If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort dish that’s both easy enough for a busy weeknight and impressive enough for guests, you’ll absolutely fall in love with Mayo Parmesan Chicken. This recipe delivers juicy, succulent chicken breasts smothered in a creamy, garlicky mayo and Parmesan topping, finished with a golden, crispy crunch that’s sure to win over even the pickiest eaters. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned kitchen pro, you’ll find this dish irresistibly simple and packed with flavor in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best parts of Mayo Parmesan Chicken is how it comes together with just a handful of everyday ingredients. Each component has a starring role, adding creaminess, savory depth, or a pop of texture and color to make every bite memorable.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the ideal canvas for soaking up all that luscious flavor.
- Mayonnaise: Adds rich creaminess and keeps the chicken unbelievably moist while baking.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Infuses the dish with a nutty, salty kick and helps create that beautifully golden crust.
- Garlic powder: Gives an aromatic flavor boost without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Onion powder: Adds subtle depth and a savory layer to the creamy coating.
- Paprika: Offers a gentle smokiness and a touch of color to make the dish visually inviting.
- Black pepper: Balances out the richness of the topping with just a hint of heat.
- Salt: Enhances all the savory flavors and makes everything pop.
- Panko breadcrumbs (optional): Sprinkle these on for an extra-crunchy finish that’s positively addictive.
- Chopped fresh parsley: Lends a burst of fresh color and a mild herbaceous note to complete the dish.
How to Make Mayo Parmesan Chicken
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s hot and ready when you are. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little oil or nonstick spray. This step keeps the chicken from sticking and ensures an easy clean-up later.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Topping
In a small bowl, combine your mayonnaise, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir until it’s smooth and everything is well blended. This mixture is the magic that will keep your Mayo Parmesan Chicken juicy and flavorful.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken Breasts
Lay your chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Spoon the mayo-Parmesan mixture evenly over the tops, using the back of the spoon or a spatula to spread it out. Be generous—it’s what creates that irresistible golden crust.
Step 4: Add Crunch (Optional but Recommended!)
If you’re craving a little extra texture, sprinkle panko breadcrumbs over the coated chicken. The breadcrumbs will crisp up beautifully in the oven, adding a golden crunch that takes your Mayo Parmesan Chicken to the next level.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the topping is bubbling and golden. Your kitchen will smell absolutely amazing!
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finish by scattering chopped fresh parsley over the hot chicken right before serving. The vibrant green jumpstarts your appetite and adds a hint of freshness to the finished dish.
How to Serve Mayo Parmesan Chicken
Garnishes
A handful of freshly chopped parsley is the finishing touch that really brightens up Mayo Parmesan Chicken. For a bit of extra flair, try adding shaved Parmesan or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper for gentle heat. Lemon wedges on the side are also a great way to add a hint of zest if you’re in the mood.
Side Dishes
This chicken pairs beautifully with just about anything you’re craving! Serve it over fluffy rice to soak up every drop of that delicious sauce, or nestle it next to garlicky roasted vegetables for a pop of color. A crisp green salad or buttery mashed potatoes turn Mayo Parmesan Chicken into a balanced, crowd-pleasing meal.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re entertaining, slice the chicken into strips and arrange it on a platter with a side of aioli or marinara dipping sauce. Or, for a casual, cozy dinner, tuck the chicken into sandwiches or wraps with lettuce and sliced tomato. Leftovers are fantastic over salads, tossed with pasta, or even stuffed inside a warm pita for lunch the next day.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Mayo Parmesan Chicken keeps well in the refrigerator for up to three days. Let the chicken cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container to lock in all that moisture and flavor. The topping might lose a bit of crunch, but the flavor stays spot-on!
Freezing
For longer storage, Mayo Parmesan Chicken can be frozen after baking. Place cooled chicken pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. The texture of the creamy topping may change slightly, but the chicken will still be incredibly tasty when reheated within 2 to 3 months.
Reheating
To get the most out of your leftovers, reheat Mayo Parmesan Chicken in the oven at 350°F until warmed through and the topping is a bit crisp again. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the breadcrumbs soggy. If you’re in a hurry, just pop it in for a minute or two and enjoy!
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will give you even juicier results and a slightly richer flavor. Just adjust the baking time as needed, since thighs may take a few minutes longer to cook through.
Is it possible to make Mayo Parmesan Chicken lighter?
Yes, for a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for half of the mayonnaise. You’ll still get a creamy texture, but with a little less fat and more protein.
Can I skip the panko breadcrumbs?
Definitely! The panko is optional, but it does add a lovely crunch. If you’re gluten-free or prefer a more classic creamy texture, leave them out—the Mayo Parmesan Chicken will still be delicious.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
The best way is to use a meat thermometer; check for an internal temperature of 165°F. The topping should be golden and slightly bubbling, and the juices should run clear when you cut into one of the thickest pieces.
Can I make Mayo Parmesan Chicken ahead of time?
You can prepare the chicken and spread on the mayo-Parmesan topping ahead of time, then keep it covered in the fridge for up to 12 hours before baking. Wait to add the panko until right before baking to keep it crisp.
Final Thoughts
Mayo Parmesan Chicken is pure dinnertime magic: it’s quick, customizable, and always leaves plates spotless. If you haven’t tried this yet, I can’t recommend it enough—your future self (and anyone lucky enough to join you at the table) will thank you. Make it once, and it just might become your most-requested recipe!
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Mayo Parmesan Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Mayo Parmesan Chicken recipe is a simple yet flavorful dish that combines juicy chicken breasts with a creamy, cheesy topping. Baked to perfection, this chicken is a crowd-pleaser and perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
Topping:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Optional for Crunch:
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
Garnish:
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix Topping: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Coat Chicken: Spread the mixture over the chicken breasts, ensuring even coverage. Optionally, top with panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
- Bake: Place the chicken in the baking dish and bake for 25–30 minutes until cooked through and topping is golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- You can lighten the topping by using Greek yogurt for half of the mayonnaise.
- This dish pairs well with roasted vegetables, rice, or a simple salad.
- Leftovers can be reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 360 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 33 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg
