This baked chicken recipe with sour cream and cheese offers a delightful blend of flavors that make it a perfect dish for family dinners or special occasions. Infused with lemon pepper, Italian herbs, and topped with juicy tomato slices, this chicken dish is not only flavorful but also visually appealing. The use of a creamy marinade ensures that the chicken stays moist and tender while baking, resulting in a succulent meal that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts (fillets)
- 2 eggs
- 70 grams of hard cheese, grated
- 7 tablespoons sour cream
- 0.5 teaspoon lemon pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon dry Italian herbs
- A pinch of ground black pepper
- Salt to taste
- 0.5 teaspoon dry ground garlic (or 1 fresh clove, minced)
- 1-2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1-2 tomatoes, sliced
- A few sprigs of fresh herbs (such as parsley or basil)
Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F).
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Rinse the chicken breasts and pat them dry with paper towels. Place them in a baking dish.
- Make the Marinade:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs, sour cream, grated cheese, lemon pepper, Italian herbs, black pepper, salt, and garlic until well combined.
- Season the Chicken:
- Brush the chicken fillets with vegetable oil on both sides. This helps the seasoning stick and enhances the flavor.
- Pour the sour cream and cheese mixture over the chicken fillets, spreading it evenly with a spoon or brush.
- Add Tomatoes and Bake:
- Arrange the sliced tomatoes on top of the seasoned chicken.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake covered for 25 minutes.
- Uncover and Finish Baking:
- After 25 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes to allow the chicken to brown slightly and the sauce to thicken.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Once done, take the dish out of the oven and sprinkle freshly chopped herbs over the top.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
This baked chicken recipe is a crowd-pleaser due to its creamy texture and rich flavors. It combines the tangy zest of lemon pepper with the depth of Italian herbs, enveloped in a luscious sour cream and cheese sauce that keeps the chicken moist and flavorful. It’s an easy-to-make dish that doesn’t require constant attention, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxing weekend meal.
Nutritional Benefits:
Chicken is a great source of lean protein, essential for muscle growth and repair. The addition of sour cream and cheese provides calcium for bone health, while tomatoes offer vitamins A and C, which are powerful antioxidants.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve this creamy baked chicken with a side of steamed vegetables, over pasta, or alongside a fresh salad to balance out the richness of the dish. A light white wine, such as a Chardonnay, would also complement the creamy sauce beautifully.
This baked chicken recipe promises to be a fulfilling and flavorful meal that’s both comforting and elegant, perfect for any dinner occasion.
