Creamy Sour Cream and Onion Chicken: A Comfort Classic That’s Pure Bliss

There’s something about the combination of sour cream, caramelized onions, and tender chicken that just screams cozy comfort food. This Creamy Sour Cream and Onion Chicken recipe takes that nostalgic chip-and-dip flavor we all love and transforms it into a luxurious, family-friendly dinner that’s ready in about 30 minutes.

It’s a skillet meal that delivers restaurant-level taste with simple ingredients you already have in your kitchen. Juicy pan-seared chicken is nestled in a rich, velvety sauce made with caramelized onions, garlic, chicken broth, and tangy sour cream. Every bite melts in your mouth, perfectly balanced between creamy, savory, and just a little tangy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• 🧅 Rich and Tangy: The sour cream gives the sauce its velvety body and slight tang, balancing the savory depth of caramelized onions.
• 🍗 One-Pan Magic: Minimal cleanup — the chicken and sauce come together in the same skillet.
• 🕒 Quick but Elegant: Ready in 30 minutes, but tastes like it simmered all afternoon.
• 🧄 Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: Nothing fancy — just pantry staples done right.
• 🥔 Perfect Pairing: Delicious with mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta.

This creamy chicken dish is proof that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs total)
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (for dredging)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter

For the Creamy Onion Sauce:

• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 cup chicken broth
• ¾ cup sour cream
• ½ cup heavy cream or milk
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• ½ tsp dried thyme (or 1 tsp fresh)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Garnish:

• Fresh parsley or chives
• Crispy fried onions (for crunch and flair)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken

Pat chicken breasts dry and season with salt, pepper, and onion powder. Lightly dredge each breast in flour to help achieve a golden sear and slightly thicken the sauce later.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and nearly cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Caramelize the Onions

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and sliced onions. Cook slowly for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and golden. This step builds the foundation of flavor — don’t rush it!

Step 4: Build the Sauce Base

Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Sprinkle in 1 tablespoon of flour and stir to coat the onions — this thickens the sauce naturally. Gradually whisk in chicken broth, scraping up any flavorful bits from the bottom.

Step 5: Add the Creamy Element

Reduce heat to low. Stir in sour cream, heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Avoid boiling — sour cream can curdle under high heat.

Step 6: Return Chicken to the Pan

Nestle the seared chicken breasts back into the sauce. Simmer gently for 5–7 minutes, until chicken is fully cooked and the sauce thickens to perfection.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with parsley or chives, and for extra texture, add a few crispy fried onions on top before serving.

Creamy Sour Cream and Onion Chicken

Juicy chicken breasts simmered in a rich sour cream and caramelized onion sauce — a one-pan comfort food classic that’s ready in 30 minutes.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 380

Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients

  

For the Chicken

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter

For the Sauce

• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 large yellow onion thinly sliced
• 2 garlic cloves minced
• 1 tbsp flour
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 0.75 cup sour cream
• 0.5 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 0.5 tsp dried thyme

Equipment

• Large skillet
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Wooden spoon

Method

 

1. Season and lightly flour chicken breasts.
2. Sear chicken in olive oil and butter until golden; remove and set aside.
3. Caramelize onions in butter until soft and golden.
4. Add garlic and flour; cook 30 seconds.
5. Gradually whisk in broth, then stir in sour cream, heavy cream, and seasonings.
6. Return chicken to skillet and simmer until cooked through and sauce thickens.
7. Serve hot, garnished with parsley or crispy onions.

Tips for Perfect Creamy Sour Cream Chicken

1. Low Heat = Creamy Sauce: Keep the sauce below a simmer once the sour cream is added to prevent curdling.
2. Caramelize Slowly: Give onions the time they need to turn sweet and golden — it makes all the difference.
3. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If needed, sear chicken in batches for an even golden crust.
4. Use Full-Fat Sour Cream: It gives the richest texture and won’t separate.
5. Thicker Sauce? Simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes or add an extra teaspoon of flour earlier.

What to Serve It With

This dish is made for cozy sides that soak up all that creamy goodness. Try pairing it with:

• Mashed potatoes – classic and comforting.
• Buttered egg noodles or spaghetti – for a restaurant-style meal.
• Rice or quinoa – perfect for a lighter, gluten-free option.
• Steamed broccoli or green beans – to add color and freshness.
• Garlic bread – because you’ll want to mop up every drop of sauce!

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

• Make-Ahead: You can caramelize the onions a day in advance and refrigerate. When ready, just reheat them and continue the recipe.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: Warm gently over low heat. Add a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.
• Freezing: Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating gently.

Flavor Variations

Want to make it your own? Try one of these tasty twists:

• Mushroom Version: Add 1 cup of sliced mushrooms along with the onions.
• Cheesy Twist: Stir in ½ cup shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese at the end for an even richer sauce.
• Herb Lover’s Edition: Add rosemary or tarragon for a gourmet flavor.
• Spicy Kick: Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or hot paprika for heat.
• Crispy Bake: Top with crushed potato chips or fried onions and broil for 2–3 minutes to add crunch.

Why This Recipe Works

The magic is in the balance — the tang of sour cream, the sweetness of caramelized onions, and the savory depth of seared chicken. It’s a classic comfort combination that hits every note of flavor and texture.

Unlike heavy cream-only sauces, sour cream adds brightness and complexity. The onion flavor is rich but not overpowering, and the creamy sauce hugs the chicken just right. It’s comforting without being too rich — the kind of meal that feels like a hug in a skillet.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

• Calories: 380
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Sodium: 520mg
• Sugar: 4g

High in protein and lower in carbs, this meal fits beautifully into balanced weeknight rotations.

A Cozy Dinner Worth Repeating

Creamy Sour Cream and Onion Chicken is the kind of meal that wins everyone over — easy enough for a Tuesday night, but delicious enough for Sunday dinner. It’s family-friendly, foolproof, and deeply satisfying.

One skillet. A handful of ingredients. Endless comfort.

Make it once, and you’ll find yourself craving it again and again.