Melt In Your Mouth Chicken Breast Recipe
Introduction
This Melt In Your Mouth Chicken Breast recipe delivers tender, flavorful chicken with a creamy Parmesan topping. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner that feels special without the fuss.
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 for easy cleanup.
- Step 2: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about ¾ inch to ensure they cook evenly.
- Step 3: In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and well blended.
- Step 4: Spread the mixture evenly over the top of each chicken breast, covering the entire surface for maximum flavor.
- Step 5: Place the coated chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. If desired, sprinkle the tops with paprika or Italian seasoning for extra color and taste.
- Step 6: Bake uncovered for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the topping is golden brown.
- Step 7: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to retain its juiciness and enhance the texture.
Tips & Variations
- Substitute mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier version without sacrificing creaminess.
- Pound chicken evenly to avoid dry edges and ensure consistent cooking throughout.
- Try adding a pinch of smoked paprika or fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the topping mix for added flavor.
- For a crispy crust, broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes but watch closely to prevent burning.
Storage
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to preserve moisture, covering with foil if using the oven. This dish is not recommended for freezing as the creamy topping may separate.
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 fully thawed chicken breasts to ensure even cooking and proper texture. Cooking from frozen may result in uneven cooking and longer bake times.
What can I serve with Melt In Your Mouth Chicken Breast?
This chicken pairs wonderfully with steamed vegetables, a fresh green salad, mashed potatoes, or rice 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 in a creamy Parmesan and mayonnaise mixture, baked to golden perfection. Quick to prepare and full of flavor, it’s an ideal weeknight dinner that guarantees succulent results every time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- 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 oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Pound chicken breasts: Even out the thickness of the chicken breasts by pounding them to approximately ¾ inch thick. This step ensures they cook evenly and remain tender.
- Prepare coating mixture: In a medium bowl, thoroughly combine mayonnaise, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well blended.
- Apply coating: Spread the prepared mixture evenly over the top of each chicken breast, covering the entire surface to lock in moisture and flavor.
- Optional seasoning: Place the coated chicken breasts into the baking dish and sprinkle with optional paprika or Italian seasoning for added flavor and a colorful finish.
- Bake chicken: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the top becomes golden brown.
- Rest before serving: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist and tender.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt.
- Ensure chicken breasts are pounded evenly for consistent cooking.
- Internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) is essential for safe consumption.
- Resting the chicken after baking enhances juiciness and flavor.
- Optional spices like paprika or Italian seasoning add a nice touch but can be omitted based on preference.
Keywords: chicken breast recipe, baked chicken, creamy Parmesan chicken, easy chicken dinner, juicy chicken breasts
