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This simple greek chicken is packed with important and saltiness to make it immensely enjoyable. Covering the chicken are Parmesan and garlic, which bake into a savory, creamy crust that keeps the chicken moist as it cooks.
Pair it with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes or a simple salad for a full, comforting meal. It’s a do-ahead that’s low-fuss but special enough to make a good impression on family or guests with little effort on your part. Enjoy the melt-in-your-mouth ease of it!
Why You’ll love for This Melt-in-Your-Mouth Chicken:
Easy Prepping: This recipe relies upon pantry staples, so there’s no need for a grocery list the size of a novel. Simply mix, coat, and bake.
Juicy & Flavorful: The mayonnaise-Parmesan coating seals in moisture, ensuring a juicy chicken and adding a rich and savory flavor that works beautifully with the mild flavor of chicken breasts.
Fast & Flexible: This dish is ready in less than an hour and goes with lots of different sides, from roasted veggies to mashed potatoes.
Kid-Friendly: The creamy, cheesy coating is a hit with everyone, making it an excellent choice for family dinners.
Here’s what you need and steps to make this deliciousness!
Key Ingredients:
Every single ingredient contributes something special to this recipe. Here’s how to get the best from each and what you might use in their place.
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are preferred. If you are working with thicker cuts, you can also cut them in half for more even cooking. You could also opt for chicken thighs, for a more intense flavor and juicier texture.
Mayonnaise: Mayo might seem strange in a baked chicken recipe, but it’s the secret ingredient that makes the chicken insatiably moist. If you want a lighter option, Greek yogurt or sour cream can be substituted.
Parmesan Cheese — not powdered but freshly shredded, to lend a rich savory note that goes perfectly with the garlic. For flavor and texture, nothing beats freshly grated, but pre-shredded gets you there in a pinch.
Garlic and Garlic Powder: Fresh garlic adds an aromatic depth to the chicken, while garlic powder drives the flavor deeper. If you are a garlic person, don’t skip over either!
Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings that help bring out the chicken’s natural flavor. Taste and adjust the amount of salt, if necessary, especially if your Parmesan is on the salty side.
Full lists of ingredients with amounts and instructions are in the recipe card below
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Preheating is essential for even cooking, ensuring the chicken bakes consistently.
Step 2: Prepare the Parmesan-Garlic Mixture
In a small bowl, combine:
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 clove minced garlic
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Stir together until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Prepare the Chicken
Lightly coat a baking dish with non-stick spray to prevent sticking and for easier cleanup.
Place 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the baking dish in a single layer.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken
Spoon the Parmesan-mayo mixture over the top of each chicken breast.
Spread it evenly to fully cover each piece. This layer will keep the chicken moist while adding a rich, savory flavor.
Step 5: Bake
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The coating should be golden brown, and the chicken should be tender.
Step 6: Serve
Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving.
Serve warm, and enjoy this savory, melt-in-your-mouth chicken, perfect with sides like steamed vegetables or a fresh salad.
Serving Suggestions:
This savory chicken is great with all sorts of sides. Here are some faves that pair perfectly with the flavors:
Roasted Vegetables: I like roasted asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts for a good balance of flavors and textures.
Mashed Potatoes or Cauliflower Mash: These creamy sides balance out the richness of the chicken, creating a complete, comforting meal.
Rice or Quinoa: A fluffy side of rice or quinoa can soak up any remaining Parmesan-garlic sauce and make for a delightful pairing.
Simple Green Salad: Lighten the meal up a little bit with a fresh side salad. A sharp combination of greens dressed with a tart vinaigrette offsets the fullness of the chicken perfectly.
Storage and Reheating Tips
And if you find yourself with leftovers, they will be equally good the day after!
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When properly stored, chicken will hold its flavor and moisture quite well.
- Freezing: To freeze, individually wrap each chicken breast in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. You can freeze the chicken for up to 2 months. (Thaw in the fridge overnight and then reheat.)
- Reheating: To maintain the best texture, reheat at 350°F for about 15 minutes or until hot throughout. This will prevent the coating from becoming soggy. If you’re short on time, microwaving works too, though the coating may be softer.
Variations
This is an adaptable recipe, so don’t be afraid to make it your own! Here are some fun ways to mix it up:
- Herbed Parmesan Chicken – Add ½ teaspoon dried Italian herbs or fresh chopped basil and parsley to the Parmesan mixture to add herbal beauty.
- Spicy Melt-in-Your-Mouth Chicken – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the mayonnaise mixture for some heat.
- Lemon Parmesan Chicken – Mix in a squirt of lemon juice and some lemon zest for flavor while it cooks, and it’ll have that zesty, refreshing hit. This variation is great if you’re serving the chicken with a salad.
- Cheesy Melt-in-Your-Mouth Chicken – Add a small handful of shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese together with the Parmesan for an even cheesier coating. This one is for all you cheese lovers out there!
Conclusion
With very few ingredients and minimal effort, this Melt-in-Your-Mouth Chicken Breasts recipe shows you that less is sometimes more. This recipe is ideal for the nights you’re looking for a hot, hearty dish without devoting hours in the kitchen. The Parmesan-garlic coating seals in all the moisture: Each bite is tender and bursting with flavor.
Enjoy this simple, delicious chicken dinner, and prepare to add it to your roster of weeknight go-tos!
Melt in Your Mouth Chicken Breasts
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Preheating ensures the chicken bakes consistently.
- In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon minced garlic, and 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder. Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Lightly coat a baking dish with non-stick spray. Place 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the baking dish in a single layer.
- Spoon the Parmesan-mayo mixture over each chicken breast. Spread it evenly to cover each piece. This layer will keep the chicken moist and add a rich, savory flavor.
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The coating should be golden brown, and the chicken tender.
- Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve warm, paired with sides like steamed vegetables or a fresh salad.