This recipe is one of my all-time favorites, and I’ve been making it for over a decade. It’s still such a crowd-pleaser, and I get so many messages from people amazed by how good it tastes with so little effort.
I love to use sour cream in this recipe because it keeps the chicken juicy without being too heavy—unlike mayonnaise, which I find can make the dish feel a little too rich. Sour cream, on the other hand, tenderizes the chicken beautifully, leaving you with moist and flavorful results every time.
The prep time is super quick (about five minutes!), and once everything is ready, all you have to do is pop it in the oven. For a golden, cheesy finish, I recommend broiling it for a few minutes at the end! Even picky eaters will love it, as the flavors are mild and comforting, which makes it a hit with everyone in the family.
What You’ll Need
Making Tender & Flavorful Chicken Breast couldn’t be simpler. With just a few ingredients, you’re ready to get started. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Boneless Chicken Breasts: The key here is to use medium-thickness chicken breasts—not too thin or too thick. Thinner chicken will cook faster, so keep an eye on the time depending on the thickness.
- Sour Cream: This is a fantastic ingredient for keeping your chicken moist. If you prefer, you could swap it out for plain Greek yogurt or mayonnaise.
- Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan adds a delicious savory flavor to the chicken. If you feel like mixing things up, you can try other cheeses like Gruyere, extra sharp cheddar, or Asiago.
- Seasonings: This is where you can get creative! I keep it simple with garlic powder, seasoned salt, and black pepper, but feel free to experiment with other spices. Want a Tex-Mex twist? Add cumin. Craving an Italian vibe? Toss in some basil or Italian seasoning. Feeling bold? Try smoked paprika and cayenne for a smoky, spicy kick!
How to Make Tender & Flavorful Chicken Breast
Let’s get cooking! Here’s how to make this incredibly easy and flavorful chicken dish:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray and set it aside.
- Prepare the sour cream mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the sour cream, garlic powder, seasoned salt, black pepper, and 1 cup of Parmesan cheese. Stir until everything is well mixed.
- Coat the chicken: Place your chicken breasts in a single layer in the prepared baking dish. Spread the sour cream mixture over the top of each piece of chicken, ensuring they are evenly covered. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese over the chicken for extra flavor
- Bake the chicken in the oven for 25-30 minutes. Depending on the thickness of your chicken breasts, you’ll want to check that they’re cooked through. You can tell they’re done when the juices run clear, or you can use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature has reached 165°F.
- Broil for the finish: For a beautiful golden, crispy top, switch your oven to broil and cook the chicken for 2-3 minutes, just until the top is lightly browned.
- Serve and enjoy!
Tips for Success
Here are some tips to ensure your Tender & Flavorful Chicken Breast turns out perfectly every time:
- Prep ahead of time: You can prepare everything up to the point of baking the chicken a day in advance. Just cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, remove the plastic wrap and proceed with the recipe
- Check for doneness: Thicker chicken breasts take longer to cook than thinner ones, so be mindful of the cooking time. The best way to know your chicken is cooked perfectly is to check for clear juices. For extra assurance, use a meat thermometer to check for a temperature of 165°F.
- Liquid in the pan: Don’t worry if there’s liquid in the pan. This is totally normal since chicken naturally releases juices as it cooks. If you’d like, you can drain off the excess liquid after broiling, but the dish will still be delicious!
Serving Suggestions
Tender & Flavorful Chicken Breast pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Here are a few ideas to complete your meal:
- Homemade Egg Noodles: These are perfect when you have a little more time to spare. They pair beautifully with the creamy chicken.
- Steamed Vegetables: Keep things light and healthy by serving your chicken with steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus.
- Mashed Potatoes: The creamy chicken goes wonderfully with mashed potatoes, whether you make them classic or add in some garlic or cheese for extra flavor.
How to Store and Reheat
If you have leftovers (lucky you!), here’s how to store and reheat them:
- Storage: Let the chicken cool before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, you can use the microwave or the oven. If you use the oven, cover the chicken with foil to prevent the top from getting too brown, and heat at 350°F for about 10 minutes.
- Freezing: I don’t recommend freezing this recipe. Sour cream tends to separate and lose its creamy texture when frozen and thawed, which can affect the dish’s quality.
Tender & Flavorful Chicken Breast Recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Resting Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Servings: 4
Calories: 280 kcal
Ingredients
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon seasoned sa
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese (divided)
- 3 pounds boneless chicken breasts (trimmed of excess fat)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the sour cream, garlic powder, seasoned salt, black pepper, and 1 cup of Parmesan cheese.
- Arrange the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish and coat them with the sour cream mixture. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan on top.
- Bake the chicken for 25-30 minutes, or until cooked through (165°F internal temperature).
- Broil for 2-3 minutes to achieve a golden-brown top.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.
Frequently Asked Questions (F&Q)
How do you make chicken breast melt faster?
To achieve a melt-in-your-mouth texture quickly, you can tenderize the chicken by using a meat mallet to flatten it to an even thickness. Marinating the chicken with ingredients like yogurt or lemon juice before cooking can also help break down proteins, making it softer and faster to cook. A quick sear in a hot pan before baking will also help lock in moisture.
Can you season chicken with mayonnaise?
Yes, mayonnaise is a great seasoning for chicken! It helps keep the meat juicy by sealing in moisture and provides a creamy base for any spices you want to add. You can experiment with different herbs and spices, such as garlic, rosemary, or lemon zest, to enhance the flavor.
How do you keep chicken soft and moist?
Brining your chicken is a great way to lock in moisture. Soaking the chicken in a mixture of water, salt, and optional sugar or spices for about 30 minutes helps it stay juicy during cooking. Other techniques like slow cooking or poaching also work well for keeping chicken tender and moist.
How long to salt chicken breast before cooking?
Salting the chicken before cooking helps enhance its moisture and flavor. For short-term salting, 30 minutes to 1 hour works well. For deeper flavor and moisture, salting the chicken and letting it rest for up to 24 hours in the fridge is ideal.