Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Quick and Easy: With minimal prep time and straightforward steps, this recipe is ideal for cooks of all skill levels.
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Flavorful and Moist: The mayonnaise-Parmesan mixture locks in moisture, ensuring each bite is succulent and flavorful.
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Versatile: Serve it with a variety of sides, from roasted vegetables to pasta or rice.
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Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will enjoy this creamy, cheesy chicken dish.
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Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe with different seasonings or cheese blends to suit your taste.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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1 cup mayonnaise (or plain Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
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½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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½ teaspoon seasoned salt
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½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Directions
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, seasoned salt, and black pepper. Mix until well blended.
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Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish, ensuring they are evenly spaced.
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Spread the mayonnaise mixture evenly over the top of each chicken breast.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the topping is golden brown.
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For a crispier topping, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
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Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
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Total Time: 50-55 minutes
Variations
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Cheese Options: Substitute Parmesan with Asiago, Romano, or a blend of your favorite cheeses.
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Herb Infusion: Add chopped fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or basil to the mayonnaise mixture for added flavor.
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Spicy Kick: Incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a spicier version.
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Breadcrumb Topping: Mix in some breadcrumbs with the cheese for a crunchy topping.
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Alternative Proteins: Try the same topping on pork chops or turkey cutlets for a different twist.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave on medium power in 1-minute intervals until hot.
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Freezing: It's best to enjoy this dish fresh, as the mayonnaise-based topping may separate upon freezing and reheating.
FAQs
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise?
Yes, plain Greek yogurt can be used as a healthier alternative to mayonnaise. It will provide a tangier flavor and slightly different texture but still results in a delicious dish.
Is it necessary to use freshly grated Parmesan cheese?
While freshly grated Parmesan offers the best flavor and texture, pre-grated cheese can be used in a pinch. However, avoid using powdered Parmesan as it may not melt properly.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the chicken with the topping and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Allow it to come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before placing it in the oven.
What sides pair well with this chicken?
This dish pairs well with a variety of sides, including roasted vegetables, steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Using a meat thermometer ensures accurate results.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used, but cooking times may vary. Ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure that all ingredients, especially the mayonnaise and seasonings, are certified gluten-free.
Can I add vegetables to the baking dish?
Yes, adding vegetables like sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini around the chicken can make for a complete one-pan meal.
What can I do if the topping is browning too quickly?
If the topping is browning before the chicken is fully cooked, cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
How can I make the dish spicier?
To add heat, mix in some chili powder, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce into the mayonnaise mixture according to your taste preference.
Conclusion
This Melt-In-Your-Mouth Chicken Breast recipe is a delightful combination of simplicity and flavor. With its creamy, cheesy topping and tender meat, it's sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. Whether you're cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this dish promises satisfaction with every bite.
Melt-In-Your-Mouth Chicken Breast
This easy Melt-In-Your-Mouth Chicken Breast recipe is a creamy, cheesy, oven-baked dish that guarantees juicy, flavorful chicken every time. Made with mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt) and Parmesan, this simple recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings. Great for gluten-free diets and easy to customize!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40–45 minutes
- Total Time: 50–55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup mayonnaise (or plain Greek yogurt)
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon seasoned salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, Parmesan, garlic powder, seasoned salt, and pepper until smooth.
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Place chicken breasts in a baking dish.
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Spread the mayo-cheese mixture evenly on top of each piece.
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Bake for 40–45 minutes or until chicken reaches 165°F internally and the topping is golden.
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For extra crisp, broil for 2–3 minutes—watch closely!
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Let rest a few minutes before serving.
Notes
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Swap Parmesan with Asiago, Romano, or a cheese blend.
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Add herbs like parsley, basil, or thyme for extra flavor.
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Spice it up with cayenne or red pepper flakes.
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A breadcrumb topping adds crunch!
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