This Melt In Your Mouth Chicken Breast is tender and juicy, perfect for a quick family dinner. Just a few simple ingredients make it flavorful and satisfying!
You’ll love how easy it is to whip up. I often serve it with rice or veggies, and I can’t help but sneak extra bites because it’s just that good! 😋
Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe, as they cook quickly and stay tender. If you’re looking for a healthier option, chicken thighs can work well too, giving a richer flavor.
Mayonnaise: Mayonnaise is key for keeping the chicken moist. If you prefer a lighter version, Greek yogurt or sour cream can be good substitutes. They provide creaminess while cutting down on fat.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a wonderful cheesy flavor. If you’re out, any hard cheese like Pecorino Romano or even nutritional yeast can work in a pinch for a dairy-free option.
Spices: Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper create a tasty blend. Feel free to adjust these to your taste! For an extra kick, try adding cayenne pepper or a dash of chili powder.
Fresh Parsley: For garnishing, chopped fresh parsley adds color and freshness. If you’re in a hurry, dried parsley will work, but fresh really brightens the dish.
How Do You Ensure Your Chicken Stays Moist and Flavorful?
Keeping chicken moist can be tricky, but this recipe nails it with a simple technique. The mayonnaise mixture not only flavors the chicken but also helps it stay juicy during baking. Here are my tips:
- Pat the chicken breasts dry to help the mixture adhere better.
- Generously coat the chicken with the mayonnaise mix; don’t skimp!
- Consider using olive oil, especially if you’re baking for longer or if the chicken is particularly lean.
- Let the chicken rest after baking. This helps the juices redistribute, resulting in juicy, tender meat.
How to Make Melt In Your Mouth Chicken Breast
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for extra moisture)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and about 25-30 minutes to bake. Altogether, you’ll have a tasty meal ready in under an hour! Perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This helps to ensure the chicken cooks evenly and becomes wonderfully juicy!
2. Make the Tasty Mixture:
In a small bowl, add the mayonnaise, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together until it’s smooth and well blended—this will be the flavorful topping for your chicken!
3. Prepare the Chicken:
Take your chicken breasts and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps to get a nice, crispy top! Place the chicken in a baking dish and, if you’d like, drizzle a little olive oil over them for extra moisture.
4. Coat the Chicken:
Now, it’s time to use that delicious mayonnaise mixture! Spread it generously over the tops of the chicken breasts, making sure each piece is covered well. This will keep the chicken moist while baking.
5. Bake to Perfection:
Put your baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know the chicken is done when it’s fully cooked, the juices run clear, and it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
6. Let It Rest:
Once cooked, carefully take the chicken out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices settle and keeps it moist!
7. Garnish and Serve:
Finally, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley on top for a fresh touch. Your Melt In Your Mouth Chicken Breast is ready to enjoy! Serve it with your favorite sides and dig in!
Can I Use Greek Yogurt Instead of Mayonnaise?
Absolutely! Greek yogurt is a great substitute for mayonnaise. It will provide a similar creaminess but with a bit of tang. Just use the same amount as the recipe calls for. If you want to enhance the flavor, you can add a splash of lemon juice to the yogurt mixture!
What If I Don’t Have Parmesan Cheese?
No worries! You can use any hard cheese you have on hand, such as Pecorino Romano or Asiago. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast can be a good substitute to give a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
Can I Make This Recipe with Frozen Chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but remember they need to be fully thawed before cooking. The best method is to thaw them in the fridge overnight. If you’re short on time, you can place them in a sealed bag and submerge them in cold water for about an hour.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in the microwave or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, adding a splash of chicken broth if you want to keep it moist.
