Description
This Melt In Your Mouth Chicken Breast recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts baked to perfection with a creamy parmesan and mayonnaise topping. The optional panko breadcrumb crust adds a delightful crunch, making it a simple yet flavorful dish perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Coating
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp seasoned salt (or to taste)
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs or dried thyme (optional)
Crispy Topping (Optional)
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
Garnish (Optional)
- Fresh parsley or chives for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the correct temperature for baking the chicken evenly.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or line it with aluminum foil to prevent sticking and simplify cleanup later.
- Arrange Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, then place them evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Make Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, ground black pepper, seasoned salt, and Italian herbs if using. Mix until smooth and well blended.
- Coat Chicken: Spread the mayonnaise mixture evenly over each chicken breast, ensuring they are completely covered to keep the chicken moist and flavorful during baking.
- Add Crispy Topping (Optional): For a crunchy crust, sprinkle panko bread crumbs evenly over the mayonnaise-coated chicken breasts.
- Bake Chicken: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the top is golden brown.
- Broil for Extra Color (Optional): For a golden finish, broil the chicken for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives if desired before serving.
Notes
- You can use dried thyme instead of Italian herbs if preferred.
- Using panko breadcrumbs is optional but adds a nice crunchy texture on top.
- Make sure the internal temperature of chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Resting the chicken after baking helps retain moisture.
- This recipe pairs well with steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad.