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!
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. 🙂