Description
This Melt In Your Mouth Chicken Breast recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts coated with a creamy Parmesan and mayo mixture, baked to golden perfection. The recipe is simple, quick, and perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner that requires minimal prep but delivers maximum flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Topping Mixture
- 1 cup mayonnaise (or plain Greek yogurt for lighter version)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Optional Topping
- ½ teaspoon paprika or Italian seasoning (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Pound Chicken: Using a meat mallet, gently pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about ¾ inch. This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and remains juicy.
- Prepare Topping Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well until you achieve a smooth, uniform mixture.
- Coat Chicken: Spread the prepared mixture evenly over the top surface of each chicken breast, making sure to cover completely for maximum flavor and moisture.
- Add Optional Seasoning: Place the coated chicken breasts in the baking dish. Sprinkle the optional paprika or Italian seasoning evenly over the top if desired, to add a hint of color and extra flavor.
- Bake: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the topping is golden brown and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This resting period helps the juices redistribute, resulting in tender, juicy chicken. Serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt for a lighter version, which will add protein and reduce fat.
- Ensure chicken breasts are flattened evenly to avoid uneven cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to check doneness to prevent overcooking and dryness.
- The optional paprika or Italian seasoning adds a nice color and flavor punch but can be omitted if preferred.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently to maintain moisture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: chicken breast recipe, baked chicken, Parmesan chicken, easy dinner, creamy chicken, healthy baked chicken
