Description
This Baked Melt-In-Your-Mouth Chicken recipe offers a creamy, juicy, and low-carb dinner option made from just five main ingredients: mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, and garlic combine to create a flavorful crust over tender baked chicken breasts. Ready in under an hour, it’s perfect for beginners and busy weeknights, transforming ordinary chicken into a deliciously mouthwatering meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Sauce & Seasonings
- 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
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Pound the chicken: Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about ¾ inch. This ensures even cooking and a tender texture.
- Make the topping mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until smooth and well combined.
- Apply the mixture to chicken: Spread the mayonnaise and cheese mixture evenly over the top of each chicken breast, completely covering the surface.
- Add optional seasoning: Place the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish and sprinkle with optional paprika or Italian seasoning for additional flavor and color.
- Bake the chicken: Bake uncovered for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the top is golden and bubbly.
- Rest before serving: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This step helps retain the juices for maximum moistness and flavor before serving.
Notes
- Pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness is crucial for ensuring they cook evenly and remain tender.
- Using a meat thermometer guarantees perfect doneness without overcooking and drying out the chicken.
- For a crispier crust, broil the chicken for the last 2–3 minutes of baking after it has reached temperature.
- Opt for Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise to create a lighter, tangier version that reduces fat content.