If you’ve never tried melt in your mouth chicken , get ready to be blown away.
Because this classic dish transforms boring chicken breast into a superb dinner in a flash.
It’s a stunning blend of mayo, Parmesan, and seasonings. Every bite is unbelievably moist and tender.
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Chicken breast recipes can be hit or miss. But this recipe is flawless every time.
Sure, it’s not the healthiest way to cook chicken, but come on, live a little!
Trust me, it’s worth every calorie.
Melt In Your Mouth Chicken
Melt in your mouth chicken is a fun recipe that’s been around for ages. Its origins are unclear, but I’m glad whoever came up with it did.
The idea of topping chicken breast with mayo and Parmesan is pure genius! The mixture turns beautifully golden post-baking, and it smells phenomenal, too.
It’s not crispy like chicken Milanese , or tangy like Greek chicken . Instead, the flavor is so rich, so creamy, and so addictive!
Ingredients
Other than the incredible taste and texture, the best thing about this dish is how easy it is to make.
Three main ingredients and some seasoning are all it takes!
Chicken Breast – The star of the dish. Chicken breast is the most traditional cut for this recipe, but I’ve tried it with tenders and thigh fillets, and they work just fine.
Mayonnaise – Go for full fat mayo for the best flavor.
Parmesan – Because you can never go wrong with chicken and cheese! Aside from Garmesan, you can also use Gruyere, sharp cheddar, asiago, or mozzarella.
Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder – To add flavor to the topping. Feel free to add more herbs and seasonings to suit your taste.
Head to the bottom of the post for a full list of ingredients and the method.
What Does the Mayo Do?
Aside from forming a rich and creamy sauce, mayo plays another crucial role in this dish.
Without mayo, the chicken breast will dry up as it bakes, resulting in tough and dry meat.
Mayo is the best way to keep the chicken moist and tender, so do not skip it!
If you can’t stand it, you can use Greek yogurt or sour cream instead.
How to Make Melt In Your Mouth Chicken
This is a baked chicken dish. So you’ll need a casserole or baking dish to keep the juices from dripping in the oven.
I find a 9×13 dish is just right. But you may need a different size depending on how large or small the chicken pieces are.
Once you have the right dish, here’s how to make it:
- Preheat the oven and lightly grease a baking or casserole dish. 2. Place the chicken in the dish . If you like, you can add some herbs/spices at this point. 3. Mix the topping. That’s the mayo, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. 4. Spread the topping over the chicken . Try to divide it equally and cover the whole surface. 5. Bake, serve, and enjoy! It should take about 30-40 minutes to cook the chicken. But it may need longer if it’s thick.
Tips for the Best Chicken
I know this recipe is insanely easy. But that doesn’t mean I don’t have a few tips!
Grate the Parmesan yourself. Pre-grated Parmesan won’t melt as well as freshly grated cheese. It’s pricier, too!
Use a meat thermometer to test the chicken. The temperature should read 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Add more herbs and seasonings to taste . Thyme, rosemary, cumin, Italian seasoning, paprika, and lemon slices all add great flavor to the chicken.
Why Is My Dish Runny?
Chicken releases quite a lot of juice during baking, and all of it gets stuck in the baking dish.
But that’s okay! It’s all flavor.
And if you leave the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before serving, a lot of it will absorb back into the meat.
That said, here are some ways to avoid having too much juice:
Do not overcrowd the baking dish. If you’re doubling the recipe, make sure to use a bigger dish.
Pan-sear the chicken beforehand. This will seal in the juices, preventing them from leaking out during baking.
What to Serve with Melt in Your Mouth Chicken
As tasty as melt in your mouth chicken is, it’s hardly a complete meal.
So, why not round out your dinner with some tasty sides?
Here are a few of my faves:
- Oven-roasted cauliflower and broccoli
- Baked potatoes
- Steamed asparagus
- Garden salad
- Roasted Brussels sprouts
- Mashed potatoes
- Mac and cheese
Feeling extra hungry? Serve the chicken over a bowl of white rice or buttered noodles .
It’s a simple pairing, but believe me, it’s so good, you’ll want to have seconds.
How to Store
This recipe is a great make-ahead dish.
Just prep the topping, spread it over the chicken, cover the baking dish in plastic wrap, and refrigerate.
You can prepare the dish up to a day in advance, then pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake!
And if you have leftovers, here’s how to store them:
To Store: Let the chicken cool, then transfer it to an airtight container. Keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. To Reheat: Reheat in the microwave in 30-second intervals until hot. Or, add an extra layer of fresh mayo and bake at 325°F for 15-20 minutes.
I don’t recommend freezing melt in your mouth chicken because of the mayo. It can curdle and turn watery when thawed.
More Chicken Recipes You’ll Enjoy
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Melt In Your Mouth Chicken
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Melt in your mouth chicken is easy, delicious, and yes, it melts in your mouth! Learn how to make it, plus, get tips for the best chicken.
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 4 boneless chicken breast halves
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly grease a baking dish big enough to comfortably fit the meat.
- Place the chicken breast halves in a single layer.
- In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until combined.
- Spread the mayo mixture evenly over the chicken. Bake for 45 minutes, or until the topping has browned and a meat thermometer reads 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes. Then serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Substitute Greek yogurt or sour cream for mayo.
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