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.
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!!