why make this recipe
This dish gives you juicy, tender chicken with little work. It cooks in one pan and uses simple pantry items. If you like easy chicken dinners, this recipe fits weeknights or a small guest meal. Try a different chicken idea like Crockpot chicken and dumplings for slow-cooked comfort.
introduction
Melt In Your Mouth Chicken Breast is a quick, creamy baked chicken. A mayo or Greek yogurt mix keeps the meat soft and the top golden. You get a simple sauce and no frying. For other simple chicken recipes, see easy chicken tetrazzini.
how to make Melt In Your Mouth Chicken Breast
Ingredients :
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 1 cup mayonnaise (or plain Greek yogurt for lighter version), ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, Optional: ½ teaspoon paprika or Italian seasoning (for topping)
Directions :
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line with parchment paper. Pound chicken breasts to even thickness (about ¾ inch thick) for even cooking. In a medium bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth. Spread the mixture evenly on top of each chicken breast, covering the entire surface. Place in baking dish and sprinkle optional paprika or Italian seasoning on top. Bake uncovered for 35–45 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the top is golden. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving for maximum juiciness.
how to serve Melt In Your Mouth Chicken Breast
Serve the chicken with steamed vegetables, a side salad, rice, or pasta. Spoon any pan juices over the chicken for more flavor. For a grilled side idea, you can look at recipes like grilled Vietnamese chicken wings to pair with this dish.
how to store Melt In Your Mouth Chicken Breast
Cool the chicken to room temperature, then cover and place in the fridge. Use within 3–4 days. To freeze, wrap tightly or put in a freezer bag and store up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating. Reheat in a 300°F (150°C) oven until warm, or use a microwave on medium power to keep it moist.
tips to make Melt In Your Mouth Chicken Breast
- Pound the breasts to even thickness so they cook the same.
- Use Greek yogurt to cut calories but keep creaminess.
- Do not overbake; check with a meat thermometer for 165°F (74°C).
- Let the chicken rest 5 minutes after baking to lock in juices.
- Add a squeeze of lemon after baking for brightness.
variation (if any)
- Swap mayo for plain Greek yogurt for a lighter dish.
- Add 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard to the topping for a tangy hit.
- Mix in chopped fresh herbs (parsley, basil) with the cheese.
- Use thin chicken cutlets and reduce bake time to 20–25 minutes.
- Try chicken thighs; they stay very moist and may need a bit more time.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
A: Thaw it fully before following the recipe. Do not bake from frozen here.
Q: Can I make this without Parmesan?
A: Yes. Use another hard cheese or add a bit more seasoning.
Q: Is the mayo safe to bake?
A: Yes. Mayo works as a coating and keeps the chicken moist when baked.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Yes. Use a larger baking dish and keep the same bake temp. Time may change slightly.
Q: Can I make this in an air fryer?
A: You can try smaller pieces at 360°F (180°C) for about 12–18 minutes, but watch to avoid burning the top.
Conclusion
For more versions and ideas, see these guides: Melt In Your Mouth Chicken Recipe (Just 4 Ingredients) | The Kitchn, Melt-In-Your-Mouth Chicken Breasts Recipe – Food.com, and Melt in Your Mouth Chicken (Juicy & Tender) – The Shortcut Kitchen.
Melt In Your Mouth Chicken Breast
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts Pounded to even thickness.
- 1 cup mayonnaise (or plain Greek yogurt for lighter version) Substitute for a healthier option.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese Can substitute with another hard cheese.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika or Italian seasoning (optional) For topping.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
- Pound chicken breasts to even thickness (about ¾ inch thick) for even cooking.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Spread the mixture evenly on top of each chicken breast, covering the entire surface.
- Place in the baking dish and sprinkle optional paprika or Italian seasoning on top.
Cooking
- Bake uncovered for 35–45 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the top is golden.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving for maximum juiciness.
