Description
This Melt In Your Mouth Chicken Breast recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts topped with a rich and creamy Parmesan and mayonnaise mixture, baked to golden perfection. The coating infuses every bite with savory garlic and onion undertones, while optional paprika or Italian seasoning adds a flavorful finish. Perfect for a simple yet elegant weeknight dinner, this dish promises an irresistibly moist texture and a delightful crisp top.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Topping 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 Seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika or Italian seasoning (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Pound the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper and pound them to an even thickness of about ¾ inch to ensure uniform cooking and a tender texture.
- Mix the Topping: In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Coat the Chicken: Spread the prepared topping evenly on the surface of each chicken breast, ensuring the entire top is covered for maximum flavor and moisture.
- Add Optional Seasoning: Arrange the coated chicken breasts in the baking dish and sprinkle with paprika or Italian seasoning if desired for added color and flavor complexity.
- Bake: Bake the chicken uncovered in the preheated oven for 35 to 45 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the topping is golden brown and slightly crisp.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes once out of the oven to retain juices, enhancing tenderness and flavor before serving.
Notes
- Pounding the chicken is essential for even cooking and a tender texture.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness without drying out the chicken.
- For a crispy crust, broil the chicken for the last 2–3 minutes of baking.
- Substituting Greek yogurt for mayonnaise creates a tangy, lighter version that cuts down on fat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with topping
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 110mg