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!
Caren says
Any recommendations on which brand of Greek yogurt works best? There’s quite a different flavor between brands…some are more tart, sour, or chalky than others.
Kristin says
I typically use Chobani Greek yogurt in this recipe if I don’t use the mayonnaise 🙂
Scifigirl1986 says
I made this for dinner tonight and while I liked the tangy taste to it, I thought it was way too salty. As I added the salt to the yogurt and cheese, I knew it was going to be too much for me. I think if I make it again, I will cut down on the salt–maybe use 1/2 tsp instead of 1.5 tsp’s.
Kristin says
Great idea, you can adjust that according to your preferences for sure!! 🙂
Abbey says
For anyone who is wondering 375 F is 190 C
Kristin says
Thanks for conversion 🙂
Anonymous says
After reading the reviews….I decided to try this…it was very good..served it with rice..I did lower the salt content..other than that followed the recipe…Thanks
Kristin says
Yea!! Glad you enjoyed this recipe, it is definitely a favorite of my family’s!
Sabby Nash says
This was a Great dish. Loved it! I have one question, was the mayo/ cheese spread suppose to be crispy or was it suppose to be a nice spread b/c either way it was moist & flavorful spread. Thanks for sharing this delicious recipe.
Kristin says
It spreads nicely and covers the entire chicken, however, it does get a slight crisp to it once baked! Glad you enjoyed it!!!
Myrtle G. says
Trying it now….. have to make myself behave….I want to put a full cup of Parmesan…..we love cheese….
Kristin says
LOL!! That is exactly how I am too!! Hope you enjoyed this!!!
Shanna says
Did you use full chicken breasts for this or halves? Going to make this tonight maybe… Looks so yummy!!!
Kristin says
I used full chicken breasts in this recipe, but I know of a lot of people that have used halves, thighs, diced chicken, etc. Hope you enjoy it!!
Nancy Baker says
This looks so good!! But fyi, my daughter and I are both lactose intolerant and I have found that coconut milk is a great alternative in recipes like this. I buy the can of full fat coconut milk and before opening shake vigorously for about a full minute and when you open it it is thick and creamy!! It works really great and since it has no real flavor of it’s own, like tofu it takes on the flavor of whatever you use it with! I will not however give up my cheese!!
Kristin says
This definitely is tasty! Great suggestion on using coconut milk, I love being able to have substitution ideas for meals!! I am with you on the “no giving up cheese” thought, hehe!!
Janis says
Great recipe. Have made this 2 nights in a row. Last night was with chicken and tonight was with pork chops. Just added a bit of italian breadcrumbs on top
Enjoyed both of them
Kristin says
So glad you enjoyed it!!!
Joyce Rowe says
BLESS YOU FOR GIVING US THIS MARVELOUS RECIPE , IT IS FABULOUS.
Kristin says
Awww, I am glad you enjoy the recipe!! Take care <3
Marlene Battiste says
frlivious and easy Add me to your mailing list Thank you
Kristin says
Adding you right now!! Enjoy!!
Karen says
If you are using smaller breasts do you still use the same amount of coating?
Kristin says
You can use as much as desired, I typically just spread it on until its a nice even layer, and there is a little bit leftover of the coating 🙂
Betsy Markman says
I notice that you call for boneless chicken. Is it also skinless? I ask because in the photo it looks like the skin may be on, but I’ve never seen chicken sold boneless WITH skin.
Thanks! (And I love the verses at the top of your page.)
Kristin says
Hi!!! I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts in this recipe 🙂 The “skin” you are seeing is probably just the mayonnaise coating on top that browned up a bit 🙂
Glad you enjoy the verses!!
cheryl hannah says
my husband doesn’t like mayo ,however this recipe sounds delicious. can a person tell if mayo (salad dressing) was used. (taste)
thank you
Kristin says
You could try the Greek yogurt if you prefer? It works just as good!!
Vicki says
Printer friendly should not include 146 comments. Fourteen pages of comments. I recommend copy and paste!