Name: Mayo Parmesan Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt as a substitute); 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Get ready to meet your new weeknight hero: Mayo Parmesan Chicken. This irresistible dish takes juicy chicken breasts and slathers them in a creamy blend of mayo, parmesan, and savory spices, then bakes everything to golden, bubbly perfection. The result is a chicken dinner that’s impossibly moist, utterly flavorful, and shockingly easy to throw together. If you’ve never tried this combination, you’re in for a treat—it’s magic, pure and simple. Whether you’re cooking for the family or treating yourself, Mayo Parmesan Chicken is bound to wow everyone at the table.

Mayo Parmesan Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Mayo Parmesan Chicken is how it turns humble pantry staples into a true showstopper. Each ingredient is carefully chosen to add a unique layer of flavor and texture, resulting in a dish that’s equal parts easy and extraordinary.

Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless, and ready to soak up all that creamy topping for supreme tenderness and juiciness.
Mayonnaise (or Greek Yogurt): The secret weapon for a silky, savory coating that locks in moisture; yogurt offers a tangy, lighter alternative.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds irresistible salty, nutty notes and helps form that crave-worthy golden crust.
Garlic Powder: Delivers bold, familiar flavor without overwhelming the dish—a little goes a long way.
Onion Powder: Rounds out the flavor profile and brings subtle sweetness to every bite.
Salt: Essential for highlighting all the other flavors—don’t skip it!
Black Pepper: A touch of spice for balance and just the right amount of heat.
Paprika: Brings mild earthiness and a pop of color to the finished chicken.
Chopped Fresh Parsley (optional): Sprinkled as a garnish for fresh, herby brightness.

How to Make Mayo Parmesan Chicken

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven warms up, lightly grease a baking dish so nothing sticks. Arrange the chicken breasts in a single layer—this helps them cook evenly and absorb that dreamy topping.

Step 2: Mix Up the Magic Topping

In a medium bowl, mix the mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt if you’re going lighter), parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Stir until everything’s well combined and you have a thick, fragrant paste. This mixture is the secret behind Mayo Parmesan Chicken’s signature flavor and juicy texture.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Using a spatula or the back of a spoon, spread the mayo parmesan mixture evenly over each chicken breast. Make sure every inch is covered—this isn’t the time to be shy! The coating forms a luscious crust that keeps the chicken tender while delivering tons of flavor.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes. You’re looking for chicken that’s cooked through, bubbling at the edges, and crowned with a golden, slightly crispy top. If you have a food thermometer, aim for a juicy internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once your Mayo Parmesan Chicken is out of the oven, give it a pop of green by sprinkling with fresh parsley. This last step is optional, but that burst of color and freshness really does lift the dish—especially if you’re entertaining.

How to Serve Mayo Parmesan Chicken

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped parsley is the classic finishing touch for Mayo Parmesan Chicken. If you’re feeling adventurous, a light dusting of extra parmesan or a few snipped chives will add even more flavor and a pretty touch to your plate. A lemon wedge on the side can add brightness and make each bite pop.

Side Dishes

This dish absolutely shines when served with simple, fresh sides. Roasted vegetables—think asparagus, carrots, or broccoli—balance the richness beautifully. A crisp green salad tossed with a zesty vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the creamy chicken. Or, for a comfort-food twist, serve Mayo Parmesan Chicken over mashed cauliflower or buttery mashed potatoes to soak up every bit of that cheesy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to switch things up, slice the cooked Mayo Parmesan Chicken and tuck the pieces into soft sandwich rolls with baby spinach for an over-the-top lunch. For a dinner party, cut the chicken into medallions and serve atop a platter of arugula, drizzled with the pan juices. Leftover chicken can even be diced onto salads or stuffed into wraps for a savory protein boost.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Mayo Parmesan Chicken holds up well as leftovers, making it a fantastic meal prep option. Let the chicken cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The topping helps keep the chicken juicy, so it reheats without drying out.

Freezing

Want to get ahead of the game? Mayo Parmesan Chicken can be frozen after baking. Wrap each piece tightly in foil or place in freezer-safe containers, then freeze for up to 2 months. For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, so the texture stays moist and flavorful.

Reheating

To reheat, place the chicken on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until hot, usually 15–20 minutes. You can also zap it in the microwave for a quick meal, but oven reheating keeps the topping closer to its original texture. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to the pan if you’re worried about dryness.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for Mayo Parmesan Chicken?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully and bring extra juiciness and flavor. Just keep in mind they may cook a little faster than breasts, so check for doneness earlier.

Is there a low-fat alternative to mayonnaise for this recipe?

Definitely—Greek yogurt is a wonderful substitute that keeps the chicken moist while adding a slight tang. It reduces the fat content without sacrificing flavor or creaminess.

Can I prepare Mayo Parmesan Chicken ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the chicken with its topping up to a day ahead. Cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. This makes dinnertime even easier, especially on busy nights.

What’s the best way to know when the chicken is done?

The safest way is to check with an instant-read thermometer—look for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You’ll also notice the juices run clear and the topping is bubbly and golden.

How do I add extra crunch to the Mayo Parmesan Chicken?

Try sprinkling a handful of seasoned breadcrumbs or panko on top of the coating before baking. It adds a delightful bit of crispness to every bite.

Final Thoughts

If you never thought chicken breasts could be this moist and packed with flavor, Mayo Parmesan Chicken will make you a believer. It’s easy enough for a quick weeknight dinner, yet delightful enough to serve to guests. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite go-to chicken recipe!

Mayo Parmesan Chicken Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 7 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Tender and juicy Mayo Parmesan Chicken is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. The combination of mayo, Parmesan cheese, and spices creates a deliciously cheesy topping that pairs perfectly with the tender chicken breasts.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Topping:

1 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt as a substitute)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika

Garnish:

Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
Prepare the chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a single layer in the baking dish.
Mix the topping: In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and paprika.
Coat the chicken: Spread the mixture over each chicken breast, ensuring they are fully coated.
Bake: Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the topping is golden and bubbly.
Garnish and serve: Optionally, garnish with chopped parsley before serving.