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!
Kristen says
I made this recipe this evening. Not only was it simple to make, but I loved the fact that all the ingredients needed, I already had on hand! The result turned out phenomenal! The chicken was moist and the coating is what made the meal extremely tasty! My family also went back for seconds! Made it that much worth it to make. Will definitely makes again. Thank you for posting!
Kristin says
Awwww, so glad you enjoyed it!!
Sheri says
I’ve been making this for years but I use Miracle Whip and I put the Miracle Whip on the entire chicken breast and then cover them with bread crumbs. It’s my son’s favorite way for me to cook chicken.
Kristin says
Oh yum!! It sure is an easy, great recipe! My kids go crazy over it too!
Alison says
Can you use frozen chicken or should it be thawed?
Kristin says
Thawed would be easier to work with since it cooks more evenly, however, if frozen, just increase the cooking time 🙂
Betty says
I make this but one thing you missed on your recipe is that after spreading the mayo mixed with Parmesan cheese you are suppose to put bread crumbs on top …. but the best kind to use for this recipe is Panko breadcrumbs. Without the Panko breadcrumbs, all you will taste is the mayo. YUCK!
This recipe was from Kraft Foods and like I said everything you wrote in the ingredients is fine, but you missed the Panko….. for those that didn’t like this, make it again but use breadcrumbs after spreading on the mayo and Parmesan. I guarantee you will like it.
Kristin says
Great addition for sure! I have made it both ways and love them both!
nkocy m says
It lovely and creamy juicy everything it combine…thanx for you recipe
Kristin says
Glad you enjoy it!!
Birdlover says
Isn’t this just a small variation on the recipe that is on the back of jars of Hellman’s Mayo? [I think the only variation is the garlic salt.]
Kristin says
Hmmm, I am not sure? I haven’t ever seen that recipe, I got this one from my mom. If it is, it sure is yummy, hehe!
dawn says
sorry, I didn’t mean to be anonymous 🙂
Anonymous says
This is the best recipe for chicken. I actually fried mine in a butter/olive oil mix then kept it warm in the oven while I cooked up some roma tomatos in white wine, added a small amout of flour to thicken and served the chicken over the tomatos and spooned a litte sauce over the top. My man swears he HATES manyonaise but asks me to make this often. Thank you for the recipe
Kristin says
Yea!!! So glad it was a hit! I love the quick prep and flavor of this recipe!!
Kymberlyrose says
please add me to your mailing list
Kristin says
Adding you right now!!! Welcome to the page 🙂
Anonymous says
Cant wait to try this, it looks absolutely yummy!
Kristin says
Keep me posted on what you think of it!! Enjoy!!
sally says
all the coating fell of the chicken. anyone know why
Kristin says
What kind of mayonnaise did you use in the recipe? Or did you use yogurt?
Mrs. E.M.James says
This sounds delish, plan to make this ,as it is only the two of us since all of our children are gone, and living lives of their own.Thank you for thinking of others.
Kristin says
Enjoy! Let me know what you think!!
Jeff says
No worries about the guy who had adult toy adds pop up. The add blocks call up advertisements from his cookies according to websites that were surfed from his computer. Too funny.
Sally says
This is hands down, the absolute most scrumptious chicken recipe ever!!! Love love love!!!!
Kristin says
Yea! So glad you enjoy it! It is a favorite of mine as well!!
nick says
try adding mccormick smokehouse maple gives the chicken a sweet smokie taste my friends love it and asked me for the recipes so i just gave them this site and told them what i added to it
Kristin says
Great idea! I will try that this week, sounds amazing! Thanks!!