Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With minimal preparation and a short cooking time, this recipe is perfect for busy evenings.
- Incredibly Tender: The creamy coating locks in moisture, resulting in juicy, tender chicken breasts.
- Versatile: Pairs well with various side dishes like roasted vegetables, rice, or pasta.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable with different cheeses, spices, or herbs to suit your taste preferences.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5–2 pounds)
- ½ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: Fresh parsley or chives for garnish
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic wrap or parchment paper and pound them to an even thickness using a meat mallet. Season both sides with salt and pepper, then place them in a greased or parchment-lined baking dish.
- Make the Creamy Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Stir until smooth and well combined.
- Coat the Chicken: Spread the mayonnaise-Parmesan mixture evenly over the top of each chicken breast, ensuring they are fully coated.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 75°C). The coating should be golden brown and bubbly.
- Optional Broil: For a crispier top, switch your oven to the broil setting for the last 2-3 minutes of baking. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
- Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after removing it from the oven to lock in the juices. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives if desired, and serve hot with your favorite sides.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields 4 servings.
- Preparation Time: Approximately 10 minutes.
- Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes.
- Total Time: Approximately 35-40 minutes.
Variations
- Cheese Options: Substitute Parmesan with shredded mozzarella, cheddar, or Asiago for a different flavor profile.
- Spice Level: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the creamy mixture for some heat.
- Herb Infusion: Incorporate fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or basil into the mixture for an aromatic touch.
- Protein Swap: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier option.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave on medium power until heated, though this may affect the texture of the coating.
FAQs
How can I tell if the chicken is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). This ensures the chicken is safe to eat and prevents overcooking.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the creamy mixture and coat the chicken in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 8 hours before baking.
Is there a dairy-free alternative for Parmesan cheese?
Yes, you can use a dairy-free Parmesan substitute or nutritional yeast to mimic the cheesy flavor.
Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
Yes, but adjust the cooking time accordingly, as bone-in chicken pieces may require a longer baking time to reach the appropriate internal temperature.
What sides pair well with this dish?
Roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or a fresh garden salad complement this chicken dish nicely.
How can I make the coating crispier?
Broiling for the last 2-3 minutes of baking can enhance the crispiness of the coating. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, place the cooled chicken in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
What can I use instead of mayonnaise?
Greek yogurt is a great alternative that provides a similar creamy texture with fewer calories.
How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
Pounding the chicken to an even thickness ensures uniform
Melt-In-Your-Mouth Chicken Breast Recipe
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This easy Melt-In-Your-Mouth Chicken Breast recipe delivers juicy, tender chicken coated in a creamy Parmesan crust. Perfect for busy weeknights or special dinners, it’s quick, customizable, and pairs beautifully with any side dish.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1.5–2 pounds)
- ½ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: Fresh parsley or chives for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare Chicken: Pound chicken to even thickness; season with salt and pepper. Place in a greased or parchment-lined baking dish.
- Mix Coating: In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and paprika.
- Coat Chicken: Spread mixture evenly over each chicken breast.
- Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Optional: broil for 2-3 minutes for crispiness.
- Serve: Rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish as desired.
Notes
- Substitute Parmesan with other cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar for variation.
- For a lighter option, use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise.
- Add cayenne or red pepper flakes for a spicier dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
