Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Incredibly Moist and Juicy: The creamy coating locks in moisture, ensuring tender and succulent chicken breasts.
Quick and Easy: With minimal preparation and a short baking time, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
Versatile: Pairs well with a variety of side dishes like vegetables, rice, or pasta, making it a flexible addition to any meal.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5–2 pounds)
½ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)

Directions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic wrap or parchment paper and pound them to an even thickness using a meat mallet. Season both sides with salt and pepper, then place them in a greased or parchment-lined baking dish.
Make the Creamy Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Stir until smooth and well combined.
Coat the Chicken: Spread the creamy mixture evenly over the top of each chicken breast, ensuring they are fully coated.
Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 75°C). The coating should be golden brown and bubbly.
Optional Broil: For a crispier top, switch your oven to the broil setting for the last 2-3 minutes of baking. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after removing it from the oven to lock in the juices. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives if desired, and serve hot.

Servings and Timing

Servings: This recipe yields 4 servings.
Preparation Time: Approximately 10 minutes.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes.
Total Time: About 35-40 minutes.

Variations

Cheese Options: While Parmesan is traditional, you can mix it up by adding shredded mozzarella, cheddar, or Asiago cheese for a different flavor profile.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the creamy mixture for a little heat.
Herbal Twist: Incorporate fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or basil into the mixture for an herbaceous flavor.
Alternative Proteins: This recipe works well with boneless, skinless chicken thighs or even pork chops. Adjust cooking times accordingly.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Allow the chicken to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: After baking, let the chicken cool, then place it in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil to prevent drying out, and bake until heated through, approximately 15-20 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise?

Yes, Greek yogurt can be used as a lighter alternative to mayonnaise, providing a tangy flavor while maintaining moisture.

What sides pair well with this chicken?

This dish pairs well with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice pilaf, or a fresh garden salad.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the chicken with the coating, cover, and refrigerate for up to 8 hours before baking.

Is it possible to grill this chicken instead of baking?

Grilling is not recommended for this recipe, as the creamy coating may not adhere well during grilling.

Can I add vegetables to the baking dish?

Yes, adding vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or bell peppers can make it a one-pan meal. Ensure vegetables are cut into uniform pieces for even cooking.

What can I use instead of Parmesan cheese?

Asiago, Romano, or Grana Padano are good substitutes that offer a similar texture and flavor.

How can I make the coating crispier?

Broiling for the last 2-3 minutes of baking will help achieve a crispier topping.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as all ingredients used are certified gluten-free.

Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, but ensure they are fully thawed before baking for even cooking.

Conclusion

This Melt-In-Your-Mouth Chicken Breast recipe is an easy and delicious way to enjoy tender, flavorful chicken with minimal effort. With a creamy Parmesan coating that locks in moisture, every bite is juicy and satisfying. Whether served with vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad, this dish is a perfect addition to your weekly meal rotation. Give it a try, and enjoy a dinner that truly lives up to its name!

Melt-In-Your-Mouth Chicken Breast Recipe

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This Melt-In-Your-Mouth Chicken Breast recipe creates incredibly tender, juicy, and flavorful chicken with a creamy Parmesan coating. Baked to golden perfection, it’s an easy weeknight dinner that pairs well with a variety of sides.

Author: Amy
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 35-40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Instructions

Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare the Chicken:
Place chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic wrap or parchment paper and pound them to an even thickness. Season both sides with salt and pepper, then place them in a greased or parchment-lined baking dish.
Make the Creamy Mixture:
In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and paprika until smooth.
Coat the Chicken:
Spread the mixture evenly over the top of each chicken breast.
Bake:
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Optional Broil:
For a crispier topping, broil for the last 2-3 minutes while keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
Rest and Serve:
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley or chives if desired.

Notes

Alternative Cheeses: Try mozzarella, cheddar, or Asiago for different flavors.
Make it Spicy: Add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for heat.
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or microwave in short intervals.