Sour Cream Onion Chicken Skillet Recipe

Sour Cream Onion Chicken Skillet Recipe is one of those dinners that feels fancy but comes together faster than you’d think. With creamy, tangy sauce and tender chicken, it’s my go-to when I want something comforting without fussing for hours.

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Jump to:

• Why You'll Love This Recipe
• Ingredients & Why They Work
• Make It Your Way
• Step-by-Step: How I Make Sour Cream Onion Chicken Skillet Recipe
• Top Tip
• How to Serve Sour Cream Onion Chicken Skillet Recipe
• Make Ahead and Storage
• Frequently Asked Questions:
• Final Thoughts
• Delicious Recipe

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe relies on a handful of simple ingredients that play really well together. The creamy sour cream cuts through the savoriness of the chicken, while the onions add sweetness and texture. Here’s why each one earns its spot:

• Chicken breasts: Using boneless skinless breasts makes the dish quick-to-cook and juicy when sliced thin.
• Garlic powder: Adds a mellow garlic flavor without overpowering the sauce.
• Olive oil & butter: Creates a flavorful fat base for searing and sautéing with a lovely golden crust.
• Onion: Slowly caramelized to enhance natural sweetness, which balances the tangy sour cream.
• Garlic clove: Fresh garlic brightens and elevates the sauce’s aroma.
• Chicken broth: Thins out the sauce slightly and adds savory depth.
• Worcestershire sauce: This little splash boosts umami and gives complexity.
• Sour cream: The star ingredient that makes the sauce creamy, tangy, and luscious.
• Fresh parsley (optional): Adds a fresh, herbal note and color contrast at the end.

Make It Your Way

I like to tailor my Sour Cream Onion Chicken Skillet Recipe depending on the mood and what I’ve got in the fridge. Switching up herbs or adding extra veggies can turn it from weeknight simple to something special in no time.

• Variation: Sometimes I stir in chopped mushrooms or spinach at the end for a green boost—I love how they soak up that creamy sauce.
• Dairy-free version: Using coconut cream instead of sour cream works surprisingly well for a non-dairy twist.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper when seasoning the chicken for a little kick.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Sour Cream Onion Chicken Skillet Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Chicken Just Right

I start by slicing the chicken breasts lengthwise into thinner pieces—this helps the chicken cook faster and ensures every bite is tender. Then I sprinkle on garlic powder, salt, and pepper evenly so the chicken has a balanced flavor. Don’t skip this step; seasoning upfront is key.

Step 2: Get That Skillet Hot and Sear the Chicken

Heating the olive oil and some butter over medium-high heat creates a beautiful base to get a golden crust on the chicken. I usually wait a few minutes for the pan to really heat—too cool and the chicken stews instead of sears. Cook chicken about 5-6 minutes per side until golden and cooked to 165°F. Once ready, I set it aside to rest on a plate.

Step 3: Slowly Sauté the Onions Until Sweet and Soft

Reducing the heat to medium, I add the remaining butter and sliced onions to the skillet. Then patience is key—I sauté until the onions soften and start to caramelize, about 10-15 minutes. This slow cooking unlocks the natural sugars and makes the sauce taste heavenly. Keep an eye to prevent burning; turn heat down if needed.

Step 4: Build the Sauce with Garlic, Broth, and Sour Cream

After tossing in minced garlic and cooking it briefly, I pour in chicken broth and Worcestershire sauce. This helps lift all those flavorful browned bits from the pan, adding richness to the sauce base. Then I stir in sour cream gently—don’t let it boil vigorously or it might curdle! A few minutes of gentle warming makes it silky smooth.

Step 5: Finish by Nestling Chicken Back Into the Sauce

Finally, I return the chicken to the skillet, spooning sauce over each piece so it’s coated in creamy goodness. A quick taste test often needs a touch of extra salt and pepper, then I sprinkle fresh parsley to brighten it up before serving.

How to Serve Sour Cream Onion Chicken Skillet Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh chopped parsley sprinkled right before serving adds a fresh herbal pop and pretties up the plate. If I’m feeling fancy, a little lemon zest or finely sliced green onions also brighten the rich creaminess.

Side Dishes

I’m a sucker for pairing this skillet meal with garlic mashed potatoes or creamy polenta—the sauce soaks into these like a charm. Roasted or steamed green beans and a simple side salad add just enough freshness to round it out.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, I sometimes plate the chicken on a bed of buttery egg noodles and spoon the sauce artistically around. Using mini cast iron skillets for individual servings makes the meal feel personal and cozy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover chicken and sauce together in an airtight container in the fridge, where it keeps well for 3-4 days. Reheating gently is the trick to preserving the creaminess and tenderness.

Freezing

This recipe freezes fairly well—just pop it in a freezer-safe container. When thawing, do it slowly in the fridge overnight to prevent curdling when reheating.

Reheating

I prefer to reheat this chicken skillet on low heat in a covered pan with a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce. Microwaving works too, but watch closely to avoid overheating and separating the sour cream.

Final Thoughts

This Sour Cream Onion Chicken Skillet Recipe is one of those comforting meals I always keep in my dinner rotation because it’s just that good and straightforward. When you try it, I promise you’ll appreciate how it combines simple ingredients into something so satisfying. It’s the perfect dish to cozy up with, impress guests with little effort, or just treat yourself to a creamy, flavorful dinner any night of the week!

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