This Melt in your Mouth Chicken recipe comes together using only 6 simple ingredients. Boneless chicken breasts covered in a creamy Parmesan sauce and baked until perfectly juicy and tender! A quick and easy dinner option that is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends!
Once you try this recipe and fall in love, you will also want to try my Melt in Your Mouth Chicken Bake, a simple casserole version of this meal, as well as my Melt in Your Mouth Salmon and Slow Cooker Melt in Your Mouth Chicken . Same foundation of ingredients, just different ways to prepare it!
What is Melt in Your Mouth Chicken?
This classic recipe is one that has been around for many generations. In fact, you may have heard of it called baked chicken with mayo, chicken breast and mayo recipe, or Parmesan mayo chicken. So many great names for an easy to make recipe the entire family will enjoy. This family loved, delicious recipe gets its name because once baked, the chicken literally melts in your mouth. With minimal prep time required, it can be enjoyed in about 45 minutes. Serve with my 7 Up Biscuits as a side dish item!
Why You’ll Love this Chicken recipe with mayo
- Quick and Easy– only 6 simple ingredients to prepare this recipe for melt in your mouth chicken. Plus, clean up is a breeze since you only need one small mixing bowl and a baking dish.
- Customizable– if you don’t want to use mayonnaise, you can also use plain Greek yogurt or sour cream. Change up the cheese, add in some spices such as paprika or Italian seasoning, etc. So many great ways to make this your own.
- Family Approved– kids and adults alike will request this meal time and time again. Plus, it is great for having people over as its incredibly easy to make, but tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
- Pairs perfectly with any side dishes– whether you serve a pasta dish such as Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti noodles with this, a potato dish like my Mississippi Mud Potatoes, or perhaps Roasted Brussel Sprouts, French Onion Rice, Black Angus Cheesy Barlic Bread, etc. you’ll have a tasty combination on your plate.
Melt in Your Mouth Ingredient Notes
Below you will find a list of what this easy recipe calls for. To see exact ingredient amounts and step by step directions, scroll below to the printable recipe card.
- Chicken– boneless skinless chicken breasts work best in this recipe, however, you can also use chicken thighs, chicken drumsticks, etc. You will just want to adjust the cook time to ensure its cooked through.
- Mayonnaise– opt for full fat mayonnaise as it adds the most flavor. Are you team Hellman’s or team Dukes? Of course, if you are counting calories or want something a bit healthier, feel free to use sour cream or plain Greek yogurt at a 1:1 ratio.
- Parmesan Cheese– freshly grated Parmesan cheese is best for this recipe versus using the green can, however, if you only have that on hand, it works as well!
- Salt/ Ground Black Pepper– I use seasoning salt as it adds even more flavor, you’ll season to taste.
- Garlic Powder– this adds additional flavor. Feel free to also use fresh minced garlic as well.
How to make Classic Melt in Your Mouth Chicken
OK, now you’re ready to get cooking! Here's how to make this super easy chicken recipe:
- In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, seasoning salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
- Spread the mixture evenly on top of the chicken breasts.
- Place chicken into a baking dish and bake in preheated oven, 375 degrees, for about 45 minutes, or until cooked through.
- Remove from oven and serve! A great side dish option are my Instant Pot Italian Potatoes!
Variations
- To add some heat– add in some red pepper flakes.
- For an added topping– sprinkle bread crumbs on top of the chicken just before baking is a great addition to be used.
- Increase flavor through spices– onion powder, Herbs, all-purpose seasonings, etc. can all be added to the mayo sauce.
- In place of the mayo– feel free to use sour cream, Greek yogurt, or even plain cream cheese.
- Use your favorite cheese– you can never have too much cheese, right? Feel free to add in Mozzarella, Asiago, Romano, Pepper Jack, Gouda, etc.
- Chicken– chicken breasts, chicken breast halves, thighs, drumsticks, etc. all work great, just adjust cook time to ensure chicken is cooked through (to 165 degrees F).
- If you want to cook the chicken in the air fryer, cover with the mayonnaise sauce before placing chicken in air fryer to cook on high until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees using a meat thermometer, about 20 minutes.
- Brown the top– I love adding a little golden brown color to the cooked chicken and to do so, simply place the pan under the broiler for about 2-3 minutes.
- This chicken pairs perfectly with a side of Funeral Potatoes.
Storing Leftovers
- If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, allow to fully cool before wrapping in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can also place the chicken in an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator up to 3 days or freeze the cooked chicken up to 3 months.
- To reheat, allow to fully thaw if frozen and reheat in the microwave.
More Chicken Recipes everyone will love
Ranch Chicken Bake– if you're in desperate need of some easy dinner recipes with a low cooking time, this crunchy baked ranch chicken recipe is the perfect meal for you.
Forgotten Chicken Casserole– a super easy, delicious dinner recipe the whole family enjoyed! Chicken breasts, rice, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, and Lipton onion soup mix. Creamy, savory, and absolutely delicious!
Baked Honey Sesame Chicken– enjoy the delectable blend of crispy diced chicken, perfectly coated in a delightful sweet, savory, and tangy sauce.
Baked Caesar Chicken– made using only 4 ingredients! Quick and easy to make and packed with creamy, cheesy flavor in every bite!
Lazy Chicken Parmesan Bake– a twist on the classic that marries the crunch of croutons with tender chicken in a casserole-style dish. This no-fuss, dump-and-go recipe transforms simple ingredients into a rich and hearty meal, perfect for busy weeknights!
Chicken and Stuffing Casserole– comfort food at its finest with this one-pan meal! Vegetables, chicken, and stuffing combined!
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Melt in Your Mouth Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a healthier option)
- ½ cup parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon seasoning salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, seasoning salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
- Spread the mixture evenly on top of the chicken breasts.
- Place chicken into a baking dish and bake in preheated oven, 375 degrees, for about 45 minutes, or until cooked through (internal temperature of 165 degrees).
- Remove from oven and serve!
Pat Menzies says
I know this sounds crazy but is there a substitute for parmesan cheese? My husband hates it and there are so many recipes (like melt in your mouth chicken) that I want to make but can’t.
Kristin says
You can also use Romano, Asiago, or Cojita cheese in this! It will change the flavor from the original, but still be just as yummy! Enjoy!
Carole Bradford says
can i freeze the cooked chicken
Kristin says
Sure, however, I don’t know how it would thaw because the sauce on top is mayo/dairy based and sometimes it doesn’t look very appealing once thawed. It is okay to do, but just don’t judge appearance, haha!
Debra Cribbs says
Hi Kristin….
I would love for you to add me to your email list!! Thank you so much!!
Debra Cribbs
Kristin says
Hi Debra! Sure thing! Adding you right now! Hope you enjoy the recipes! Happy Easter!
Devon Shockley says
I have a big family, so would it work the same if I doubled or trippled the recipe?
Kristin says
Absolutely! I typically double it for leftovers! It’s great! Enjoy!!
Kim Peltzer says
Can you use another kind of cheese?
Kristin says
Depends on what type you’re wanting to use. You can, depending on type!
Nana says
Gonna try making this tonight. My mom dislikes mayonnaise, so it’ll be interesting to see if she’ll like it or not. 🙂
Kristin says
Hmmmm, you can always use plain Greek yogurt in place of the mayo if desired? Hopefully she loves it! Its a favorite on the blog! Keep me posted!
Pattie Raposo says
How would I adjust this for serving 8?
Kristin says
Double the recipe and you should be good to go! This serves about 4, so doubling would be great! Enjoy!
Anne says
Going to try this tonight. Can’t wait to see how it turns out. Can you please add me to your list?
Kristin says
Hope you enjoyed it!! Adding you right now!
Jan says
If I double the recipe will the cooking time be longer?
I can’t wait to try it.
Thank you!
Kristin says
I have found that if you add about 5-10 minutes, that is perfect! Enjoy!
Mary says
I wonder how it would turn out if you coated the chicken in the sauce then coated with bread crumbs for an oven “fried” chicken?
Kristin says
Ooooo, that sounds like it would be great! Let me know if you try it and how it turns out!
Brinkli says
Has anyone made this with a slow cooker? If so, how long did it take / did you do anything differently? ?
Kristin says
Here is the slow cooker version I have made, enjoy!! https://thecookinchicks.com/2017/05/slow-cooker-melt-in-your-mouth-chicken/
patti says
Please add me to your list, Kristin.
Thanks! 🙂
Kristin says
Will do, welcome to the page!
Robin DeVault says
I love this chicken have made it several times. I was reading the comments and might add a few bread crumbs. Please add me to your recipe list.
Kristin says
So glad you enjoyed it! I am adding you now, welcome to the page!
Liz says
Has anyone tried this with chicken leg quarters? I am tonight because I don’t have boneless skinless chicken breasts. I did take off the skin.
Kristin says
I haven’t tried that personally, but I have heard a few others who have say its delicious! Hope you enjoy!
Figaro says
Made this tonight; used a combination (half & half) mayo and Greek yogurt; added a tsp of Dijon mustard, a few shakes Worcestershire and some hot sauce. I used a minimum of salt, but sprinkled the garlic powder and fresh ground pepper directly on the chicken; added a sprinkle of fresh grated Parmesan and some Italian seasoned bread crumbs (both sides); drizzled just a bit of olive oil over the top; baked them in my convection toaster oven at 375 for 30 min; then broiled for 5 to brown the top. My husband is very picky and hard to please and he loved this. I served it with arborio and black rice risotto with artichoke hearts. All very yummy and I’ll make this chicken again with varying treatments. Thank, Yummly and Cookin’ Chicks!
Kristin says
Oh yum! I love the variety you added to it!