If you’re looking for a dinner that brings together bold flavor, tender texture, and eye-catching appeal with minimal fuss, this Juicy Mayo-Parmesan Crusted Chicken has your name all over it. Picture golden-baked chicken breasts cloaked in a creamy, cheesy crust that’s packed with savory goodness and just a gentle hint of warmth from garlic and paprika. This family favorite is my go-to for hectic nights or when friends pop by, because it relies on everyday ingredients but transforms them into something truly irresistible. And here’s a little secret: everyone asks for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I love most about this recipe is that every ingredient plays a crucial role—no fillers or afterthoughts. Each item adds its own spark, whether it’s creamy richness, sharp tang, or crave-worthy crunch. You probably already have most of them on hand!
- Chicken breasts: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a lean, protein-packed base that turns wonderfully juicy in the oven.
- Mayonnaise: This is the magic ingredient for unbeatable moisture and helps the crust stay creamy and rich.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Fresh really is best here—nothing beats the nutty, salty depth it brings.
- Garlic powder: A little goes a long way for savory, aromatic notes that seep into every bite.
- Onion powder: Adds a warm, sweet undertone without overpowering the delicate flavors.
- Paprika: For a hint of color and a gentle kick that livens up the whole dish.
- Salt: Just enough to balance and enhance all the other flavors.
- Black pepper: For a subtle, earthy bite that rounds everything out.
- Panko breadcrumbs (optional): If you’re a fan of extra crunch, a sprinkling of panko takes the crust to the next level.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): An optional sprinkle for a fresh pop of color and a hint of herbaceous brightness.
How to Make Juicy Mayo-Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by heating your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s nice and hot by the time your chicken goes in. Then just lightly grease your baking dish or line it with parchment paper. A quick prep here means cleanup will be a breeze, and your chicken won’t stick or dry out.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Crust
In a small bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is fluffy and smooth. This blend will become the decadent crown of your Juicy Mayo-Parmesan Crusted Chicken—don’t be afraid to give it a little taste and tweak the seasoning to your liking!
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Place those plump chicken breasts in your prepped dish. Spoon the mayo-Parmesan mixture over the tops and use a spatula or back of a spoon to spread it edge to edge. If you adore extra crunch, this is when you’ll sprinkle on that thin layer of panko—it sticks beautifully to the creamy coating and gives the finished dish a craveable crisp.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pop the chicken into the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes. What you want is a top that’s bubbling, golden, and irresistibly crisp. A quick check with a meat thermometer—aim for 165°F (74°C)—ensures total juiciness and safety. Your kitchen will smell amazing by this point, and resisting a taste test straight out of the oven will take some real willpower!
Step 5: Rest and Garnish
Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes after baking. This helps the juices settle, so every bite is truly juicy. Finish with that optional sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for a splash of color and flavor. Serve and watch everyone dig in!
How to Serve Juicy Mayo-Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Garnishes
Bright green parsley is classic, but lemon zest works wonders too. Try a dusting of extra Parmesan or a few finely sliced scallions to turn this Juicy Mayo-Parmesan Crusted Chicken into a presentation to remember.
Side Dishes
This chicken is pure versatility—pair it with roasted veggies for color, mashed potatoes for comfort, or a crisp green salad if you’re feeling fresh. Even simple steamed broccoli feels fancy next to such a star entrée!
Creative Ways to Present
Sliced on a board, Juicy Mayo-Parmesan Crusted Chicken makes a gorgeous centerpiece at a casual dinner party. Or, serve over creamy polenta or atop a grain bowl for a rustic feel. Try cutting leftovers into strips for a protein-packed chicken Caesar salad or even a sturdy sandwich for tomorrow’s lunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Pop any leftover Juicy Mayo-Parmesan Crusted Chicken into an airtight container and refrigerate—it’ll stay fantastic for up to 3 days without losing moisture or flavor. Just let it cool before sealing to avoid condensation.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze this dish! Once cooled, wrap individual chicken breasts tightly in foil or plastic wrap, place in a freezer-safe bag, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results—the crust keeps remarkably well.
Reheating
To bring back the original crispy edge, reheat Juicy Mayo-Parmesan Crusted Chicken in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10–15 minutes. Skip the microwave if you can, as it tends to soften the crust. A quick trip in the oven makes everything taste freshly baked again!
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Definitely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are just as delicious and often even juicier. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to guarantee they’re cooked through.
Is Juicy Mayo-Parmesan Crusted Chicken gluten-free?
Absolutely, as long as you skip the panko or use gluten-free breadcrumbs. The main coating is naturally gluten-free and still gives a fabulous crust without any extras!
Can I prep Juicy Mayo-Parmesan Crusted Chicken ahead?
Yes! You can assemble the chicken and topping earlier in the day, cover, and refrigerate. When ready, bake straight from the fridge—just allow an extra 5 minutes in the oven.
What can I use instead of mayo?
If you’re out of mayo or want to experiment, try Greek yogurt or a blend of yogurt and a teaspoon of Dijon mustard. The texture is a touch lighter, but the flavors are still divine.
Does this recipe work well for meal prep?
It does! Juicy Mayo-Parmesan Crusted Chicken holds up beautifully for a few days, making it ideal for batch cooking. The crust keeps things moist, so you’re never stuck with dry leftovers.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dinner that’s big on flavor, easy on effort, and an instant crowd-pleaser, this Juicy Mayo-Parmesan Crusted Chicken is ready to be your new staple. I can’t wait for you to try it and see just how simple and satisfying homemade comfort food can be!
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Juicy Mayo-Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Juicy Mayo-Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe is a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends. The combination of mayo, Parmesan cheese, and spices creates a moist and delicious crust on tender chicken breasts. Baked to perfection, this chicken dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Crust Mixture:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional for extra crunch)
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Crust Mixture: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Crust the Chicken: Place chicken breasts in the baking dish. Spread the mayo-Parmesan mixture over the chicken, ensuring even coating. Add panko breadcrumbs for extra texture if desired.
- Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the crust is golden and bubbly. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if preferred.
Notes
- This recipe is adaptable for chicken thighs with adjusted cooking times.
- Serve with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a salad.
- For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the mayo mixture.
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