If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with comforting, creamy flavors but still feels fresh and vibrant, the Sour Cream and Onion Chicken Recipe is your new go-to. This recipe takes tender chicken breasts and elevates them with a luscious sour cream sauce infused with sweet caramelized onions and a hint of garlic, making every bite deliciously irresistible. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or impressing friends over the weekend, this dish strikes the perfect balance of cozy and elegant.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet essential, each one playing a key role in creating the rich, layered flavor and satisfying texture of the dish. From the tender chicken to the creamy tang of sour cream and the sweet earthiness of onions, everything comes together beautifully.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless, sliced thin for quick, even cooking and tender results.
- Garlic powder: Adds a gentle punch of garlicky warmth without overpowering the dish.
- Salt & pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance every element of flavor.
- Olive oil: Provides a subtle fruitiness and a perfect base for searing the chicken.
- Butter: Used in two stages for richness and to help caramelize the onions beautifully.
- Onion: Sliced thin, this ingredient adds a sweetness and depth when slowly browned.
- Garlic clove: Fresh and minced to boost the savory depth right before adding liquids.
- Chicken broth: Adds moisture and helps lift all the browned bits off the pan for maximum flavor.
- Worcestershire sauce: Contributes a subtle tangy and umami kick to intensify the sauce.
- Sour cream: The star of the sauce—rich, creamy, and tangy, it binds everything together into a silky finish.
- Fresh parsley: Optional but recommended for a burst of herby freshness and color contrast.
How to Make Sour Cream and Onion Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by slicing your chicken breasts in half lengthwise so you end up with four thinner pieces. This helps them cook evenly and quickly. Season generously with garlic powder, salt, and pepper to ensure every bite is flavorful.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat your skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil along with half the butter. When the pan is hot and shimmering, lay in the chicken pieces. Let them cook undisturbed for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until they develop a beautiful golden crust and reach an internal temperature of 165F. Then, set them aside to rest on a plate.
Step 3: Caramelize the Onions
Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining butter to the skillet. Toss in your sliced onions and let them cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until soft and golden brown—this can take between 10 and 15 minutes depending on how thinly you sliced them. Keep an eye on the heat so they brown gently without burning.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Once the onions are perfectly caramelized, add your minced garlic and cook it for just 30 seconds to release its aroma. Pour in the chicken broth and Worcestershire sauce, scraping the bottom of the pan to lift all those irresistible browned bits. This step infuses the sauce with deep flavor.
Step 5: Finish with Sour Cream
Turn the heat down to low and gently stir in the sour cream until you get a smooth, creamy sauce. Heat it through carefully, preventing the sauce from bubbling too much to avoid curdling.
Step 6: Combine and Serve
Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce generously over the top. Check the seasoning and add more salt and pepper if needed. For a final touch, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on the chicken before serving.
How to Serve Sour Cream and Onion Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley isn’t just for looks—it brightens up the dish with a touch of herbal freshness that complements the rich sauce beautifully. You could also try finely chopped chives or a sprinkle of crispy fried onions for some extra texture if you want to mix things up.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple, comforting sides. Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic choice, perfect for soaking up the luscious sauce. Roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad can add balance and contrast, making your meal feel complete and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a twist, serve the chicken over buttered egg noodles or a wild rice pilaf to add an extra dimension of flavor and texture. Plating with a colorful vegetable medley creates a beautiful, inviting dish that’s sure to impress anyone at your dinner table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Sour Cream and Onion Chicken Recipe, store the chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay delicious for up to 3 days, making it ideal for quick next-day meals.
Freezing
This recipe can be frozen, but to maintain the creamy texture of the sauce, freeze the chicken and sauce separately if possible. Use airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat to prevent the sour cream sauce from breaking. Stir frequently and add a splash of chicken broth or water if the sauce seems too thick. You can also warm it in the microwave, but do so in short intervals, stirring in between.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add even more juiciness and flavor to the dish. Just adjust cooking time as thighs are a bit thicker and need longer to reach the right internal temperature.
Is there a substitute for sour cream?
You can swap sour cream for Greek yogurt for a lighter option, but add it at the end of cooking off the heat to avoid curdling. Alternatively, crème fraîche works great if you want a richer, slightly tangier sauce.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
You can try replacing the butter with olive oil and using a dairy-free sour cream alternative. Keep in mind the flavor and texture will be slightly different, but it will still be delicious and creamy.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
The safest way is to use a meat thermometer and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165F. The chicken should be firm to the touch and have no pink inside.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! Caramelize the onions in advance and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. You can also season the chicken ahead of time to save on prep just before cooking.
Final Thoughts
This Sour Cream and Onion Chicken Recipe quickly becomes a cherished favorite thanks to its straightforward ingredients and mouthwatering flavors. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to revisit again and again because it’s easy to make yet feels meaningful and special. So go ahead, give it a try and watch how it brings warmth and smiles to your dining table!
Print
Sour Cream and Onion Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Sour Cream and Onion Chicken recipe features tender pan-seared chicken breasts simmered in a creamy, flavorful sauce made with sautéed onions, garlic, chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, and rich sour cream. Quick and easy to prepare, this dish brings comfort and elegance to your weeknight dinner table, perfect served with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter, divided
Sauce
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup full-fat sour cream
- Fresh chopped parsley (optional, to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create 4 thinner pieces. Season both sides with garlic powder, salt, and pepper evenly.
- Heat Pan and Cook Chicken: In a skillet, heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat until hot. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Sauté Onions: Lower the heat to medium, add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the skillet, then add the sliced onions. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for 10-15 minutes until the onions are softened and lightly browned. Adjust the heat as needed to avoid burning.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Deglaze Pan: Pour in the chicken broth and Worcestershire sauce, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan to add flavor.
- Make Creamy Sauce: Mix in the sour cream thoroughly until smooth. Heat gently for a couple of minutes, making sure the sauce does not boil to prevent curdling.
- Combine and Serve: Return the chicken pieces to the skillet, coating them with the sour cream sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- For best results, slice the chicken breasts evenly to ensure uniform cooking.
- Use full-fat sour cream to achieve a creamy texture without curdling.
- Adjust the heat carefully when sautéing onions to get a nice caramelization without burning.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, cook it a bit longer on low heat until it reduces to your desired consistency.
- Serve with rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
