Hey there, fellow comfort seekers! Let’s talk about a dinnertime win that’s saved my sanity more times than I can count: Sour Cream and Onion Chicken. Remember those nights when you’re staring into the fridge, wondering how you’re going to pull a meal together that everyone will actually eat? That’s where this gem comes in.
This Sour Cream and Onion Chicken isn’t fancy, it’s not complicated, but it is pure, unadulterated comfort. My own journey with this recipe started when I was a newlywed, desperately trying to impress my husband with my cooking skills (or lack thereof!). I stumbled upon a simple recipe online and tweaked it until it became the family favorite it is today.
What makes this recipe for Sour Cream and Onion Chicken so special? It’s the creamy, tangy sauce coating tender chicken, all thanks to the magic of sour cream and onion soup mix. This recipe is a warm hug on a plate, and I’m so excited to share it with you all. If you are searching for a solution to making the family happy around the dinner table, this recipe might just be the ticket. Grab your apron, and let’s get cooking!
INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this Sour Cream and Onion Chicken. This is the sort of ingredient list that won’t send you to a specialty store. Comfort comes from simple, readily available ingredients, right?
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 (1 ounce) package dry onion soup mix
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste

That’s it! I bet you have most of these things in your kitchen already. Want to mix it up? Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a tangier twist, or add a dash of garlic powder for extra flavor. My family gets extra comfort when I add a sprinkle of paprika for color.
For a budget-friendly alternative, use chicken thighs instead of breasts; they’re just as delicious and often more affordable. Trust me, this ingredient list is simple because busy moms need comfort without complexity! If you are feeling ambitious, you can try your hand at making your own onion soup mix, but using the pre-made mix really does make the meal so easy.
And for all my fellow forgetful moms out there, don’t stress if you realize you’re out of milk. A splash of chicken broth works just as well! Here’s a recipe comfort hack that changed our family’s dinnertime: I buy a big container of sour cream and portion it out into smaller containers for quick and easy use.
Let’s Make it Happen!
Alright, let’s get down to business. Don’t be intimidated, this Sour Cream and Onion Chicken is seriously easy to make. I promise, even on the busiest weeknights, you can pull this off. It’s a great way to have a comforting meal after checking out the best recipe for Sour Cream and Onion Chicken.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish. In my busy kitchen, this comforting meal usually takes about 30-40 minutes to bake, so plan accordingly!
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the sour cream, milk, and onion soup mix. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This is where the magic happens. The onion soup mix adds so much flavor with so little effort.
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken breasts for about 2-3 minutes per side, just until lightly browned. You’re not cooking them through, just giving them a nice color. Here’s where I used to struggle with my Sour Cream and Onion Chicken – I’d skip this step and the chicken would be a weird color. Learn from my experience!
- Place the seared chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Pour the sour cream mixture over the chicken, making sure each piece is evenly coated. Don’t worry if your Sour Cream and Onion Chicken looks a little messy at this point; it will all come together in the oven.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is bubbly and golden brown. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). Your Sour Cream and Onion Chicken should smell amazing by now!
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken. While your Sour Cream and Onion Chicken is cooking, take a moment to appreciate creating comfort for your family! Perfect time to prep tomorrow’s lunch! If you get really stuck for time, you can skip the searing step, but I really do think it helps to lock in some of the flavor.
How We Love to Eat This!
Now for the fun part: serving! This Sour Cream and Onion Chicken is so versatile, it goes with just about anything.
The kids devour this comforting Sour Cream and Onion Chicken when I serve it with mashed potatoes and steamed broccoli. It’s a balanced meal that everyone enjoys (and I don’t have to fight them to eat their veggies!). Another great side is rice or quinoa.
This is perfect for those busy weeknights when we need comfort food fast! I love making a big batch on Sunday and using the leftovers for lunches during the week. It’s also a fantastic dish to bring to potlucks or gatherings. Everyone always raves about it!
Presentation-wise, I like to sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley over the chicken before serving. It adds a pop of color and freshness. You can also add a dollop of extra sour cream on top for extra creaminess.
For seasonal variations, try adding some sautéed mushrooms to the sauce in the fall, or a squeeze of lemon juice in the spring. My friend made a Sour Cream and Onion Chicken casserole for her party and said it was a total hit. For something more unique, you can try this French Onion Chicken Recipe.
If you do find yourself with leftovers, shred the chicken and use it in tacos, salads, or sandwiches. You can even add it to soup for extra protein. It reheats beautifully, making it a great option for meal prepping. The options are endless! This comforting Sour Cream and Onion Chicken reminds me of another family favorite, Creamy Chicken Pasta.
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
I know you probably have some questions, so let’s tackle them! I get it, we’re all busy moms trying to make the best choices for our families. Thinking about what to serve with Sour Cream and Onion Chicken?
- Is this Sour Cream and Onion Chicken really filling enough for growing kids? Absolutely! The chicken is a great source of protein, and the sauce adds a creamy richness that makes it extra satisfying. Serve it with a hearty side like mashed potatoes or rice, and you’ll have a meal that will keep them full and happy.
- What if my picky eater won’t try this Sour Cream and Onion Chicken? Don’t give up! Try cutting the chicken into smaller pieces or serving it with a dipping sauce they enjoy. You can also sneak in some finely chopped vegetables into the sauce. Sometimes, it just takes a few tries for them to warm up to new flavors.
- Can I meal prep this Sour Cream and Onion Chicken for busy weeks ahead? Yes, you definitely can! Prepare the chicken and sauce according to the recipe, but don’t bake it yet. Store the chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to bake, simply pour the sauce over the chicken and bake as directed.
- Can I use a different kind of soup mix? While the onion soup mix is the star of this recipe, you can experiment with other flavors. Cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup mix would also work well. Keep in mind that the flavor will be different, but it can be a fun way to switch things up.
- How can I make this Sour Cream and Onion Chicken healthier? Use low-fat sour cream and milk, and trim any excess fat from the chicken breasts. You can also add some vegetables to the baking dish, such as broccoli florets or sliced bell peppers.
- Can I cook this in the Instant Pot? Yes! Sear the chicken using the saute function, then add the sour cream mixture and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release. You can find a great Instant Pot version at Instant Pot Sour Cream and Onion Chicken – Pressure Luck Cooking.
- My sauce is too thick/thin. What do I do? If the sauce is too thick, add a little more milk until it reaches the desired consistency. If it’s too thin, whisk in a tablespoon of cornstarch before baking. Remember, cooking is all about experimenting and finding what works best for you and your family. I hope these answered your questions about this easy chicken recipe.
Final Thoughts:
This recipe is more than just a recipe, it’s a sanity-saver for busy moms like us. It’s a way to put a comforting meal on the table without spending hours in the kitchen. For more simple comfort food ideas for busy families, check out my recipe for Chili’s Chicken Enchilada Soup.
My Sour Cream and Onion Chicken Comfort Hacks:
- Sear the chicken for extra flavor: Don’t skip this step! It makes a big difference.
- Use a good quality sour cream: It will give you the best flavor and texture.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment: Add your own personal touch to the recipe.
Family-Tested Variations:
- Spicy Sour Cream and Onion Chicken: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little kick. My husband loves this version!
- Cheesy Sour Cream and Onion Chicken: Sprinkle some shredded cheddar cheese over the chicken during the last few minutes of baking. The kids go crazy for this one.
- Mushroom Sour Cream and Onion Chicken: Sauté some sliced mushrooms and add them to the sauce before baking. This is my personal favorite!
Remember, the most important thing is to have fun in the kitchen and create meals that your family will love. Don’t stress about making everything perfect, just focus on putting good food on the table and enjoying time together. If your kids love this hearty recipe, they’ll go crazy for Chicken Parmesan Soup. I hope you and your family enjoy this comforting dish as much as we do! Happy cooking!

Sour Cream and Onion Chicken
This Sour Cream and Onion Chicken recipe is a flavorful and easy weeknight dinner. Crispy fried onion topping and tangy sour cream create a creamy, delicious sauce that everyone will love.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 (1 ounce) package dry onion soup mix
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup crushed potato chips or fried onions, for topping
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- In a bowl, combine onion soup mix, sour cream, and milk.
- Place chicken breasts in a baking dish.
- Pour sour cream mixture over the chicken.
- Top with crushed potato chips or fried onions.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and juices run clear.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Serve with a side of rice or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
