Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Prep the oven and dish
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Set up a rack in the middle so the chicken bakes evenly.
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Coat the bottom so the sauce doesn’t stick.
Assemble the chicken
- Pat the chicken breasts dry and place them in the baking dish. Arrange them in a single layer for consistent cooking.
- In a bowl, mix sour cream, onion soup mix, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and evenly combined.
- Spread the sour cream mixture evenly over the chicken. Make sure each breast is coated with a thick layer.
Bake
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes at 375°F (190°C). Bake until the chicken looks set around the edges.
- Remove foil and sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the chicken. Spread it across the tops so it melts evenly.
- Bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes at 375°F (190°C) until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Look for bubbling sauce and lightly golden cheese.
Rest, garnish, and serve
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. The juices will redistribute so the breasts stay tender.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve. Plate with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables.
Notes
For the best texture, avoid overbaking past 165°F (74°C), since the mozzarella can dry out. Refrigerate leftovers in a sealed container for up to 3 days; reheat gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through. Freezing is not recommended because the sour cream sauce can separate when thawed. If you want a lighter option, use low-fat sour cream (the sauce will be slightly thinner but still creamy).
