Melt in Your Mouth Chicken is a tender, juicy baked chicken dish that lives up to its name. Coated in a creamy, flavorful mixture of mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, and seasonings, the chicken bakes to perfection with a golden crust and juicy interior.
This simple recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a delicious, no-fuss dinner the entire family will love!
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Silicone spatula or spoon
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup breadcrumbs or crushed crackers (optional, for added crunch)
Directions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Coating:
- In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Mix until well combined.
- Coat the Chicken:
- Place the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Spread the mayonnaise mixture evenly over each chicken breast, ensuring they are fully coated. For added crunch, sprinkle breadcrumbs or crushed crackers over the top.
- Bake:
- Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the tops are golden brown.
- Broil (Optional):
- For an extra crispy topping, broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes at the end of the baking time, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
- Serve:
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Pair with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
30 minutes
Total Time
40 minutes
Nutrition (per serving, approx. 4 servings)
Calories: ~350
Protein: 30g
Carbohydrates: 3g
Fat: 24g
Fiber: 0g
Sodium: 600mg
Expert Tips
- Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness for uniform cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is perfectly cooked without drying out.
- Swap mayonnaise for sour cream or Greek yogurt for a tangy twist.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the chicken up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
What if I don’t have Parmesan cheese?
Use another hard cheese like Romano or Pecorino for a similar flavor.
Can I use chicken thighs?
Absolutely! Adjust the cooking time as needed, as thighs may take slightly longer to cook.
Storing & Reheating
Storing: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or use a microwave for a quicker option.
Substitutions & Variations
- Add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme to the coating for extra flavor.
- Use smoked paprika for a subtle smoky kick.
- Substitute breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour for a low-carb option.
Melt in Your Mouth Chicken
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- **Preheat the Oven:**
- - Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
- **Prepare the Coating:**
- - In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Mix until well combined.
- **Coat the Chicken:**
- - Place the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Spread the mayonnaise mixture evenly over each chicken breast, ensuring they are fully coated. For added crunch, sprinkle breadcrumbs or crushed crackers over the top.
- **Bake:**
- - Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the tops are golden brown.
- **Broil (Optional):**
- - For an extra crispy topping, broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes at the end of the baking time, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
- **Serve:**
- - Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Pair with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
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