This Melt in Your Mouth Chicken recipe comes together with just 6 simple ingredients. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are coated in a creamy Parmesan mayonnaise sauce and baked until juicy, tender, and full of flavor. It’s an easy chicken dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights and family dinners.
If you love this Melt in Your Mouth Chicken recipe, be sure to try my Melt in Your Mouth Chicken Bake for an easy casserole version, Crock Pot Melt in Your Mouth Chicken for hands-off cooking, and Parmesan Crusted Salmon for a seafood twist. My family loves every version, and they’re all perfect for busy nights when you need an easy, delicious dinner.
Quick Look: Melt in Your Mouth Chicken
Melt in Your Mouth Chicken is an easy baked chicken breast recipe made with boneless, skinless chicken breasts coated in a creamy Parmesan mayonnaise topping. It bakes until juicy, tender, and flavorful using just 6 simple ingredients, making it perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Main Ingredients: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese
- Flavor: Creamy, cheesy, savory
- Perfect For: Busy weeknights, family dinners, easy entertaining
Add me as a trusted Google source.Why You’ll Love It
- Juicy and Tender: The creamy Parmesan mayonnaise topping keeps the chicken breasts moist, flavorful, and perfectly tender.
- Quick and Easy: Made with just 6 simple ingredients and one baking dish, this easy chicken dinner is perfect for busy weeknights.
- Easy to Customize: Use Greek yogurt or sour cream instead of mayonnaise, switch up the cheese, or add your favorite seasonings.
- Family Favorite: This baked chicken recipe is always a hit with both kids and adults.
- Perfect with Any Side: Pair it with Loaded Mashed Potatoes, French Onion Rice, pasta, or vegetables for an easy family meal.
This is my new go to chicken recipe! I add a little hot sauce for some extra kick and it makes it extra delicious! Thanks for sharing!
Ingredient Notes
Below are a few helpful notes about the key ingredients. For exact amounts, scroll down to the printable recipe card.
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best since they stay juicy and tender under the creamy topping. Chicken thighs can also be used, but the cooking time may need to be adjusted until the chicken reaches 165°F.
- Mayonnaise: Full-fat mayonnaise creates the richest flavor and helps keep the chicken moist while baking. Plain Greek yogurt or sour cream can be substituted at a 1:1 ratio if preferred.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts and browns best, but the grated Parmesan in the green can works if that’s what you have on hand.
Variations
- Swap the Mayo: Use plain Greek yogurt or sour cream instead of mayonnaise for a lighter option.
- Try Different Cheese: Parmesan is classic, but Asiago, Romano, mozzarella, Gouda, or Pepper Jack are all delicious.
- Change the Seasonings: Add Italian seasoning, onion powder, paprika, Cajun seasoning, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
- Use a Different Cut of Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or drumsticks work great too. Just adjust the cooking time until the chicken reaches 165°F.
- Make it Crispy: Sprinkle panko or seasoned breadcrumbs over the top before baking, or broil for the last 2-3 minutes until lightly golden.
- Air Fryer Option: Spread the Parmesan mayonnaise mixture over the chicken and air fry until the thickest part reaches 165°F, about 18-20 minutes depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts.
How to Make Melt in Your Mouth Chicken
OK, now you’re ready to get cooking! Here's how to make this super easy chicken recipe:
Step 1. In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, seasoning salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until well combined.
Step 2. Spread the Parmesan mayonnaise mixture evenly over the chicken breasts and place them in a lightly greased baking dish.
Step 3. Place the baking dish in a preheated 375°F oven and bake for about 45 minutes, or until the thickest part of the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Step 4. Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Recipe Tips
- Don’t Overcook: Bake just until the thickest part of the chicken reaches 165°F. Overcooking is the quickest way to dry out chicken breasts.
- Pound Thick Chicken Breasts: If your chicken breasts are especially thick, pound them to an even thickness so they cook evenly.
- Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly and creates the best flavor and texture, but the grated Parmesan in the green can also works. If you love creamy Parmesan chicken recipes, be sure to try my Parmesan Chicken Casserole.
- Let the Chicken Rest: Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before serving to help keep it juicy.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: The easiest way to know when your baked chicken is done is to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftover Melt in Your Mouth Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Let the chicken cool completely, then freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm leftovers in a 325°F oven until heated through, or microwave in 30-second intervals until warm. Leftover chicken is also delicious served over Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti for an easy second meal.
Melt in Your Mouth Chicken Recipe FAQs
Yes! Plain Greek yogurt is an easy 1:1 substitute for mayonnaise and still creates a creamy, flavorful topping. The flavor will be slightly tangier, but the chicken will still be tender and juicy.
Chicken naturally releases moisture as it bakes. For the best results, pat the chicken dry before adding the Parmesan topping and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Yes! Assemble the chicken up to 24 hours ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Bake as directed until the chicken reaches 165°F.
What to Serve with this Recipe
Tried this recipe? Leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating and let me know what you think in the comments! You can also follow me on Pinterest for even more easy, family-friendly recipes.
Want to save this recipe?
Enter your email & I’ll send it to your inbox. Plus, get great new recipes from me every week!
Melt in Your Mouth Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup mayonnaise or plain Greek yogurt
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon seasoning salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, seasoning salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until well combined.
- Spread the Parmesan mayonnaise mixture evenly over the chicken breasts and place them in a lightly greased baking dish.
- Bake in a preheated 375°F oven for about 45 minutes, or until the thickest part of the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Plain Greek yogurt can be substituted for the mayonnaise using a 1:1 ratio.
- If the chicken breasts are thick, pound them to an even thickness for more even cooking.
- Freshly grated Parmesan provides the best flavor and texture, but grated Parmesan in the green can also work.
- For a golden brown topping, broil for the last 2-3 minutes, watching closely.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Debbie says
We seem to eat a lot of chicken, especially lately. My husband made this last night and we loved it! So nice to have a new, yummy chicken recipe and so easy too. We have made a garlic bread that’s called Killers Bread that we have made for years and has the same ingredients without the seasoning salt or pepper.
Kristin says
YAY!! Love hearing that you all enjoyed this! That garlic bread sounds amamzing too!!
patrice neis says
grated or shredded parmesan
Kristin says
Either works, I tend to use grated, but both are great!
Lisa says
Good, I added herb and garlic cream cheese as well as miracle whip and shredded cheddar last 2 min of cooking. The only problem I had was the mixture started sliding off chicken 10 min before it was done
Kristin says
Yay! Glad you enjoyed and love the idea of using garlic herb cream cheese! I wonder if the addition of that and the Miracle Whip made it a bit more moist, which caused it to slide off?
Michelle says
I loved it but mine didn’t get brown like the picture I used chicken tenderloins but I wasn’t sure to cover or not I coveeed first half but I will be making this again thank u for sharing
Kristin says
You can always broil it for a minute or so to get the brown on top? Glad you enjoyed it though!!
Gailil says
Can this be done on stove top?
Kristin says
I’m not sure how this would be via stove top as I have never tried it. The topping wouldn’t have the same texture as oven, but if you try it, let me know!
Wendy says
This is the most delicious, moist chicken I have ever made. I use the Greek yogurt option and always make extra so that I can use the left over chicken in other recipes.
5 stars
Kristin says
So glad to hear you enjoyed it! Its a favorite in my house too!
Barbara says
It was delish!! Moist and flavorful. Would and have recommended it to a friend. Side note: I used 3 huge chicken breast instead of 4 as it was no need for the extra chicken breast for me.
Kristin says
Yea!! So glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for recommending to a friend, I appreciate the sharing of recipes!!