Sour Cream Chicken Breasts

Delicious Sour Cream Chicken Breasts Recipe with Crackers and Paprika

Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 1.5 hour | Servings: 6

Introduction

Sour Cream Chicken Breasts is a delicious and creamy dish that is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. The combination of tender chicken breasts, tangy sour cream, and crunchy cracker crumbs creates a flavorful and satisfying meal that is sure to please everyone at the table.

History

The origins of Sour Cream Chicken Breasts are not entirely clear, but it is believed to have originated in the United States. This dish has become a popular choice for home cooks looking for a simple and tasty chicken recipe that can be easily prepared with just a few ingredients.

Ingredients

6 skinned chicken breasts
1 small carton (8 oz / 227 g) sour cream
1 cup crushed cheese crackers (such as ritz crackers)
1 stick margarine
salt
pepper
paprika

How to prepare

Season each piece of chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Place the chicken pieces (bone side down, if using bone-in) in a baking dish and spoon sour cream over each piece.
Sprinkle cracker crumbs over the chicken and pour melted margarine over all.
Bake uncovered in a 350°F (177°C) oven for 1.5 hours.

Variations

Add grated Parmesan cheese to the cracker topping for extra flavor.
Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a tangier taste.
Mix in some herbs or spices such as garlic powder, onion powder, or Italian seasoning for added flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to season the chicken breasts well with salt, pepper, and paprika before baking to enhance the flavor of the dish.

- Use bone-in chicken breasts for extra flavor and juiciness, but boneless chicken breasts can also be used if preferred.

- For a crispy topping, crush the Ritz crackers finely and mix them with melted margarine before sprinkling over the chicken.

- To prevent the chicken from drying out, cover the baking dish with foil during the first half of the cooking time and then remove it to allow the topping to crisp up.

Serving Suggestions

Sour Cream Chicken Breasts can be served with a side of steamed vegetables, rice, or mashed potatoes for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Baking is the preferred cooking technique for Sour Cream Chicken Breasts, as it allows the chicken to cook evenly and the topping to crisp up nicely.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use crushed cornflakes or breadcrumbs instead of Ritz crackers for the topping.

- Substitute butter for margarine if desired.

- Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for a different texture.

Make Ahead Tips

Sour Cream Chicken Breasts can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to bake. This makes it a convenient option for busy weeknights or entertaining guests.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the Sour Cream Chicken Breasts with fresh herbs such as parsley or chives before serving to add a pop of color and freshness to the dish.

Pairing Recommendations

Sour Cream Chicken Breasts pair well with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or a side of pasta with marinara sauce.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Sour Cream Chicken Breasts can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Sour Cream Chicken Breasts contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Sour Cream Chicken Breasts contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Sour Cream Chicken Breasts contains approximately 20 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Sour Cream Chicken Breasts contains approximately 30 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Sour Cream Chicken Breasts are a good source of vitamin B12, niacin, and selenium.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (sour cream) and gluten (Ritz crackers), so it may not be suitable for those with dairy or gluten allergies.

Summary

Sour Cream Chicken Breasts are a rich source of protein and provide a good balance of carbohydrates and fats. However, they are also high in calories and may not be suitable for those on a low-calorie diet.

Summary

Sour Cream Chicken Breasts are a comforting and flavorful dish that is easy to prepare and sure to be a hit with your family and friends. With a creamy sour cream topping and a crispy cracker crust, this dish is a delicious way to enjoy chicken for dinner.

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Sour Cream Chicken Breasts. It was a sunny summer afternoon, and I was visiting my dear friend Margaret for our weekly tea time. Margaret was known in our circle of friends for her delicious home-cooked meals, and I always looked forward to trying out her new recipes.

As we sipped on our Earl Grey tea and nibbled on some homemade scones, Margaret suddenly exclaimed, "Oh, I almost forgot to tell you about this amazing recipe I tried last night! It's for Sour Cream Chicken Breasts, and it's absolutely divine."

My curiosity piqued, I urged Margaret to share the recipe with me. She pulled out a tattered old recipe card from her recipe box and handed it to me. The card was stained with splatters of ingredients and had a faint scent of herbs and spices. As I read through the list of ingredients and instructions, I could tell that this dish was going to be a hit with my family.

The next day, I gathered all the ingredients needed for the Sour Cream Chicken Breasts and set to work in my kitchen. The tantalizing aroma of chicken, herbs, and sour cream filled the air as the dish cooked in the oven. I couldn't wait to taste the final result.

When the timer dinged, I pulled the dish out of the oven and plated it up for dinner. The chicken breasts were tender and juicy, with a creamy and tangy sauce that was bursting with flavor. My family's eyes lit up as they took their first bite, and I knew that this recipe was going to become a staple in our household.

Over the years, I have made Sour Cream Chicken Breasts countless times for family gatherings, potlucks, and special occasions. Each time I cook this dish, I am transported back to that sunny afternoon at Margaret's house, where I first discovered the recipe.

As time passed, I began to put my own twist on the recipe, adding in extra herbs and spices to suit my family's tastes. I even shared the recipe with some of my friends, who have all raved about how delicious it is.

One day, my granddaughter came to visit me in the kitchen while I was preparing Sour Cream Chicken Breasts for dinner. She watched intently as I seasoned the chicken, mixed the sour cream sauce, and placed it in the oven to bake.

"Grandma, can you teach me how to make this dish?" she asked eagerly.

I smiled and nodded, happy to pass down this cherished recipe to the next generation. As we cooked together, I shared with her the story of how I learned to make Sour Cream Chicken Breasts from Margaret all those years ago.

I watched with pride as my granddaughter took her first bite of the dish, her face lighting up with joy at the burst of flavors in her mouth. I knew that this recipe would continue to be passed down through our family for generations to come.

And so, the story of how I learned to make Sour Cream Chicken Breasts became a cherished memory that I hold dear in my heart. It is a reminder of the power of friendship, the joy of discovering new recipes, and the love that goes into every meal that I cook for my loved ones.