Melt In Your Mouth Chicken Breast Recipe
Introduction
This Melt In Your Mouth Chicken Breast recipe is a simple, flavorful dish that delivers tender, juicy chicken every time. With a creamy Parmesan coating and a few well-chosen seasonings, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or easy entertaining. You’ll love how effortlessly delicious it turns out!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup mayonnaise (or plain Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: ½ teaspoon paprika or Italian seasoning (for topping)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Step 2: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about ¾ inch. This ensures they cook evenly and stay tender.
- Step 3: In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- Step 4: Spread this mixture evenly over the top of each chicken breast, covering the entire surface.
- Step 5: Arrange the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the optional paprika or Italian seasoning over the top if desired.
- Step 6: Bake uncovered for 35–45 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the topping is golden brown.
- Step 7: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute for maximum juiciness.
Tips & Variations
- Pounding the chicken to an even thickness is key to cooking it evenly and keeping it tender.
- Use a meat thermometer to check doneness and prevent drying out the chicken.
- For a crispy, golden crust, broil the chicken for the last 2–3 minutes of cooking.
- Swap mayonnaise for plain Greek yogurt or sour cream to lighten the dish and add a tangy flavor.
- Customize seasonings by adding smoked paprika, Italian herbs, or cumin for different flavor profiles.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or oven—cover with foil in the oven to prevent over-browning. Freezing is not recommended due to the mayonnaise or yogurt base, which may separate when thawed.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used, but adjust the cooking time as thighs usually take a bit longer to cook through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach 165°F internally.
What if I don’t have Parmesan cheese?
You can substitute with other hard cheeses like Asiago, Gruyere, or a sharp cheddar for a similar cheesy flavor. Avoid softer cheeses which might not brown as well.
PrintMelt In Your Mouth Chicken Breast Recipe
This Melt In Your Mouth Chicken Breast recipe is an easy, flavorful baked chicken dish featuring a creamy Parmesan topping that keeps the chicken juicy and tender. Using mayonnaise or Greek yogurt with garlic and onion powders, this baked chicken offers minimal effort with maximum deliciousness, making it a perfect weeknight dinner. The recipe allows for customization with seasonings like paprika or Italian herbs and ensures perfectly cooked, juicy chicken every time with simple preparation and baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Parmesan Topping
- 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 Seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika or Italian seasoning (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Pound Chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about ¾ inch to ensure they cook evenly and remain tender.
- Prepare Topping Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and well blended.
- Coat Chicken: Spread the prepared mixture evenly over the top of each chicken breast, covering the entire surface thoroughly.
- Add Optional Seasonings: Place the coated chicken breasts in the baking dish. Sprinkle the optional paprika or Italian seasoning on top for extra flavor and color.
- Bake: Bake the chicken uncovered for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and the topping is golden brown.
- Optional Broil: For a crispy finish, broil the chicken for 2 to 3 minutes at the end of baking to achieve a golden, cheesy crust.
- Rest: Remove from oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum juiciness.
Notes
- Pounding the chicken breasts ensures even cooking and tender texture.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for perfect internal temperature without overcooking.
- Broiling the chicken in the last 2 to 3 minutes enhances crust crispiness.
- Greek yogurt is a lighter alternative to mayonnaise and adds a tangy flavor while tenderizing the chicken.
- Prepare the chicken with topping the day before baking to save time; refrigerate covered with plastic wrap.
- Allow chicken juices in the pan to drain off before serving if desired; this is normal during baking.
- Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container; reheat covered in the oven or microwave.
- Freezing is not recommended due to sour cream or mayonnaise texture changes.
- Adapt seasoning to your taste: try cumin for a Tex-Mex twist or smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
Keywords: chicken breast, baked chicken, easy chicken recipe, Parmesan chicken, creamy chicken, mayo chicken, Greek yogurt chicken, weeknight dinner, juicy chicken breasts
