Melt In Your Mouth Chicken Breast Recipe
Introduction
This melt-in-your-mouth chicken breast recipe delivers juicy, tender chicken with a flavorful Parmesan topping. It’s simple to prepare and perfect for a comforting weeknight meal that feels special.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 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: 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 mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth.
- Step 4: Spread the mixture evenly over the top of each chicken breast, covering the entire surface for maximum flavor.
- Step 5: Arrange the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish and sprinkle with optional paprika or Italian seasoning 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 turns golden brown.
Tips & Variations
- For a lighter version, substitute mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt without losing creaminess.
- Try adding a squeeze of lemon juice to the topping mixture for a bright, fresh flavor.
- Use Italian seasoning to add an herby twist, or smoked paprika for a subtle smoky taste.
- To keep the chicken extra juicy, cover loosely with foil for the first 20 minutes, then uncover to brown the topping.
Storage
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through to maintain juiciness. Avoid overcooking when reheating to prevent dryness.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
It’s best to use thawed, fully defrosted chicken breasts for even cooking and the best texture. If using frozen, thaw completely in the fridge before preparing.
What can I serve with melt-in-your-mouth chicken breast?
This chicken pairs beautifully with steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice, or a fresh green salad for a balanced, satisfying meal.
PrintMelt In Your Mouth Chicken Breast Recipe
This Melt In Your Mouth Chicken Breast recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts coated with a creamy Parmesan and mayonnaise mixture, baked to golden perfection. It’s an easy, flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners that delivers moist, flavorful chicken every time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Coating Mixture
- 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: Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or wax paper and pound them gently with a meat mallet or rolling pin until they are about ¾ inch thick. This ensures even cooking.
- Prepare the Coating Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and well blended.
- Coat the Chicken: Spread the prepared mixture evenly over the top of each chicken breast, making sure to cover the entire surface for maximum flavor and moisture retention.
- Optional Seasoning: Place the coated chicken breasts into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle with paprika or Italian seasoning if desired. This adds a subtle color and extra layer of flavor.
- Bake the Chicken: Bake uncovered at 375°F (190°C) for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the topping is golden brown. Remove from oven and let rest a few minutes before serving for juicy, flavorful chicken.
Notes
- Using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise reduces calories and fat but keeps the chicken moist.
- Pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness helps them cook evenly and remain tender.
- Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking.
- Feel free to experiment with herbs like oregano or basil for added flavor.
Keywords: chicken breast recipe, baked chicken, creamy Parmesan chicken, easy dinner, tender chicken
