Description
This Melt In Your Mouth Chicken Breast recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts baked with a creamy Parmesan and mayonnaise topping. Enhanced with garlic and Italian herbs, and optionally finished with a crispy panko crust, this easy oven-baked dish delivers rich flavor and a golden finish that’s perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Topping
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp seasoned salt (or to taste)
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs or dried thyme (optional)
Optional Crispy Topping & Garnish
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs (optional for a crispy top)
- Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the chicken.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or line it with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Arrange Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and arrange them evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Make Topping Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, ground black pepper, seasoned salt, and dried Italian herbs if using. Mix until smooth.
- Apply Mixture: Spread the mayonnaise mixture evenly over each chicken breast, ensuring each piece is completely covered.
- Add Crispy Topping: If desired, sprinkle panko bread crumbs evenly over the mayonnaise-coated chicken breasts for a crunchy crust.
- Bake Chicken: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), and the topping is golden brown.
- Broil for Extra Color: For a deeper golden finish, broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes after baking, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove from oven, let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Mayonnaise helps keep the chicken moist and tender during baking.
- Optionally, omit panko crumbs for a softer topping if preferred.
- Use aluminum foil in the baking dish for easier cleanup.
- Letting the chicken rest before serving allows juices to redistribute for better flavor and texture.
- This recipe can be adjusted with your favorite herbs or spices for personalized flavors.
