This Melt in Your Mouth Chicken Breast recipe is a simple, flavorful dish that creates tender, juicy chicken with minimal effort. Coated in a sour cream mixture with garlic powder, seasoned salt, and Parmesan cheese, the chicken is baked to perfection and topped with a golden, cheesy crust. Whether you’re serving it on a busy weeknight or impressing guests, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (trimmed)

• 1 cup sour cream

• 2 teaspoons garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon seasoned salt

• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

• 1 1/2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese (divided into portions)

• Nonstick cooking spray

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly spray a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

2. Prepare the Sour Cream Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the sour cream, garlic powder, seasoned salt, pepper, and 1 cup of Parmesan cheese.

3. Coat the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish and spread the sour cream mixture over each piece. Top with the remaining Parmesan cheese.

4. Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and tender.

5. Broil: For a golden top, switch the oven to broil and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the cheese is lightly browned.

6. Serve: Remove from the oven and serve immediately.

Nutrients

• Calories: 280 kcal (per serving)

• Protein: 35g

• Fat: 12g

• Carbohydrates: 2g

• Fiber: 0.5g

• Sodium: 450mg

Tips

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.

• Customizations: For extra flavor, you can add smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the dish.

Why Melt in Your Mouth Chicken Breast Is So Irresistible

This dish stands out for its simplicity and incredible flavor. The sour cream mixture creates a creamy, savory coating that locks in moisture, ensuring the chicken remains juicy and tender while baking. The garlic powder and seasoned salt provide depth, and the freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a rich, umami flavor that crisps up beautifully during baking and broiling.

The contrast between the creamy chicken and the golden, cheesy crust is what makes this dish so irresistible. It’s a perfect balance of texture and flavor, and the ease of preparation makes it an excellent choice for both everyday dinners and special occasions.

Preparing the Chicken: Tender and Juicy

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly spray a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. This will prevent the chicken from sticking and ensure even cooking. While the oven heats up, trim the chicken breasts to remove any excess fat, which helps the chicken cook evenly.

Making the Sour Cream Mixture: A Flavorful Coating

In a medium-sized bowl, combine sour cream, garlic powder, seasoned salt, freshly ground black pepper, and 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. The sour cream acts as a tenderizer, keeping the chicken juicy while providing a creamy texture. The garlic powder and seasoned salt give it a savory, aromatic flavor, and the Parmesan cheese enhances the overall richness.

The mixture is the key to creating a juicy chicken breast with a flavorful, cheesy topping. Be sure to mix it thoroughly so that the seasonings are well-distributed.

Coating the Chicken: Ensuring Even Coverage

Place the trimmed chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Spoon the sour cream mixture over each chicken breast, spreading it evenly with a spoon or spatula. Be sure to cover each piece well to ensure that the flavors infuse the chicken during baking. After the chicken is coated, top each breast with the remaining 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese. This will create a cheesy crust as the chicken bakes.

Baking the Chicken: Perfectly Tender

Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can check the temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it is cooked through.

The sour cream mixture will begin to form a golden crust on top of the chicken as it bakes, while the chicken remains moist and juicy on the inside.

Broiling for a Golden, Crispy Top

For an extra crispy, golden top, switch the oven to broil for the final 2-3 minutes of cooking. Keep a close eye on the chicken during broiling to prevent the cheese from burning. The broiler will melt and brown the cheese, giving it that perfectly golden, crunchy finish that contrasts beautifully with the creamy interior.

Serving the Chicken: A Simple and Satisfying Meal

Once the chicken is baked and broiled, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a couple of minutes before serving. The chicken will be juicy, tender, and coated in a flavorful, cheesy crust.

Serve this Melt in Your Mouth Chicken Breast with a side of steamed vegetables, a light salad, or over a bed of fluffy rice or mashed potatoes. The creamy, cheesy sauce will pair perfectly with almost any side, and the tender chicken will be the star of the meal.

Nutritional Information for Melt in Your Mouth Chicken Breast

Each serving of this Melt in Your Mouth Chicken Breast contains approximately 280 calories, making it a relatively light yet satisfying main dish. The chicken provides 35 grams of protein, making it an excellent choice for muscle repair and growth.

With 12 grams of fat, including 4 grams of saturated fat, the dish offers a rich and creamy texture, thanks to the sour cream and Parmesan cheese. It has minimal carbohydrates (only 2g), making it a great option for those following low-carb or keto diets.

The sodium content is 450mg per serving, so it’s important to adjust the amount of seasoned salt used based on your dietary needs. The dish also provides 0.5 grams of fiber, which is beneficial for digestion.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can place the chicken in the microwave for a few minutes or bake it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to ensure it stays juicy and retains its delicious flavor. If reheating in the oven, cover the chicken loosely with foil to prevent the cheese from overbaking.

Customization Ideas

While this dish is fantastic as-is, you can easily customize it to suit your tastes. For a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the sour cream mixture. If you enjoy a citrusy kick, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice can add a bright contrast to the richness of the dish. For extra texture, consider topping the chicken with a sprinkle of breadcrumbs before baking for added crunch.

Conclusion: A Delicious, Easy Meal

Melt in Your Mouth Chicken Breast is a quick, easy, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The juicy chicken, creamy sour cream mixture, and crispy cheesy crust make for a comforting and satisfying meal with minimal effort. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a busy weeknight or impressing guests with a simple yet delicious dish, this recipe is sure to be a favorite. Try it today and enjoy a melt-in-your-mouth experience with every bite!