Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Ingredients
- Instructions
- Cooking Notes
- Variations
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Conclusion
Melt-In-Your-Mouth Chicken is a creamy, savory baked chicken that lives up to its name—each bite is juicy and tender, practically melting in your mouth. This easy chicken recipe features boneless, skinless chicken breasts coated in a seasoned mixture of mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, and garlic. It’s perfect for any meal, pairs well with a variety of side dishes, and can be made with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Chicken
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Chicken Breasts: If the chicken breasts are particularly thick, consider pounding them to an even thickness of about 1 inch for even cooking.
2. Make the Mayo Mixture
- Mix Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir until well mixed.
3. Coat the Chicken
- Spread the Mixture: Place the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Evenly spread the mayonnaise mixture over the top of each chicken breast, ensuring they are well coated.
4. Bake the Chicken
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If desired, you can broil the chicken for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end to get a golden, slightly crispy top.
5. Garnish and Serve
- Garnish: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired.
- Serve: Serve the chicken warm with your favorite side dishes, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad.
Cooking Notes
- Don’t Overcook: Make sure to monitor the internal temperature of the chicken to avoid overcooking, which can make it dry. The ideal internal temperature for perfectly cooked chicken is 165°F (74°C).
- Mayonnaise Substitute: You can use Greek yogurt in place of mayonnaise for a lighter version, which will still keep the chicken moist and flavorful.
Variations
- Herbed Chicken: Add fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or dill to the mayo mixture for extra flavor.
- Cheesy Twist: Add 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese to the mixture for an even cheesier version.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the mayo mixture if you want a little heat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well in this recipe. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs often take a bit longer to cook.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Can I make Melt-In-Your-Mouth Chicken ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken with the mayo mixture and refrigerate it for up to 4 hours before baking. Bake it fresh when ready to serve.
Can I freeze this dish?
You can freeze the uncooked chicken coated in the mayo mixture. Place it in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
What can I serve with Melt-In-Your-Mouth Chicken?
This chicken pairs well with a variety of sides, such as roasted vegetables, steamed broccoli, mashed potatoes, rice, or a fresh green salad.
Melt-In-Your-Mouth Chicken is a simple yet incredibly flavorful dish that delivers juicy, tender results every time. With its creamy, cheesy coating, this chicken is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, this recipe is a winner that requires minimal effort but delivers big on flavor.
Try this easy recipe and enjoy tender, delicious chicken that will have everyone asking for seconds!
