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!
Want to save this recipe?
Enter your email & I’ll send it to your inbox. Plus, get great new recipes from me every week!
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!
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!