ADDICTIVE SOUR CREAM CHICKEN – easymealstoprep

I can almost smell it now – that intoxicating aroma that would waft through the house every time my Aunt Carol made her famous chicken dish. It was a weeknight staple, a comfort food hug, and the secret ingredient that made it so irresistible? A generous dollop of sour cream. Today, I’m sharing my version of this family favorite, and trust me, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Creamy Sour Cream and Onion Chicken!

The Magic of Creamy Sour Cream and Onion Chicken

Okay, let’s be real. We all crave that dinner that’s both incredibly delicious and incredibly easy. Something that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor. And that, my friends, is exactly what Creamy Sour Cream and Onion Chicken is all about. This isn’t just another chicken recipe; it’s a flavor explosion wrapped in a comforting, creamy sauce that will have everyone begging for seconds.

What makes it so special? The combination of tangy sour cream, savory onion soup mix, and perfectly cooked chicken creates a symphony of flavors that’s simply irresistible. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile. Serve it over rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or even alongside a simple salad for a complete and satisfying meal. Are you ready to make some magic happen in your kitchen?

Why This Recipe Works

Beyond the incredible flavor, this recipe is a winner because:

• It’s fast: From prep to plate, you’re looking at around 45 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights!
• It’s simple: Seriously, anyone can make this. The ingredient list is short, and the instructions are straightforward.
• It’s budget-friendly: Chicken thighs are an economical choice, and the other ingredients are pantry staples.
• It’s customizable: Feel free to add your own personal touch with different herbs, spices, or vegetables.
• It’s crowd-pleasing: Even the pickiest eaters will devour this creamy chicken.

What You’ll Need: Ingredients at a Glance

Here’s what you’ll need to create this culinary masterpiece:

• Chicken: I prefer boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their flavor and tenderness, but chicken breasts work too.
• Sour Cream: The star of the show! Full-fat sour cream provides the best flavor and creaminess.
• Onion Soup Mix: This is our secret weapon! It adds a ton of savory onion flavor with minimal effort.
• Butter: For sautéing the chicken and adding richness to the sauce.
• Flour: Just a touch to thicken the sauce to the perfect consistency.
• Garlic Powder: Because everything is better with garlic!
• Salt and Pepper: To taste, of course.
• Optional: Fresh parsley or chives for garnish. A squeeze of lemon juice at the end adds a nice brightness.

Step-by-Step: Let’s Make Creamy Sour Cream and Onion Chicken!

Okay, grab your apron and let’s get cooking! I’m going to walk you through each step to ensure your Creamy Sour Cream and Onion Chicken is absolutely perfect.

1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This helps them brown nicely. Season them generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
2. Sear the Chicken: Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown. Don’t overcrowd the pan; work in batches if necessary. You’re not cooking the chicken all the way through at this point, just getting a nice sear for added flavor. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Create the Sauce: In the same skillet, add a little more butter if needed. Sprinkle the flour over the melted butter and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes to create a roux. This will help thicken the sauce. The mixture should be smooth and golden brown.
4. Add the Sour Cream and Onion Soup Mix: Gradually whisk in the sour cream until smooth. Then, stir in the onion soup mix. Continue to whisk until everything is well combined. The sauce will start to thicken as it simmers.
5. Simmer the Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and simmer the sauce for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. This is where you can add a pinch more salt, pepper, or garlic powder if you feel it needs it.
6. Return the Chicken to the Skillet: Place the seared chicken back into the skillet, nestling it into the creamy sauce.
7. Simmer and Cook: Cover the skillet and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The sauce should be bubbling gently around the chicken.
8. Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with fresh parsley or chives, if desired. Serve hot over rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or your favorite side dish. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds a lovely touch of brightness!

Success Tips for Perfect Creamy Sour Cream and Onion Chicken

Want to guarantee that your Creamy Sour Cream and Onion Chicken is a smashing success? Here are my top tips for achieving chicken perfection:

• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Overcooked chicken is dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C) and remove it from the heat immediately.
• Use Full-Fat Sour Cream: While you *can* use low-fat sour cream, the full-fat version provides the best flavor and creaminess. It also holds up better during cooking.
• Sear the Chicken Properly: Don’t skip the searing step! It adds a delicious depth of flavor to the chicken and helps to keep it moist. Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the chicken, and don’t overcrowd the pan.
• Simmer Gently: Simmering the sauce over low heat allows the flavors to meld together beautifully and prevents the sour cream from curdling.
• Adjust Seasonings to Taste: Don’t be afraid to taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. Everyone’s taste buds are different, so add more salt, pepper, or garlic powder to suit your preferences.

Variations and Adaptations: Make It Your Own!

The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. Feel free to get creative and add your own personal touch. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Add Vegetables: Sauté some sliced mushrooms, onions, or bell peppers along with the chicken for added flavor and nutrition.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little kick.
• Use Different Herbs: Experiment with different herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano.
• Make It Cheesy: Sprinkle some shredded cheese over the chicken during the last few minutes of cooking for a cheesy, melty topping.
• Use Chicken Breasts: If you prefer chicken breasts, feel free to substitute them for the thighs. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Serving Suggestions: Complete the Meal

Creamy Sour Cream and Onion Chicken is delicious on its own, but it’s even better when served with the right sides. Here are a few of my favorite serving suggestions:

• Rice: Fluffy white rice, brown rice, or even quinoa are all great choices.
• Pasta: Egg noodles, fettuccine, or penne are perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce. Consider making CHICKEN TORTELLINI HEAVEN for a complete meal.
• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing for this dish.
• Vegetables: Steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus are healthy and delicious options.
• Salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken.

You could even use the chicken in CHICKEN SLIDERS for parties!

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Planning ahead? No problem! Creamy Sour Cream and Onion Chicken is a great make-ahead dish. Here’s how to do it:

• Make-Ahead: You can prepare the chicken up to 24 hours in advance. Simply cook the chicken according to the recipe instructions, then let it cool completely. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the chicken in the skillet over medium heat until heated through.
• Storage: Leftover Creamy Sour Cream and Onion Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat the chicken in the skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook it.
• Freezing: While you *can* freeze this dish, the texture of the sour cream sauce may change slightly upon thawing. If you choose to freeze it, let the chicken cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Recipe: Creamy Sour Cream and Onion Chicken

Alright, let’s get to the good stuff! Here’s the complete recipe for Creamy Sour Cream and Onion Chicken:

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or chicken breasts)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 packet (1 oz) onion soup mix
• 1 cup sour cream (full-fat recommended)
• 1 tablespoon flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)
• Lemon wedges for serving (optional)

Instructions:

1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
2. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove from skillet and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, sprinkle flour over the melted butter and whisk for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
5. Gradually whisk in the sour cream until smooth. Then, stir in the onion soup mix.
6. Reduce heat to low and simmer the sauce for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
7. Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the creamy sauce.
8. Cover the skillet and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
9. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives, if desired. Serve hot over rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or your favorite side dish. Serve with lemon wedges, if desired.

This recipe is also divine served over CREAMY CHICKEN AND RICE or Creamy Smothered Chicken Rice!

You could even try making SMOTHERED CHICKEN RECIPE using the same creamy sour cream and onion sauce!

Final Thoughts: A Comfort Food Classic

There you have it! My take on Creamy Sour Cream and Onion Chicken, a recipe that’s both incredibly easy to make and outrageously delicious. This dish is more than just a meal; it’s a hug in a bowl, a taste of home, and a surefire way to put a smile on everyone’s face. So, go ahead, give it a try! I promise you won’t be disappointed. Happy cooking!

Addictive Sour Cream Chicken

Amelia

This creamy sour cream chicken is a quick and easy weeknight dinner that’s packed with flavor. Chicken thighs are seared and then simmered in a tangy sour cream and onion sauce, creating a comforting and satisfying meal that the whole family will love.

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 450 kcal

• Large skillet

• Whisk

• Measuring spoons

• Measuring cups

• Paper towels

• Meat thermometer

• Spatula

• Lid for skillet

• Cutting board

• Knife

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup sour cream full-fat recommended
• 1 tablespoon flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley or chives for garnish optional
• Lemon wedges for serving optional

• Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

• Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

• Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove from skillet and set aside.

• In the same skillet, sprinkle flour over the melted butter and whisk for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.

• Gradually whisk in the sour cream until smooth. Then, stir in the onion soup mix.

• Reduce heat to low and simmer the sauce for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

• Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the creamy sauce.

• Cover the skillet and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

• Garnish with fresh parsley or chives, if desired. Serve hot over rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or your favorite side dish. Serve with lemon wedges, if desired.

For best results, use full-fat sour cream for the creamiest sauce. Don’t overcook the chicken, or it will become dry. Searing the chicken adds flavor and helps keep it moist. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid curdling the sauce. You can add sliced mushrooms, onions, or bell peppers to the skillet while making the sauce for added flavor and vegetables. Thyme, rosemary, or oregano also complement this dish well.