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Melt In Your Mouth Chicken

Category: Cozy, Hearty Recipes That Feel Like Home

This dish delivers extraordinary tenderness with minimal effort. Succulent chicken breasts are covered in a luscious blend of creamy mayonnaise, grated Parmesan cheese, and savory seasonings such as garlic, salt, and black pepper. After a generous coating, the chicken bakes until irresistibly moist with a golden brown finish, ensuring each bite is full of flavor. This is a satisfying meal, perfect for busy evenings or when you crave comforting food without extra fuss. Pair with classic sides to round out a comforting dinner the whole family will love.

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A woman with a smile on her face.
Created By Melanie Carter
Updated on Sat, 19 Jul 2025 00:10:36 GMT
Chicken in a pan with sauce. Pin
Chicken in a pan with sauce. | mellierecipes.com

This melt-in-your-mouth chicken is my go-to when I want something comforting and satisfying yet simple enough for a busy weeknight. Each juicy chicken breast is wrapped in a creamy mayo and Parmesan coating that bakes into a dreamy golden crust. The flavor is so rich and the preparation so easy it feels like a little kitchen magic.

The first time I baked this during a snowed-in weekend I realized why it is such a crowd-pleaser. Even picky eaters go for seconds every time.

Ingredients

  • Full-fat mayonnaise: The rich base keeps the chicken moist throughout baking
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Delivers salty umami flavor and a beautiful crust Use real Parmesan for best results
  • Salt: Essential to bring together all flavors Opt for fine sea salt for even seasoning
  • Ground black pepper: Adds subtle warmth and depth Buy whole peppercorns and crush for best taste
  • Garlic powder: Rounds out the flavor and adds seasoning to the coating Make sure yours is fresh and aromatic
  • Boneless skinless chicken breast halves: Use plump evenly sized pieces for the juiciest results Organic or air-chilled chicken gives better flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven:
Set your oven to 375F or 190C so it heats evenly before your chicken goes in
Prepare the Chicken:
Arrange your chicken breast halves in a baking dish spaced apart so they roast rather than steam
Make the Coating:
Mix together the mayonnaise Parmesan salt pepper and garlic powder in a bowl until you have a creamy uniform spread
Coat the Chicken:
Generously spoon the mayo Parmesan mixture over the tops of each chicken breast smoothing it all the way to the edges so every bite is flavorful
Bake:
Bake the chicken for about 45 minutes or until the topping turns golden brown and the chicken is cooked through to 165F Use a meat thermometer for best results
Melt-in-your-mouth chicken with herbs. Pin
Melt-in-your-mouth chicken with herbs. | mellierecipes.com

The Parmesan is what makes this dish special for me I remember grating a giant wedge of cheese in my grandma’s kitchen and always eating a few shreds before they made it into the bowl That smell and flavor brings me back every time I make this for my own family

Storage tips

Let your chicken cool to room temperature before storing Cover with foil or place in an airtight container and keep in the fridge for up to three days For longer storage this dish freezes well Wrap portions in foil and then plastic for up to two months Thaw overnight in the fridge then reheat in the oven for the best texture

Ingredient substitutions

If you do not have full-fat mayo Greek yogurt makes a good substitute for a lighter version Try Pecorino Romano instead of Parmesan if you want a sharper flavor For extra herbs add dried Italian seasoning onion powder or even a dash of smoked paprika to the coating

Serving suggestions

Pair this chicken with roasted vegetables like broccoli or carrots for a balanced meal It also goes beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes crisp green salad or buttered noodles For an extra fresh touch serve with chopped parsley or a squeeze of lemon

Melt-in-your-mouth chicken with a golden brown crust. Pin
Melt-in-your-mouth chicken with a golden brown crust. | mellierecipes.com

A little history

Baking chicken with a creamy topping has roots in American home cooking where mayonnaise became popular in the mid twentieth century Versions of this dish became a staple for their simplicity and fuss-free comfort during busy times It is still a favorite at potlucks and family gatherings

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of chicken works best for this dish?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal, as they bake evenly and absorb the creamy coating well.

→ Can I substitute Greek yogurt for mayo?

Yes, Greek yogurt can be used for a lighter taste, though the texture and flavor will be slightly different.

→ How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Check with a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.

→ What sides pair well with this dish?

Serve with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp salad for a balanced meal.

→ Can I add other seasonings for extra flavor?

Absolutely! Try a squeeze of lemon juice or sprinkle fresh herbs such as parsley or thyme before serving.

Melt In Your Mouth Chicken

Chicken smothered in a mayo-Parmesan blend, baked until juicy with a golden crust and rich, savory flavor.

Prep Time
10 minutes
Cooking Duration
45 minutes
Overall Cooking Time
55 minutes
Created By: Melanie Carter

Recipe Category: Comfort Food Classics

Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly

Cuisine Style: American

Result Amount: 4 Portions

Diet Preferences: Gluten-Free Option

What You’ll Need to Make This

→ Main Ingredients

01 4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves

→ Coating

02 240 ml full-fat mayonnaise
03 50 grams freshly grated Parmesan cheese
04 1 teaspoon garlic powder
05 0.5 teaspoon salt
06 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper

How to Prepare

Step 01

Preheat oven to 190°C.

Step 02

Lay the chicken breast halves in a single layer in a baking dish, ensuring they do not overlap.

Step 03

In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and uniform.

Step 04

Spread the creamy blend evenly over the entire surface of each chicken breast using a spatula or spoon.

Step 05

Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven. Bake for 45 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and the coating turns golden brown. Internal temperature should reach 74°C.

Extra Tips

  1. Always verify doneness with a meat thermometer for food safety.
  2. Enhance flavor by finishing with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs before serving.
  3. Pair with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp salad for a balanced meal.

Tools Required

  • Oven
  • Baking dish
  • Mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Spatula or spoon
  • Meat thermometer

Allergen Info

Review ingredients carefully for allergens. Reach out to your healthcare provider if you’ve got specific concerns.
  • Contains egg and dairy (mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese).

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Remember, this info is purely for reference and isn’t meant to replace dietary guidance.
  • Caloric Value: 450
  • Fat Content: 32 grams
  • Carbohydrate Content: 2 grams
  • Protein Content: 38 grams