Melt-in-Your-Mouth Chicken: The Easiest, Most Delicious Chicken Dinner You'll Ever Make
Classic melt-in-your-mouth chicken: chicken breasts baked under a creamy parmesan topping until golden. 5 ingredients and 10 minutes of prep.
By Dora Ortiz
If you only learn one baked chicken recipe, make it this one. A simple mix of mayonnaise, parmesan and garlic is spread over chicken breasts and baked until golden. The topping keeps the chicken unbelievably juicy and turns into a savory, cheesy crust. It’s been a family favorite for generations for good reason.
Why You’ll Love It
- Only 5 main ingredients, most already in your fridge.
- 10 minutes of prep, then the oven takes over.
- Never dry: the topping locks in moisture.
Tips for Perfect Results
Pound to an even thickness. Thick breasts cook unevenly, so the thin end dries out before the center is done.
Use a meat thermometer. Pull the chicken at 165°F (74°C). It’s the easiest way to guarantee juicy chicken.
Grate your own parmesan. Freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly than the pre-shredded kind.
What to Serve With It
Mashed potatoes, buttered rice, roasted green beans, steamed broccoli or a simple side salad all work.
Storing and Reheating
Refrigerate leftovers up to 4 days. Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 15 minutes, or slice cold over salads and into sandwiches.
Recipe
Melt-in-Your-Mouth Chicken: The Easiest, Most Delicious Chicken Dinner You'll Ever Make
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 40 min
- Total
- 50 min
- Servings
- 4
- Calories
- 410
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat the oven. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Even out the chicken. If the breasts are very thick on one end, place them between sheets of plastic wrap and pound to an even thickness of about 3/4 inch. This helps them cook evenly.
- Mix the topping. In a small bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, 1/2 cup parmesan, garlic powder, seasoning salt and pepper.
- Coat the chicken. Place the chicken in the dish and spread the topping evenly over the tops. Sprinkle with the remaining 2 tablespoons parmesan and the paprika.
- Bake. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, until the topping is golden and the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part. Thinner breasts will be done sooner.
- Rest and serve. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then sprinkle with parsley and serve.
Notes
- Use real mayonnaise. Light mayo and salad dressing-style spreads can turn oily in the oven.
- Greek yogurt or sour cream can replace half of the mayonnaise for a tangier topping.
- For extra crunch, sprinkle 1/4 cup panko over the top before baking.
Nutrition is an estimate per serving: about 410 calories.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it called melt-in-your-mouth chicken?
The creamy topping seals in moisture while the chicken bakes, so it comes out incredibly tender and juicy.
Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes. Boneless thighs take about 25 to 30 minutes at 375°F and stay even juicier.
Does the chicken taste like mayonnaise?
Not at all. The mayonnaise melts into the parmesan and becomes a rich, savory golden crust.
