cream, cream cheese, and seasonings in advance and refrigerate until needed.

Serving Suggestions for Special Occasions

1. Holiday Dinners: Serve with garlic mashed potatoes and roasted Brussels sprouts for a festive meal.
2. Date Night: Pair with a crisp white wine and a simple arugula salad for an elegant presentation.
3. Family Gatherings: Offer it alongside a big platter of buttery noodles and steamed vegetables.

Prep Time
10 minutes

Cook Time
35 minutes

Total Time
45 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds)
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 packet (1 ounce) onion soup mix
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with garlic powder, smoked paprika (if using), and black pepper.

2. Sear the Chicken

1. Heat olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken breasts and sear for about 3 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

3. Make the Sauce

1. In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they are softened and slightly caramelized.
2. Stir in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
3. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the sour cream and onion soup mix until fully combined.

4. Bake the Chicken

1. Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over the top.
2. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese evenly over the chicken and sauce.
3. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

5. Garnish and Serve

1. Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
3. Serve hot with sides like mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables.

Notes

Chicken Options: Substitute chicken thighs for a juicier option. Adjust baking time accordingly.

Make it Creamier: Add 2 tablespoons of heavy cream or cream cheese for an extra creamy sauce.

Onion Variations: Use shallots for a sweeter flavor or red onions for a more robust taste.

Make Ahead: Prepare the sauce ahead of time and store in the refrigerator. When ready to cook, reheat and proceed with baking.

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