There’s something wonderfully comforting about the combination of sour cream and onions, and when you bring that to a succulent chicken dish, magic truly happens. I first experimented with this sour cream and onion chicken on a busy weeknight when takeout felt too easy but time was tight. With just 30 minutes, I transformed pantry staples into a creamy, savory masterpiece that quickly became a family favorite.
Imagine tender, pan-fried chicken breasts bathed in a velvety sauce that strikes the perfect balance between tangy and rich. It’s an effortless low-carb delight that doesn’t compromise on flavor or satisfaction. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply ease the dinner dilemma for your loved ones, this dish serves it all up with style. Grab your skillet and let’s dive into the recipe that takes classic flavors and turns them into a quick weeknight wonder!
Why is Sour Cream and Onion Chicken a Must-Try?
Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, ideal for busy weeknights.
Comforting Flavors: With the classic combo of sour cream and onions, every bite is a cozy delight!
Low-Carb Goodness: Perfectly suited for low-carb lifestyles while still feeling indulgent.
Versatile Meal: Great on its own or served over mashed potatoes or zucchini noodles.
Family-Friendly: Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just a few, this dish is a hit with everyone!
Elevate your weeknight meals with this savory delight that promises satisfaction without the fuss!
Sour Cream and Onion Chicken Ingredients
• Get ready to create a creamy, savory masterpiece with these simple ingredients!
For the Chicken
• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts – Use thinly sliced for quicker cooking and tender results.
• Salt & Pepper – Essential for enhancing all flavors; adjust to your personal taste.
• Garlic Powder – Adds depth to the chicken; feel free to use fresh garlic for a bolder flavor.
• Olive Oil – Great for sautéing; substitute with butter for richer flavor if desired.
For the Sauce
• Butter – Provides creaminess to the sauce; divided use is essential for both chicken and onions.
• Medium Onion – The base flavor for a delicious sauce; either yellow or white onions work best.
• Garlic – Freshly minced elevates the dish; if you’re in a pinch, use more garlic powder.
• Chicken Broth – Adds necessary liquid to the sauce; low-sodium options are perfect for healthier cooking.
• Worcestershire Sauce – Enhances umami depth; soy sauce makes a suitable alternative if needed.
• Full-Fat Sour Cream – Creates a rich, creamy texture; Greek yogurt can lighten it up in a pinch.
• Fresh Chopped Parsley – Optional for garnish; chives are another lovely herb for finishing touches.
Get your ingredients ready, and prepare to create the ultimate sour cream and onion chicken that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
How to Make Sour Cream and Onion Chicken
- Prepare the Chicken: Slice the boneless skinless chicken breasts in half lengthwise. Season them generously with garlic powder, salt, and pepper for a flavorful base.
- Heat the Skillet: In a large skillet, warm olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Wait until the butter melts and starts to bubble for optimal searing.
- Sear the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken in the skillet and cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side, ensuring they turn golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove them to a plate once done.
- Cook the Onions: Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining tablespoon of butter along with the sliced onions to the same skillet. Sauté them for 10-15 minutes until they have softened and taken on a light golden color.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. This step enhances the full flavor of your sauce beautifully.
- Create the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and Worcestershire sauce, using a wooden spoon to scrape any delicious brown bits off the bottom of the pan.
- Incorporate Sour Cream: Reduce the heat to low. Gently stir in the sour cream until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Be careful not to let it boil to prevent curdling.
- Return the Chicken: Place the seared chicken back into the skillet and spoon the luscious sauce over the top. Allow it to warm through for a minute or two, adjusting the seasoning with salt and pepper to your liking.
Optional: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Sour Cream and Onion Chicken?
This creamy and savory dish deserves a delightful accompaniment that will elevate your dining experience and bring your meal to the next level.
- Fluffy Mashed Potatoes:
Creamy mashed potatoes are the classic side that perfectly soaks up the velvety sauce, creating a comforting bite with every forkful. - Garlic Roasted Asparagus:
The earthy flavor of asparagus complements the richness of the chicken, adding a fresh crunch that rounds out the meal beautifully. - Zucchini Noodles:
For a low-carb option, spiralized zucchini offers a light and satisfying alternative that still captures the delicious sauce without the extra carbs. - Buttery Herb Rice:
Fluffy rice, infused with fragrant herbs and butter, is an excellent base that takes on the creamy sauce while offering a delightful texture. - Coleslaw:
A zesty coleslaw adds a refreshing crunch and bright acidity, balancing the richness of the sour cream and onion chicken perfectly. - Garlic Bread:
Crispy garlic bread is perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce, combining the comfort of crusty texture with the savory flavors of your main dish. - Red Wine:
Sip on a glass of smooth red wine like Pinot Noir, as it harmonizes beautifully with the creamy sauce and enhances the overall dining experience. - Chocolate Mousse:
Finish off your meal with a rich chocolate mousse. Its light airiness contrasts wonderfully with the hearty chicken, offering a sweet finale.
Complete your dinner table with these delectable pairings that make your noisy weeknight meals feel like a cozy gathering!
Sour Cream and Onion Chicken Variations
Feel free to play around with this recipe to suit your taste buds and dietary needs!
- Pork Swap: Use thinly sliced pork tenderloin instead of chicken for a delightful twist; it blends beautifully with the creamy sauce.
- Mushroom Addition: Add sautéed mushrooms for an earthy flavor and added texture that complements the richness of the sauce. Just a handful can elevate your dish!
- Greek Yogurt: Swap full-fat sour cream for Greek yogurt to lighten up the dish without sacrificing that creamy consistency. It adds a tangy flair too!
- Vegetarian Delight: Replace the chicken with hearty vegetables like zucchini or eggplant, sautéed until golden, for a delicious plant-based alternative.
- Spice it Up: For a kick, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce while cooking the sauce for a delightful zing.
- Herbed Variation: Experiment with fresh herbs like dill or thyme mixed into the sauce for a burst of flavor—just a small handful can make a big difference!
- Cheesy Twist: Stir in a bit of cream cheese or shredded cheddar just before serving for an extra layer of creaminess and richness in the sauce.
- Nutty Touch: For a unique texture, mix in some toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds as a finishing touch to add a lovely crunch!
Let your creativity shine with these variations, and transform this comforting recipe into your own culinary masterpiece!
Make Ahead Options
These Sour Cream and Onion Chicken meal prep options will save you valuable time on hectic weeknights! You can season the chicken breasts and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking, ensuring they stay flavorful and tender. Additionally, the sauce can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; just combine everything except the sour cream, and then add it just before serving to maintain its creamy texture. When you’re ready to enjoy, reheat the sauce gently and finish cooking the chicken in the skillet for a quick, delicious meal that tastes as good as freshly made!
Expert Tips for Sour Cream and Onion Chicken
- Perfectly Sear: Use medium-high heat for searing chicken. This ensures a golden crust while keeping the inside juicy and tender.
- Avoid Curdling: After adding sour cream to the sauce, keep the heat low. Boiling can cause the cream to curdle, ruining the luscious texture.
- Onion Attention: Sauté onions until they are golden and softened, stirring occasionally. Don’t rush this step—it adds essential flavor to your sauce.
- Thicker Sauce: For a thicker consistency, allow the sauce to simmer for a couple of extra minutes after adding the sour cream, but still avoid boiling.
- Flavor Boost: Don’t shy away from seasoning! Adjust salt and pepper to taste at the end of cooking for maximum flavor satisfaction in your sour cream and onion chicken.
How to Store and Freeze Sour Cream and Onion Chicken
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove to maintain the creamy texture.
- Freezer: You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. Place in a freezer-safe container and let it cool completely before sealing.
- Reheating: To reheat from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm in a skillet over low heat, stirring to re-emulsify the sauce.
- Airtight Seal: Ensure the container is airtight before freezing to prevent freezer burn, maintaining the delicious flavor of your sour cream and onion chicken.
Sour Cream and Onion Chicken Recipe FAQs
What kind of chicken should I use for this recipe?
Absolutely! For this recipe, I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts, as they cook quickly and remain tender. Thinly slicing them will help with even cooking and flavor absorption. Should you want to switch it up, you can easily substitute with turkey or pork cutlets for a different twist!
How do I store leftovers of sour cream and onion chicken?
Very! Store your leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, gently reheat in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat to keep that creamy texture intact.
Can I freeze sour cream and onion chicken?
Of course! You can freeze this creamy delight for up to 2 months. First, let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Make sure it’s airtight to avoid freezer burn. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and warm it in a skillet over low heat for the best results.
Why is my sauce curdling when I add sour cream?
Don’t worry; it happens to the best of us! To prevent curdling, ensure you keep the heat low when adding the sour cream. Stir it in gently and avoid letting the sauce reach a boil after adding it. If you’ve already curdled, try whisking in a splash of chicken broth to smooth it out a bit.
Can I adjust the flavors if I have dietary restrictions?
Definitely! If you’re looking for a lighter option, opt for Greek yogurt in place of sour cream. This will still keep things creamy while cutting down on fat. If you’re watching your sodium, use low-sodium chicken broth and adjust Worcestershire sauce to your dietary needs. Just remember to taste and adjust seasonings to get the best flavor!
How can I turn this into a more substantial meal?
The more the merrier! To create a heartier meal, consider serving your sour cream and onion chicken over mashed potatoes, rice, or even zucchini noodles for a lovely low-carb twist. You can also add sautéed mushrooms to the sauce for added texture and flavor!
Sour Cream and Onion Chicken: A Creamy 30-Minute Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Slice the boneless skinless chicken breasts in half lengthwise and season them with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- In a large skillet, warm olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat until butter melts.
- Sear the chicken in the skillet for about 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through, then remove from skillet.
- Lower the heat to medium, add the remaining tablespoon of butter and sliced onions, sautéing for 10-15 minutes until softened.
- Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and Worcestershire sauce, scraping any brown bits from the pan.
- Reduce heat to low, stir in sour cream until smooth, being careful not to boil.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over it, and warm through for a minute or two.
- Optional: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
