Melt in Your Mouth Chicken is the ultimate comfort food that delivers juicy, tender, and flavorful chicken with minimal effort. This creamy, savory dish features chicken breasts coated with a simple yet irresistible blend of sour cream, Parmesan cheese, and seasonings.
Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner idea or a special meal to impress guests, this recipe is a surefire hit. Serve it alongside your favorite sides, and watch it become a family favorite!
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Baking dish (9×13-inch recommended)
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- Spatula or spoon
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for added crunch)
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Directions
- Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish and set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. If they’re thick, consider slicing them in half lengthwise for even cooking.
- Make the Coating
- In a mixing bowl, combine sour cream, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix until well blended.
- Coat the Chicken
- Spread the sour cream mixture evenly over both sides of each chicken breast. Place the coated chicken in the prepared baking dish.
- Optional Crunchy Topping
- If desired, sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly over the chicken for a crispy topping.
- Bake the Chicken
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). For a golden finish, broil for an additional 2–3 minutes.
- Garnish and Serve
- Remove from the oven, sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired, and serve hot with your favorite sides.
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
30 minutes
Total Time
40 minutes
Nutrition (Per Serving – Serves 4)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sodium: 580mg
Expert Tips
- Thinner Chicken: Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness for faster and more uniform cooking.
- Cheese Options: Swap Parmesan with Asiago or Romano cheese for a different flavor profile.
- Extra Moisture: Cover the dish with foil during the first half of baking to lock in moisture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well for this recipe. Adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure they reach 165°F.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the chicken and coating up to a day in advance, then bake just before serving.
What sides go well with this dish?
This chicken pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, steamed rice, or a simple garden salad.
Storing & Reheating
- Storing: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes or microwave until heated through.
Substitutions & Variations
- Lighter Version: Use low-fat sour cream or Greek yogurt.
- Spicy Twist: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the sour cream mixture.
- Herby Flavor: Mix in chopped fresh herbs like thyme, oregano, or basil.
Melt in Your Mouth Chicken
Equipment
- - Baking dish (9x13-inch recommended)
- - Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- - Spatula or spoon
Ingredients
- - 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- - 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt for a lighter option
- - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- - 1 tsp garlic powder
- - 1 tsp onion powder
- - 1 tsp smoked paprika optional
- - 1/2 tsp salt
- - 1/4 tsp black pepper
- - 1/4 cup breadcrumbs optional, for added crunch
- - 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley optional, for garnish
Instructions
- **Preheat the Oven**
- - Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish and set aside.
- **Prepare the Chicken**
- - Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. If they're thick, consider slicing them in half lengthwise for even cooking.
- **Make the Coating**
- - In a mixing bowl, combine sour cream, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix until well blended.
- **Coat the Chicken**
- - Spread the sour cream mixture evenly over both sides of each chicken breast. Place the coated chicken in the prepared baking dish.
- **Optional Crunchy Topping**
- - If desired, sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly over the chicken for a crispy topping.
- **Bake the Chicken**
- - Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). For a golden finish, broil for an additional 2–3 minutes.
- **Garnish and Serve**
- - Remove from the oven, sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired, and serve hot with your favorite sides.
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