Mayo Parmesan Chicken is that magical recipe you pull out when you need something creamy, juicy, and full of flavor—yet easy enough for any night of the week. With its tangy mayo-Parmesan crust and tender baked chicken, this dish brings together everything you love in a comfort food classic. Whether you serve it with a bright salad, buttery pasta, or simple roasted vegetables, it’s guaranteed to become a favorite you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Mayo Parmesan Chicken is in its simplicity: just a handful of pantry staples join forces, each playing a crucial role. From the base of juicy chicken to the savory heat of dried herbs, every ingredient helps build the irresistible taste and golden finish that makes this dish shine.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts (4): Choose even-sized pieces for consistently juicy results.
- Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): The secret to a creamy, rich coating that keeps the chicken ultra-moist.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup): Brings sharp, nutty notes and helps create a savory crust.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Boosts the flavor with mellow garlicky depth—no peeling required!
- Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a mild sweetness and complexity to the creamy topping.
- Dried Italian seasoning (1/2 teaspoon): Lends an herbaceous note for classic Italian-inspired flair.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Just the right hint of heat to balance the richness.
- Seasoned breadcrumbs (1/4 cup, optional): If you crave crunch, sprinkle these over the top before baking.
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional): A pop of fresh green makes the dish look as good as it tastes.
How to Make Mayo Parmesan Chicken
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish and Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F and lightly greasing a baking dish—this prevents sticking and ensures the chicken cooks evenly. A simple mist of cooking spray or a quick swipe of olive oil on the dish works perfectly. By starting with a hot oven, you’ll help the Mayo Parmesan Chicken brown beautifully and bake through with juicy tenderness.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Topping
In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and black pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and evenly blended. This creamy topping is the true star of Mayo Parmesan Chicken, infusing every bite with flavor and sealing in moisture.
Step 3: Assemble the Chicken
Arrange your chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish, giving them a little space so the heat can circulate. Spoon and spread the mayo-Parmesan mixture generously over the top of each piece, making sure to cover them from edge to edge. If you love a little crunch, now’s the time to sprinkle the seasoned breadcrumbs over the topping.
Step 4: Bake It All to Golden Perfection
Slide the baking dish into your preheated oven and bake, uncovered, for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know your Mayo Parmesan Chicken is ready when the internal temperature hits 165°F and the top is golden, bubbling, and irresistibly aromatic. Resist the urge to cut in right away; let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes so the juices settle and every bite stays succulent.
How to Serve Mayo Parmesan Chicken
Garnishes
A final flurry of fresh chopped parsley is the perfect touch, bringing color and a hint of herbal brightness that contrasts the creamy, rich chicken. Try a little squeeze of lemon over the top if you love an extra splash of freshness—it wakes up the whole dish.
Side Dishes
Mayo Parmesan Chicken pairs beautifully with so many sides. For a cozy, comforting meal, serve it with mashed potatoes or buttered noodles—the sauce plays so well with anything starchy. If you want to keep things light, a crisp Caesar salad or simply roasted asparagus makes a sturdy, flavorful match.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn Mayo Parmesan Chicken into a showstopper by slicing it and serving over pasta, tucking pieces into soft sandwich rolls with arugula, or even cutting it up for a protein-packed salad bowl. The leftovers are just as delicious reinvented—think wraps, quesadillas, or piled onto a grain bowl with roasted veggies.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got extra Mayo Parmesan Chicken? Let it cool to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The topping stays creamy and the chicken remains tender, making leftovers a real treat.
Freezing
For longer storage, Mayo Parmesan Chicken can be frozen after baking. Once cool, wrap each chicken breast individually or place them in a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to two months. To prevent the texture from becoming watery, avoid freezing with fresh herbs or garnishes on top.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw the chicken overnight in the refrigerator if frozen. Warm it in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, until hot—about 15 minutes—or use a microwave for a speedier lunch. Sprinkling a tiny extra bit of Parmesan or breadcrumbs before reheating gives new life to the crust.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs stay extra juicy and work wonderfully in this recipe—just adjust the baking time as thighs might take a little longer to cook through.
Is it possible to make Mayo Parmesan Chicken gluten-free?
Yes, simply skip the breadcrumbs or opt for your favorite gluten-free alternative. The main flavor comes from the creamy topping, so it’s just as delicious without.
What kind of Parmesan works best?
Freshly grated Parmesan gives you the most intense, savory flavor, but pre-grated or even the trusty green-can cheese works in a pinch. Use whatever you have on hand.
Can I prepare Mayo Parmesan Chicken ahead of time?
Definitely. You can assemble everything up to 8 hours in advance and keep it in the fridge until ready to bake. It makes dinner come together in a flash!
How can I make the topping extra crispy?
If you crave more crunch, be generous with seasoned breadcrumbs and broil the chicken for an extra 2-3 minutes at the end, watching closely so it doesn’t burn.
Final Thoughts
You truly can’t go wrong with this Mayo Parmesan Chicken—it’s simple, comforting, and endlessly adaptable. I can’t wait for you to make it your new go-to weeknight meal, and I hope it wins a spot in your regular rotation. Try it, share it, and enjoy every creamy, crispy bite!
Print
Mayo Parmesan 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 Mayo Parmesan Chicken recipe is a delightful combination of juicy chicken breasts coated with a flavorful mixture of mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, and herbs, baked to golden perfection. A simple yet satisfying dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
Coating:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup seasoned breadcrumbs (optional for crunch)
Garnish:
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a baking dish.
- Mix the coating: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and black pepper.
- Coat the chicken: Place chicken breasts in the baking dish and spread the mayo-Parmesan mixture over the tops. Add breadcrumbs for crunch, if desired.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F and the topping is golden.
- Rest and serve: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in olive oil, lemon juice, and seasoning before baking.
- This recipe can also be made with chicken thighs.
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