Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Cheese and Sauce
- 4 slices mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (not powdered)
- 1 tablespoon corn starch
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
Garnish
- Chopped parsley
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (not powdered)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the chicken evenly.
- Prepare baking dish: Lightly coat a 9×13 inch rectangular baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Mix sauce: In a bowl, combine sour cream, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, corn starch, dried oregano, dried basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to create a smooth, flavorful sauce that will smother the chicken.
- Arrange chicken: Lay the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish in a single layer.
- Add mozzarella slices: Place one slice of mozzarella cheese on top of each chicken breast for a melty cheese topping.
- Smother with sauce: Evenly spread the sour cream and Parmesan mixture over the chicken breasts, making sure they are well coated for a rich, creamy texture.
- Top with Parmesan: Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese over the top to add extra cheesy flavor and a golden crust.
- Bake: Place the dish uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour. Baking time depends on the thickness of the chicken breasts; cook until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from oven, sprinkle chopped parsley over the chicken for freshness and color. Serve the smothered chicken over rice or your preferred side dish for a complete meal.
Notes
- Ensure chicken breasts are evenly sized for uniform cooking.
- Use fresh grated Parmesan cheese instead of powdered for the best flavor and melting quality.
- If the sauce is too thick, you can thin it slightly with a tablespoon of milk or chicken broth.
- Check chicken doneness with a meat thermometer to avoid undercooking or overcooking.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American