If you’re searching for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dinner that combines creamy, crispy, and savory flavors in every bite, the Sour Cream Chicken Bake with Parmesan and Croutons Recipe is your ultimate go-to. Picture tender chicken baked under a luscious sour cream and Parmesan blanket, topped with golden, buttery croutons that add the perfect crunch. This dish is simply irresistible and comes together with minimal fuss, making it ideal for both weeknight dinners and casual gatherings. The harmonious blend of textures and flavors will have everyone asking for seconds, guaranteed!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Sour Cream Chicken Bake with Parmesan and Croutons Recipe lies in its simplicity. Every ingredient plays a key role in creating layers of flavor and texture—from the tender chicken to the crispy, buttery crouton topping. These essentials come together to create a rich but balanced dish that feels indulgent without being complicated.
- 2 lb chicken tenderloins: Choose fresh, high-quality tenderloins for juicy, tender meat that cooks quickly and evenly.
- 2 Tbsp garlic and herb seasoning: This brings a fragrant boost of savory flavor that wraps the chicken in a beautiful aroma.
- 1 Tbsp olive oil: Use for searing the chicken to lock in moisture and add a subtle richness.
- 1 cup sour cream: The creamy base that keeps the chicken moist and adds tangy depth.
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Sharp and nutty, it melds perfectly with sour cream and enhances the savoriness of the dish.
- 1½ cup crushed croutons: These create the irresistible crunchy topping that contrasts wonderfully with the creamy chicken beneath.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, cubed: Dotting the top with butter encourages browning and lends a rich, golden finish.
How to Make Sour Cream Chicken Bake with Parmesan and Croutons Recipe
Step 1: Ready Your Oven and Dish
Begin by preheating your oven to 375º F. This ensures it’s hot and ready when the chicken is prepared. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Generously coat the chicken tenderloins with the garlic and herb seasoning. This step infuses the meat with aromatic flavors and sets the foundation for the entire dish.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Add the chicken and cook for about 2 minutes on each side, just enough to get a bit of color and seal in the juices. Then transfer the chicken to the prepared baking dish, ready to be topped.
Step 4: Mix the Creamy Topping
In a small bowl, blend the sour cream and grated Parmesan cheese together. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. This creamy mixture forms the luscious layer that keeps your chicken tender and flavorful during baking.
Step 5: Assemble the Bake
Spread the sour cream and Parmesan mixture evenly over the chicken in the baking dish. Next, sprinkle the crushed croutons across the top, creating the delicious crunchy topping. Finally, dot the surface with the cubed unsalted butter, which will melt and help brown the croutons beautifully.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165ºF. This ensures the chicken is perfectly cooked, tender, and juicy. For a fresh finish, garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
How to Serve Sour Cream Chicken Bake with Parmesan and Croutons Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives adds a lovely pop of color and an herbal brightness that contrasts with the rich flavors in the dish. You could also add a pinch of smoked paprika for subtle warmth and vivid presentation.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with light, fresh sides to balance its richness. Consider serving it alongside steamed green beans, a crisp garden salad, or roasted asparagus. Creamy mashed potatoes or buttery rice pilaf soak up every bit of the savory sauce, making them ideal companions for the chicken bake.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, serve the bake in individual ramekins topped with a sprig of fresh herbs. Alternatively, serve family-style right from the baking dish for a welcoming, homey feel. Adding a drizzle of balsamic glaze over each portion can elevate the flavors and presentation dramatically.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Sour Cream Chicken Bake with Parmesan and Croutons Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, so it tastes just as good the next day.
Freezing
If you’d like to save this dish for longer, freeze it before baking. Assemble the bake in a freezer-safe dish, wrap it tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the fridge and then bake as directed.
Reheating
For best results, reheat leftovers in the oven at 350ºF until warmed through and the topping is crisp again—about 15 to 20 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can soften the crouton topping and alter the texture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?
Absolutely! You can substitute chicken breasts, but be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly as breasts are thicker than tenderloins. Pound them to even thickness for best results.
What if I don’t have garlic and herb seasoning?
No worries! You can create your own blend with garlic powder, dried parsley, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper. It adds a personalized touch to the flavor.
Can this recipe be made dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, substitute sour cream with a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream or cashew cream, and use a dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast to replicate the Parmesan flavor.
How do I get the croutons extra crispy?
For an even crispier topping, toast the croutons lightly in a dry pan until golden before crushing and sprinkling them over the chicken. This step adds an extra crunch layer.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply replace regular croutons with gluten-free croutons or crushed gluten-free crackers. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Sour Cream Chicken Bake with Parmesan and Croutons Recipe that makes it a treasured dish in any kitchen. Its creamy, crispy, and savory combination feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this recipe is sure to bring comfort and smiles to the table. Give it a try—you might just discover your new favorite go-to dinner!
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Sour Cream Chicken Bake with Parmesan and Croutons Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This creamy and flavorful Sour Cream Chicken recipe features tender chicken tenderloins seasoned with garlic and herbs, seared to lock in juices, then baked under a rich topping of sour cream, parmesan cheese, and buttery croutons for a golden, crispy finish. A comforting and easy-to-make dinner perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 lb chicken tenderloins
- 2 Tbsp garlic and herb seasoning
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
Sauce and Topping
- 1 cup sour cream
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1½ cup crushed croutons
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, cubed
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375ºF (190ºC). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Season Chicken: Season the chicken tenderloins evenly with the garlic and herb seasoning to infuse them with a savory herb flavor.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken tenderloins and cook for about 2 minutes per side to sear and develop a golden crust. Then transfer the seared chicken to the prepared baking dish.
- Prepare Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the sour cream and grated parmesan cheese. Season the mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, then stir until smooth.
- Assemble and Top: Spread the sour cream and parmesan mixture evenly over the chicken tenderloins in the baking dish. Sprinkle crushed croutons generously over the top and dot with the cubed unsalted butter to add richness and create a crispy topping.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165ºF (74ºC) and the topping is golden and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally garnish with fresh parsley for color and freshness before serving. Enjoy your creamy and crispy sour cream chicken!
Notes
- Ensure to cook chicken to an internal temperature of 165ºF for safety.
- Use freshly grated parmesan for best flavor and texture.
- Lightly crushed croutons provide a lovely crunchy topping, feel free to adjust quantity to taste.
- Butter dots help create a golden crust; you can substitute with olive oil if preferred.
- Serve this dish with steamed vegetables or a green salad to balance the richness.
