Chicken Breast in Garlic and Sour Cream Sauce

Pan-seared chicken breast simmered in garlic, lemon and sour cream sauce.

By Savva LoginovUpdated
Total 35 minMakes 4 servings
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This simple chicken breast cooks in a tangy garlic sour cream sauce with lemon and fresh herbs. Brown the chicken first, lower the heat before adding the sauce and simmer gently until the meat is fully cooked. Pat chicken dry and season with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium. Brown chicken 3 to 4 minutes per side. Stir sour cream, garlic, lemon juice and water together in a bowl. Reduce heat to low. Pour sauce around chicken, cover and simmer 6 to 10 minutes, turning once, until the thickest part reaches 74°C (165°F). Do not boil the sour cream sauce. Stir herbs into sauce and serve chicken hot with the sauce spooned over it.

Chicken Breast in Garlic and Sour Cream Sauce

Recipe card

Chicken Breast in Garlic and Sour Cream Sauce

Prep 15 minCook 20 minTotal 35 minYield 4 servings
Only numbered ingredient amounts change.

Equipment: Measuring tools, mixing bowl and suitable pan

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Season chicken

    Pat chicken dry and season with salt and pepper.

  2. Brown

    Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium. Brown chicken 3 to 4 minutes per side.

  3. Make sauce

    Stir sour cream, garlic, lemon juice and water together in a bowl.

  4. Simmer

    Reduce heat to low. Pour sauce around chicken, cover and simmer 6 to 10 minutes, turning once, until the thickest part reaches 74°C (165°F). Do not boil the sour cream sauce.

  5. Serve

    Stir herbs into sauce and serve chicken hot with the sauce spooned over it.

How to tell when it is ready

Cook until tender and evenly heated as described.

Tips

  • Cut chicken into portions of similar thickness.
  • Brown chicken without crowding the pan.
  • Lower heat before stirring in sour cream.
  • Check temperature at the thickest part of each piece.

Troubleshooting

  • If the mixture is too thick, add liquid gradually.
  • If browning too quickly, lower the heat.

Substitutions

  • Choose compatible alternatives for dietary needs.
  • Use a neutral cooking oil if needed.

Variations

  • Adjust seasonings to taste.
  • Add a suitable seasonal ingredient.

Serving suggestions

  • Serve over rice or noodles.
  • Pair with roasted potatoes.
  • Add steamed green beans.
  • Garnish with extra dill or parsley.

Make ahead

Prepare components ahead and refrigerate perishable ingredients; finish shortly before serving.

Storage

Refrigerate leftovers promptly and use within 3 days.

Food safety

Contains dairy. Cook chicken to 74°C (165°F); refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Frequently asked questions

Can I prepare this ahead?

Prepare components ahead and refrigerate perishable ingredients; finish close to serving.

How should I store chicken breast in garlic sour cream sauce?

Refrigerate leftovers promptly and use within 3 days.

Serve promptly and refrigerate leftovers safely.

About the author

Savva Loginov

Savva Loginov writes about traditional Ukrainian cooking, including regional dishes, heritage baking and the customs behind familiar recipes. His English guides explain each dish’s context alongside clear, practical cooking instructions.

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