This Melt in Your Mouth Chicken is a simple, creamy, and flavor-packed baked chicken recipe that I always go back to when I need something quick and comforting. With only a handful of pantry staples, it turns plain chicken breasts into a tender, juicy dish that truly lives up to its name. Whether I serve it with veggies or a light salad, it never disappoints.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how quick and effortless this recipe is. There’s no marinating or complicated prep—just mix, spread, and bake. The creamy topping locks in the moisture of the chicken, making each bite tender and juicy. Plus, it’s family-friendly, low-carb, and I can swap out ingredients based on what I have on hand.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
-
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
-
1 cup mayonnaise (or plain Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
-
1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
-
1 teaspoon garlic powder
-
1 teaspoon onion powder
-
1/2 teaspoon paprika
-
1/2 teaspoon salt
-
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Directions
-
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
-
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and place them in a lightly greased baking dish.
-
In a bowl, I mix together the mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth.
-
I spread the mixture evenly over the top of each chicken breast.
-
I bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and the topping is golden brown.
-
Let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. I like pairing it with steamed vegetables or a crisp side salad.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 4 servings.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 35–40 minutes
Total time: 45–50 minutes
Variations
-
Lighter version: I sometimes use plain Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise to cut down on fat.
-
Spicy kick: I add a pinch of cayenne or some hot sauce to the mayo mix when I want a bit of heat.
-
Herb twist: I mix in some dried Italian herbs or fresh chopped parsley for extra flavor.
-
Cheese swap: I’ve tried it with mozzarella or a blend of cheeses—still delicious.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I cover the chicken with foil and warm it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15 minutes to keep it moist. If I’m in a hurry, the microwave works too, though it may slightly change the texture.
FAQs
How do I know when the chicken is done?
I check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer. The topping should be golden and bubbly, and the juices should run clear.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, I’ve made this with boneless chicken thighs, and they turn out just as juicy and flavorful—just adjust the cooking time slightly as needed.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. I sometimes assemble the dish earlier in the day, cover it, and store it in the fridge until I’m ready to bake.
What sides go well with this dish?
I love serving this chicken with green beans, roasted broccoli, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad for a balanced meal.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, I freeze the cooked chicken in airtight containers for up to 2 months. I thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat as usual.
Conclusion
This Melt in Your Mouth Chicken has earned a permanent place in my dinner rotation. It’s easy, comforting, and packed with flavor, making it perfect for busy nights or lazy weekends. Whether I’m cooking for my family or just myself, it never fails to satisfy.
Print
Melt in Your Mouth Chicken
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Melt in Your Mouth Chicken is a creamy, flavorful baked chicken recipe made with a simple mayo-Parmesan topping. It turns plain chicken breasts into juicy, tender bites with minimal prep and pantry-friendly ingredients.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup mayonnaise (or plain Greek yogurt)
1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Pat chicken breasts dry and place in a greased baking dish.
- In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Spread mixture evenly over the top of each chicken breast.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes until chicken is cooked through and topping is golden brown.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Swap mayo with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
- Add cayenne or hot sauce for a spicy twist.
- Mix in dried Italian herbs or parsley for extra flavor.
- Use other cheeses like mozzarella for variation.
- Leftovers freeze well for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 95mg