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
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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.
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, 🙂