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!
Yum Yucky says
Looks scrumptious! I’ll do it.
Kristin says
Keep us posted how it turns out 🙂
Danielle says
I add Italian bread crumbs to mine and it’s amazing!
Kristin says
Great idea! I love bread crumbs on my dishes, so I will definitely be trying that! Thanks!
statia says
Wondering if I could replace the seasoning salt with Good Seasons Italian Seasoning?
Kristin says
Definitely! That would be delicious!!
Anonymous says
Indian food uses yogurt on chicken, and the Chinese use mayo on some chicken dishes. Always wondered why it was so moist!
Kristin says
Oh I didn’t know that! Very interesting! Learn something new everyday, hehe!! Definitely makes chicken quite moist, 🙂
Karen says
i love this chicken ,it’s so easy to make! What is the pasta in your picture? It looks yummy too?
Kristin says
That is actually just pasta mixed with some butter, minced garlic, and Parmesan cheese. My kids love it, so I included it with this dinner, hehe!
magee says
Is the chicken skinless
Kristin says
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken breasts 🙂
Connie Foltz says
Looks Great !
Kristin says
It definitely is 🙂
Meredith says
I made this last night using Soy Free, Dairy Free, Pesto Veganaise instead of mayo, and Pampered Chef Moroccan Rub instead of seasoning salt. Total rock star results!! Will add this to regular rotation. Thanks for a great recipe. 🙂
Kristin says
Yea!! So glad you enjoyed it!! I love the changes you made to it, sounds delicious!!
Lisa says
I make this alot and use Hellmans with olive oil and sprinkle seasoned bread crumbs over it as well. Its a well known Hellmans recipe..
Kristin says
Yummy!! That sounds delicious!!
Dan says
Is the parmesan fresh or is dry ok
Kristin says
Personally, I always use the dry, but I have used the fresh and both ways work great!!
Za says
You sprinkle Italian bread crumbs on top & OMG its delicious
Kristin says
Good idea!! Ill have to try that next time!!! YUM! 🙂
Karen says
I need recipes for 2. That I can do in a crock pot. We spend 5 months in a motorhome with no oven. Any help will be appreciated. We eat mainly chicken. Fish. And pork chops. Not much beef.
Kristin says
Most of our recipes serve 4-6 servings, so if you were to cut them in half, it would be the perfect size for 2. I will search around for some great recipes and post a few links shortly. Have a great day!! 🙂
Rick says
Nice. A bible verse followed by an ad for Adult Toys. I’ll pass on coming back.
Kristin says
Where did you see the ad for toys? We specifically filter our ads so that they stay family friendly. Please know that I will be looking into our ratings once again right now and removing anything inappropriate. I apologize for that being there as we try to keep things clean. So sorry 🙁
Kristin says
Okay, just double checked with our advertisers and just changed a few more things to prevent those ads from ever coming through. One must have slipped through as our filter was on already. Again, I apologize for that being on the page and appreciate you bringing it to our attention so it could be taken care of. Have a great day!!
Crissy222 says
Trying it out right now
Kristin says
Yum!!! Let us know how it turns out 🙂
Tara says
Do you need to add any water in the pan, so the chicken doesn’t dry out?
Kristin says
Nope, the chicken stays moist with the topping, so no need to add water, 🙂