Creamy, juicy, and ready in just 30 minutes—this Mayo Parmesan Chicken is a foolproof weeknight dinner made with pantry staples. Topped with a golden cheesy crust and optionally finished with crunchy breadcrumbs, this oven-baked chicken is bursting with flavor and moisture in every bite.
Chicken:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6–8 oz each)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Mayo-Parmesan Coating:
½ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (preferably fresh)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Optional Crunch Topping:
½ cup seasoned breadcrumbs or Panko (omit for low-carb version)
Garnish:
1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley (optional)
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare chicken: Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. If the breasts are thick, pound them to an even ¾-inch thickness for even cooking. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
Make the mayo-Parmesan mixture:
In a medium mixing bowl, combine:
½ cup mayonnaise
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Mix until smooth and well-combined.
Coat the chicken:
Place chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Spread a thick, even layer of the mayo-Parmesan mixture over the top of each piece.
Optional—Add crunch:
If using, sprinkle breadcrumbs or Panko evenly over the coated chicken breasts. Press gently to help them adhere.
Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and the topping is golden and bubbly.
Rest and serve:
Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Don’t skip pounding the chicken. This ensures even cooking and prevents dryness.
Use fresh Parmesan for the best flavor and melting.
For low-carb/keto: Skip the breadcrumbs or use crushed pork rinds or almond flour.
To reheat leftovers: Place in a 350°F oven for 10–12 minutes or microwave on 50% power to prevent drying out.
Make it spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes to the mayo mixture.
Find it online: https://claradelish.com/mayo-parmesan-chicken/