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Melt In Your Mouth Chicken Breast with golden Parmesan crust in baking dish fresh from oven

Melt In Your Mouth Chicken Breast

Tender, flavorful chicken breasts topped with a creamy sour cream and Parmesan mixture that creates a golden, cheesy crust. This easy recipe transforms boneless chicken breasts into juicy, delicious perfection in just 40 minutes!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

  • 3 pounds boneless chicken breasts trimmed of excess fat, about 4-6 breasts
  • 1 cup sour cream full-fat recommended
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 1/2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese divided (1 cup and 1/2 cup)
  • nonstick cooking spray

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Meat thermometer

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly spray a 9x13 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Position your oven rack in the center for even heat distribution.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine the sour cream, garlic powder, seasoned salt, black pepper, and 1 cup of the Parmesan cheese. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well blended.
  3. Arrange the chicken breasts in a single layer in the prepared baking dish, making sure they don't overlap. If chicken breasts are larger than 8 ounces each, consider pounding them to uniform thickness (about 1 inch) for even cooking.
  4. Spread the sour cream mixture evenly over each chicken breast, covering them completely from edge to edge.
  5. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese over the top of the coated chicken breasts.
  6. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F in the thickest part. The coating should look set and juices should run clear.
  7. Move your oven rack to about 6 inches from the broiler element and switch oven to broil. Broil for 2-3 minutes, watching constantly, until the top turns lightly golden brown. Remove promptly to prevent burning and let rest for 3-4 minutes before serving.

Notes

Can substitute sour cream with plain Greek yogurt or mayonnaise. For variations, add cumin for Tex-Mex flavor, basil or Italian seasoning for Italian flair, or smoked paprika and cayenne for a spicy kick. Chicken releases natural juices while baking which is normal. Store leftovers in airtight container for up to 3 days. Not recommended for freezing as sour cream doesn't freeze well.