Melt in Your Mouth Chicken Breast with Parmesan and Garlic Recipe

Introduction

This Melt In Your Mouth Chicken recipe is a creamy, juicy, and low-carb baked dinner made with mayonnaise, Parmesan, and garlic — ready in under an hour! With only a handful of ingredients and simple instructions, it’s perfect for beginners or busy weeknights. Transform ordinary chicken breasts into a delicious, tender meal everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup mayonnaise (or plain Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• Optional: ½ teaspoon paprika or Italian seasoning (for topping)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about ¾ inch to ensure even cooking.
3. Step 3: In a medium bowl, mix the mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
4. Step 4: Spread this mixture evenly over the top of each chicken breast, covering the entire surface.
5. Step 5: Place the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish and sprinkle the optional paprika or Italian seasoning on top, if using.
6. Step 6: Bake uncovered for 35–45 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the topping turns golden.
7. Step 7: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to lock in the juices and enhance tenderness.

Tips & Variations

• Pounding the chicken breasts helps them cook evenly and stay tender.
• For a crispy crust, broil the chicken for the last 2–3 minutes of cooking.
• Swap mayonnaise for plain Greek yogurt or sour cream for a lighter, tangier finish.
• Add smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix for a smoky or spicy kick.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the chicken in the microwave or oven—cover with foil in the oven to prevent the topping from browning too much. Freezing is not recommended as the creamy topping (mayonnaise or sour cream) can separate and become unappetizing when thawed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use sour cream instead of mayonnaise?

Yes, sour cream works wonderfully as a substitute. It tenderizes the chicken and adds a pleasant tangy flavor, making the dish lighter without sacrificing moisture.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The safest way is to use a meat thermometer and check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Alternatively, ensure the juices run clear and the meat is no longer pink in the center.

Melt in Your Mouth Chicken Breast with Parmesan and Garlic Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 106 reviews

• Author: Naomi
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings (4 chicken breasts) 1x
• Diet: Low Carb

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Description

This Melt In Your Mouth Chicken Breast recipe is a creamy, juicy, and low-carb baked dinner featuring boneless chicken breasts coated with a flavorful mixture of mayonnaise or sour cream, Parmesan cheese, and spices. Ready in under an hour, this easy-to-make dish is perfect for beginners and busy weeknights, delivering tender chicken with a golden, cheesy crust.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Coating Mixture

• 1 cup mayonnaise (or plain Greek yogurt or sour cream for lighter version)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt (or seasoned salt as an alternative)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Optional Toppings

• ½ teaspoon paprika or Italian seasoning
• Additional Parmesan cheese for sprinkling

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
2. Prepare Chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about ¾ inch to promote even cooking and tender texture.
3. Mix Coating: In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise (or sour cream/Greek yogurt), grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well incorporated.
4. Coat Chicken: Spread the creamy mixture evenly over the top surface of each chicken breast, making sure they are fully covered for maximum flavor and moisture retention.
5. Arrange and Season: Place the coated chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish in a single layer. Sprinkle optional paprika or Italian seasoning on top, and add a little extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
6. Bake: Bake uncovered for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and the top turns golden brown.
7. Broil (optional): For a crispier, golden crust, broil the chicken for an additional 2 to 3 minutes at the end of baking, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
8. Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Notes

• Pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness is key to achieving consistent cooking and a tender bite.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness without drying out the chicken; 165°F (74°C) is the safe internal temperature.
• The recipe works well with mayonnaise, sour cream, or Greek yogurt – sour cream offers a lighter, tangier option that tenderizes beautifully.
• If excess liquid accumulates in the baking dish, it’s normal; you can drain it before broiling for a crisper crust.
• Prepare the chicken and coating mixture a day ahead, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for easy meal prep.
• This recipe is very customizable – experiment with added seasonings such as cumin, basil, smoked paprika, or cayenne pepper for different flavor profiles.
• Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently in the microwave or oven (covered with foil to avoid browning).
• Freezing is not recommended due to sour cream’s texture changes upon thawing.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: baked chicken, creamy chicken breast, Parmesan chicken, easy dinner, low carb chicken, melt in your mouth chicken, weeknight dinner, juicy chicken breast