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!
Margie Turpin says
This is my next go to chicken recipe.Substituted 1 tsp. minced garlic, tsp. Bay Seasoning, 2 tsp. dried dill, 1 tsp. curry powder, and black pepper. Hubby doesn’t like parmesan cheese on his chicken. Tasted the mayo mix (used our favorite Dukes Mayo) and it was sooooo good. Can’t wait until the chicken is done. Used half a bag of frozen chicken tenders. Dredged each tender in the mayo mix to be sure every piece was nicely coated, then placed in my cast iron dutch oven. I didn’t have parmesan, seasoned salt, or garlic powder. So this is the reason for substitutes. Made my own seasoned salt (w/dill and curry powder). Thank you for sharing.
Kristin says
Oh yum! I love all the changes you made, I will have to remember that for next time!!
elizabeth says
Do you use grated or shreddedp parmesan
Kristin says
Either one works great, I typically have grated on hand more often, so I use that, but both work!!
Amanda says
What is the pasta recipe?
Kristin says
Hehe, I hate admitting this, but the pasta is actually just melted butter and Parmesan over spaghetti noodles. Basic, but something my kids go crazy over, hehe!!
Nana Jan says
Can I make this in a toaster oven. I live alone and hate using the big oven for one chicken breast?
Kristin says
Hmmm, good question. Which cook settings do you have for your toaster oven? I have seen some that have cook settings similar to the oven such as temperature. If that’s the case, then yes. As long as the chicken gets cooked through, I don’t see why that wouldn’t work. Keep me posted if you try it!
Anna says
When using a crockpot, should I add a bit of water into the bowl as well as the chicken and toppings to keep it from overcooking?
Kristin says
I’ve actually never tried this recipe in the slow cooker. I would think that adding a bit of chicken broth, maybe 1/4 cup, would be best though!!
JJ says
How long should i leave it in the oven??
Kristin says
Until chicken is cooked through, so about 30 minutes or so, depending on thickness of chicken breasts
Angela says
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!
Kristin says
Ooooo, I love the idea of adding some hot sauce. I think I will try that tonight for dinner! Thanks for the suggestion!
Marcy says
That was the worse chicken I ever made..Very greasy even cut down on the mayo and added 1 cup of Parmesan cheese but it sat in a pool of oil and no one in my family could even eat it…I ended up throwing it all away..What a waste. I will never make it again and advise no one else to..sorry but I had to let you know the truth
Kristin says
Yikes, sounds like it wasn’t a hit. Sorry about that, I am not sure what would’ve happened as I make this frequently and never had that problem. What type of mayo did you use? Sorry it wasn’t yummy for you guys!
Jane says
Have baked this numerous times and can’t seem to get enough of this great taste!! It does melt in your mouth and is so easy.
Kristin says
So glad you enjoy it! Its a favorite in my house for sure!
Pam says
It was so delicious!!!!
Kristin says
So glad you enjoyed it!! <3
Terri says
Has anyone tried this on pieces of chicken – mainly legs and thighs? Sounds like it would be very good
Kristin says
I have heard from a few people that they used legs/thighs and it turned out great!! Enjoy!!
Debra Gulley says
do you think you could use buttermilk and seasonings – perhaps a ranch dressing effect?
Kristin says
Hey Debra, I have tried using ranch and it is delicious! Here is the recipe I made, https://thecookinchicks.com/2015/08/ranch-chicken-bake/
Barbara says
Already do this recipe. It is on my jar of Hellmanns Mayo.
Kristin says
Glad you enjoy it! It was a recipe I found in my family cookbook, always fun to see where they originate from though 🙂
Caroline says
Looks amazing. I will try it.
Kristin says
You’ll love this!! Let me know how it turns out 🙂
Jean Marie says
I pound the chicken breasts down so they are thin, put the oven on 400, and bake for 15 minutes. Comes out completely cooked and moist. Sometimes I use honey mustard instead of mayo, gives it a bit of a kick.
Kristin says
Oooooo, sounds delicious! I’ll need to try the honey mustard idea next time!!