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.
Ed says
Parmesan cheese is loaded with salt, and mayonnaise does too. No need for extra salt.
Kristin says
You can definitely omit! Enjoy!
Cliff says
A lovely dish. I baked it last night, after making a pocket and inserting a rasher of bacon. I also mixed the parmesan with Monterray Jack. It melted in my mouth! Thank you, and could you include me in your blog please?
Kristin says
Great tweaks to the recipe! Glad you enjoyed it! I have added you to the mailing list! Enjoy!!!
Thomas says
The first recipe that I saw looked so great, I thought, “More! I need to see more!” Looking forward to more of your goodies! Thanks!
Kristin says
Hope you enjoy the recipes! Be sure to keep me posted what you think of the ones you try!!
Chrissy says
I am curious what kind of pasta that is to go with it?
Kristin says
I use spaghetti, but rotini and penne work great too!! Even egg noodles! It depends on preference!
Susies11 says
Made this tonight and it was a hit with the family. Delicious ?
Kristin says
Yea! So glad you enjoyed it!!
Mary says
I’ve been waiting to try this recipe and when the time came I just so happened to have left over Knorrs spinich dip in the fridge which contains mayo. It was fabulous.
Kristin says
Yea!! So glad you enjoyed it!
Ruth Zarnosky says
Slice half way through chicken breast, put in your favorite dressing recipe, then top with the mayo recipe…WOW! Serve with mashed potatoes & gravy & cranberry sauce…great meal
Kristin says
Great idea! I will have to remember that for next time, thanks!
Sara says
Do you think 2 breasts will take 45 minutes?
Kristin says
Depends on the thickness of the breasts, start keeping an eye on them after about 30 minutes!
Donna Doss says
I add a teaspoon of Italian bread crumbs on top. Gives a little crunch!
Kristin says
Great idea!
Jewlybug says
A huge hit a family dinner Saturday nite. Even the (sometimes) picky g’daughter LOVED it. A green salad, garlic bread & a fresh fruit salad made the dinner healthy & complete. The chicken was moist & tender. We had the leftovers for a cold lunch on Sunday.
Tripled the mayo mix so plenty left over for another meal later this week. The mayo mix is a great base for many of the suggested substitutions. Think I’ll add the green chilis for dinner with the hubby.
Added bread crumbs the last 15 minutes for a crunch I knew my fam would love. Gonna use the yogurt next time.
This is an easy addition to the rotation.
Kristin says
Yea!! I am so glad you enjoyed it!!
Gloria Hall says
If I use a slow cooker do I have to put water in it and can I use garlic salt instead of powder?
Kristin says
I would add about 1/4 cup water if chicken is thawed. If chicken is frozen, no need to use additional water! As for garlic salt, no problem, just don’t add any additional salt as it may be a bit much. Hope you enjoy!!
Joanie Ellen Vaughn says
The chicken was to salty I did not add any either!! Would not try again!
Kristin says
Bummer you didn’t enjoy it! Sometimes the mayo is a bit salty in this, so you can try the Greek yogurt next time if desired!!
Tia says
I was just wondering What would be best as for the cheese; grated in the container of real and shredded?…
Kristin says
Honestly, both work equally well, but I tend to use the grated a bit more since it blends into the mixture a bit easier and I always have it on hand!
Jean says
Will try it on the grill
Kristin says
Great idea, keep me posted how it turns out!
Rebekah says
Has anyone used sour cream? Or a combination of the 3-mayo, plain yogurt & sour cream? Just a thought…:)
Kristin says
I have only tried using both yogurt and mayo in this recipe, but don’t see why sour cream wouldn’t work as well! If you try it, be sure to keep me posted how the end result is! I always have sour cream on hand, so that would be a great alternative to use!