Mayo Parmesan Chicken Recipe

Get ready to meet your new weeknight dinner hero: Mayo Parmesan Chicken. This delicious main course turns humble ingredients into a creamy, golden-baked masterpiece that’s bursting with flavor and ready in just 40 minutes. Tender chicken breasts are slathered with a luscious blend of mayo, Parmesan, and savory seasonings, creating a melt-in-your-mouth dish that’s as simple as it is irresistible. Once you try this crowd-pleasing favorite, you’ll understand why it has a permanent spot in my meal rotation!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how just a handful of everyday ingredients can create something truly crave-worthy. Each one adds its own layer of flavor, texture, and color to Mayo Parmesan Chicken, so don’t skip a thing!

• Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless, and the perfect blank canvas for all the creamy, cheesy goodness.
• Mayonnaise: Adds moisture and richness, keeping the chicken incredibly juicy as it bakes.
• Parmesan cheese (grated): Offers a nutty, salty kick and creates a beautiful golden crust on top.
• Garlic powder: Infuses every bite with savory depth and that can’t-miss garlic aroma.
• Onion powder: Rounds out the seasoning and enhances the chicken’s flavor profile.
• Dried Italian seasoning: Adds a herby, savory touch that brings all the flavors together.
• Salt: Just a pinch to heighten all the other flavors.
• Black pepper: Delivers the slightest background heat for balance.
• Seasoned breadcrumbs (optional): Sprinkle on top for extra crunch and a toasty finish.
• Chopped parsley (optional): A sprinkle over the finished dish adds fresh, bright color and flavor.

How to Make Mayo Parmesan Chicken

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Dish

Kick things off by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), which is the sweet spot for juicy, evenly cooked chicken. Lightly grease a baking dish with cooking spray or a drizzle of oil—this keeps things from sticking and helps the chicken cook up perfectly.

Step 2: Mix Up the Creamy Parmesan Topping

In a small mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until you have a thick, creamy spread that smells divine—trust me, you’ll want to swipe a taste!

Step 3: Coat the Chicken Breasts

Arrange your chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Using a spoon or spatula, generously slather the mayo-Parmesan mixture over the top of each piece. The more you pile on, the juicier and more flavorful your Mayo Parmesan Chicken will be.

Step 4: Add a Crunchy Topping (Optional)

If you love a bit of crunch, now’s your chance. Sprinkle seasoned breadcrumbs over the coated chicken breasts for extra texture and an irresistible golden crust.

Step 5: Bake for Perfect Results

Pop your dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know your Mayo Parmesan Chicken is ready when the chicken is cooked through (165°F internal temperature), the top is golden brown, and the kitchen smells amazing!

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

For a final pop of color and freshness, scatter a bit of chopped parsley over the top right before serving. This small step takes your dish from great to gorgeous!

How to Serve Mayo Parmesan Chicken

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley is my go-to—it’s vibrant and wakes up all those creamy, savory flavors. You can also add a little extra grated Parmesan or even a squeeze of lemon for brightness if you’re feeling fancy. These simple garnishes elevate Mayo Parmesan Chicken from a quick fix to something truly eye-catching.

Side Dishes

Serve your Mayo Parmesan Chicken alongside a mountain of roasted vegetables or a classic Caesar salad for a lighter touch. If you’re after something heartier, go for buttery mashed potatoes, herbed rice, or some twirly pasta to soak up those incredible pan juices. The flavors play well with just about anything you love.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the chicken and arranging it on a platter for a family-style presentation that makes serving a breeze. If you want to switch things up, tuck slices of Mayo Parmesan Chicken into a crusty ciabatta roll with arugula for a mouthwatering sandwich, or dice it over a leafy green salad to turn leftovers into lunch the next day.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your Mayo Parmesan Chicken has cooled, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh and juicy for up to 3 days, making them perfect for meal prep or an easy lunch.

Freezing

If you’re planning ahead, you can freeze Mayo Parmesan Chicken! Wrap cooked pieces individually in foil or plastic wrap, place them in a freezer bag, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results—just note the crunchy topping may soften a bit.

Reheating

To reheat, place leftovers in an oven-safe dish, cover loosely with foil, and warm at 350°F until hot (about 15 minutes). If you’re in a hurry, microwave in 1-minute bursts, but the oven keeps everything nice and moist. For extra crunch, run under the broiler for a minute or two at the end!

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are fantastic in this recipe, providing extra juiciness and richness. Just adjust the baking time as they might take a bit longer—always check for that 165°F internal temperature.

What can I use instead of mayonnaise?

If you want to lighten things up, substitute half of the mayo with Greek yogurt. It offers a similar creamy texture with a slight tang, and it still blends beautifully with the Parmesan and spices.

How do I know the chicken is done?

The safest way is to use an instant-read thermometer; you’re aiming for 165°F in the thickest part. The top should also be bubbling and golden, with no pink left inside.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be! Simply omit the breadcrumbs or use a gluten-free breadcrumb option. Every other ingredient in the Mayo Parmesan Chicken is naturally gluten-free.

Do I need to marinate the chicken first?

No marinating needed! The mayo-Parmesan topping acts like a built-in marinade, sealing in moisture and flavor as it bakes, so you can go straight from fridge to oven.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a practically effortless but wildly delicious dinner, give this Mayo Parmesan Chicken a try. With its creamy coating, golden top, and impossibly juicy center, it’s a recipe that turns weeknights into something special. You’ll be amazed by how much flavor comes from simple ingredients—so roll up your sleeves and treat yourself to this comfort food classic tonight!

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