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.
Mary Ellen says
Trying this tonight loos and sounds so yummy.
Try using Mazritha cheese and browned butter and garlic on your pasta next time.
Grate some cheese to mix in then sprinkle some on top.
Kristin says
Oooooo, you are making me hungry now haha! I will definitely try that! Thanks!
yolara says
you can use light mayo….trust me when I say Mayo is the key for tender chicken especially over night and on the grill
Kristin says
Great suggestion!! I never thought to grill this, I bet that would be great!!!
joan louise says
My chicken is usually dry, so I will be trying this recipe soon. QUESTION:::Can you use this recipe with bone in chicken? Thanx!
Kristin says
Keep me posted how it turns out!! As for using bone in chicken, that should work great!!
adelaide says
Given the religion at the top of the page, are those the only people allowed to use this recipe???
Kristin says
No, not at all. I simply share my own beliefs, but I do not push them on others. Anyone and everyone is allowed to use these recipes and be on the page. I have lots of family friendly recipes, so be sure to look around and let me know if you try any!!
Thanks and have a great week!!
Kristi says
Would love to be added to your mailing list.
Kristin says
Just added you to the list!! Welcome to the page!! 🙂
Doris says
can’t wait to try this chicken
Kristin says
Keep me posted if you try it 🙂
Carol says
Sounds delightful and no more dry chicken breasts will try very very soon please add me to your mailing list.
Kristin says
It definitely is!! Keep me posted if you try it!! I am adding you to our mailing list right now 🙂
Moira Milne says
Kristin, Could you please add my husband to your list.
Rick Milne [email protected]
Kristin says
Sure!! I am adding him right now!! 🙂
Dru says
The first thing I thought when taking a bite of this was that it should be in a 5 star restaurant! I use Vegenaise in place of mayo. It tastes the same but is free of soy,egg,gluten. My wife came home from work late and said she wasn’t hungry until she took a bite of this and then she started eating some of my portion as well:)
Kristin says
Hehe, that is great!! I am so glad you both enjoyed it! Great idea on using Vegenaise in place of the mayo!
Karen Ury says
Hi Kristin, can you add me to your list!? Thanks for the recipe. Check out my website if you get the chance, you might find a new recipe or two to try!
Karen
Kristin says
Sure!! I am adding you to my mailing list right now!! I’ll definitely check out your website, I love new recipes! 🙂
Barbara says
Cooked last night used lite mayo, big hit so adding to regular meal plans. Quick prep, cook and clean-up a plus. Thank you for the new recipe.
Kristin says
Yea!!! So glad it was a hit!! It is definitely a “go to” meal in my home 🙂
Tanya says
How would it work with chicken thighs? i dont have boneless chicken breasts. I really want to do it but not sure how it would be different with chicken thighs.
Kristin says
It should work just great, you may just need to adjust the cooking time a bit. Keep me posted if you try it!!
Barbara says
trying this for dinner, thanks for the recipe. we eat a lot of ch. breast so i’ll give it a try based on everyone’s responses.
Kristin says
Keep me posted how it turns out! It was such a hit in my family that it is on the meal plan again tomorrow night, hehe!!
Carleen Ferguson says
what are some options for side dishes with this chicken?
Kristin says
I typically serve salad and a veggie with this dinner 🙂
Nick says
Sounds good, but isn’t 45 minutes a long time for boneless, skinless chicken breasts?
Kristin says
Just depends on the size/thickness of the chicken. The chicken breasts I use are quite thick, so it takes longer, however, I have used smaller ones and it only takes about 30 minutes. 🙂