Ingredients
Chicken
- 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauce & Topping
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded Jack cheese
- Chopped green onions for topping
- Paprika for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and Season: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Rub the chicken breasts evenly with olive oil and season with salt and pepper on both sides to prepare for searing.
- Sear Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken breasts until they develop a golden brown crust on both sides, about 5 minutes per side, locking in flavor and moisture.
- Add Garlic and Simmer: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet’s bottom, then let the broth simmer gently.
- Create Sauce: Stir in the sour cream until fully incorporated, allowing the sauce to bubble and thicken slightly for approximately 5 minutes, creating a rich and creamy base.
- Top and Bake: Place the chicken breasts back in the sauce if removed, and top each with shredded Jack cheese. Transfer the skillet or chicken with sauce to the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and garnish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of paprika for added color and flavor. Serve hot and enjoy.
Notes
- For best results, use boneless, skinless chicken breasts of even thickness to ensure uniform cooking.
- You can substitute Jack cheese with Monterey Jack or mild cheddar for variation.
- Adjust seasoning according to taste; adding a pinch of smoked paprika to the sauce can enhance flavor.
- If chicken breasts are thick, consider pounding them to an even thickness for quicker cooking.
- Use a skillet that is oven-safe to avoid transferring chicken to another dish before baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt