This Mayo Parmesan Chicken Recipe transforms ordinary chicken breasts into a restaurant-quality dinner that’s incredibly easy to make. The combination of creamy mayonnaise and sharp Parmesan cheese creates a golden, flavorful coating that keeps the chicken tender and juicy while adding incredible flavor in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Mayo Parmesan Chicken Recipe delivers exceptional results with minimal effort. The mayonnaise acts as both a tenderizer and moisture barrier, ensuring your chicken stays incredibly juicy while the Parmesan creates a beautifully golden, savory crust. It’s a one-dish wonder that requires just 10 minutes of prep time and uses ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. The recipe is foolproof for beginners yet sophisticated enough to impress dinner guests, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Chicken:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
Mayo-Parmesan Mixture:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Optional for Crunch:
- 1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
Garnish:
- Chopped parsley (optional)
How to Make Mayo Parmesan Chicken Recipe
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a baking dish.
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. If they’re particularly thick (over 1 inch), pound them to an even thickness of about 3/4 inch for uniform cooking.
- Make the Mayo-Parmesan Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
- Coat the Chicken: Place chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet. Spread the mayo-Parmesan mixture evenly over the top of each chicken breast, creating a thick, even layer.
- Add Optional Crunch: If using breadcrumbs, sprinkle them evenly over the mayo-Parmesan coating and gently press to adhere.
- Bake: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the coating is golden brown and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Helpful Tips
Choose chicken breasts that are similar in size for even cooking. If your breasts vary significantly in thickness, butterfly the thicker ones or pound them to create uniform pieces. Don’t skip patting the chicken dry, as excess moisture can prevent the coating from adhering properly and browning beautifully.
Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than pre-grated for the best flavor and melting properties. The oil content in fresh Parmesan helps create a better crust. Room temperature mayonnaise mixes more easily with the other ingredients and spreads more smoothly over the chicken.
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before baking, though this isn’t necessary for delicious results. A meat thermometer is your best friend for perfectly cooked chicken that’s juicy, not dry.
Details
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Total Time: 30-35 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty Level: Easy
This Mayo Parmesan Chicken Recipe works best with boneless, skinless chicken breasts between 6-8 ounces each. The high oven temperature creates a beautifully browned exterior while keeping the interior moist and tender. The mayonnaise not only adds flavor but also acts as an insulator, preventing the chicken from drying out during cooking.
Notes
Chicken breast thickness significantly affects cooking time. Thicker pieces may need an additional 5-10 minutes, while thinner cutlets might be done in 15-18 minutes. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
For a lighter version, you can substitute Greek yogurt for half the mayonnaise, though the texture and browning will be slightly different. Low-fat mayonnaise also works but may not brown as deeply.
This recipe doubles easily for larger families or meal prep. Store any leftover mayo-Parmesan mixture in the refrigerator for up to three days and use it on fish, pork chops, or vegetables.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, bone-in chicken thighs work wonderfully with this recipe. Increase the cooking time to 35-40 minutes and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
What if I don’t have Italian seasoning?
Create your own blend using equal parts dried basil, oregano, and thyme, or simply use one of these herbs individually.
Can this be made ahead of time?
You can prepare the chicken with the coating up to 4 hours in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake. Add 5 minutes to the cooking time if baking straight from the refrigerator.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The base recipe without breadcrumbs is naturally gluten-free. If you want crunch, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
Can I freeze the cooked chicken?
While you can freeze cooked chicken for up to 3 months, the coating may lose some of its crispness when reheated. For best results, consume within 2-3 days of cooking.
Storage Instructions
Store leftover Mayo Parmesan Chicken in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. To reheat, place in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through, which helps maintain the coating’s texture better than microwaving.
For meal prep, cook the chicken completely, let it cool, then portion into containers with your favorite sides. The chicken tastes great cold in salads or sandwiches, making it versatile for various meals throughout the week.
If you need to freeze leftovers, wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Conclusion
This Mayo Parmesan Chicken Recipe proves that incredible flavor doesn’t require complicated techniques or exotic ingredients. With just a few pantry staples and minimal prep work, you can create a dinner that’s both elegant and satisfying. The creamy, cheesy coating keeps the chicken incredibly moist while delivering rich, savory flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Whether you’re cooking for family dinner or entertaining guests, this recipe delivers consistent, delicious results every time. The versatility of the mayo-Parmesan mixture means you can easily adapt it to your taste preferences or dietary needs, making it a valuable addition to your regular dinner rotation. Try this Mayo Parmesan Chicken Recipe tonight and discover how simple ingredients can create extraordinary meals.