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Easy Cheesy Mayo Parmesan Chicken

This quick, easy, and comforting Mayo Parmesan Chicken recipe delivers big flavor with minimal fuss. Featuring crispy, golden, cheesy chicken breasts, it's a satisfying weeknight meal that's perfect for any occasion.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course, Weeknight Dinner
Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts about 4 medium (6-8 oz each), pounded to 3/4 inch thickness if super thick
  • 0.5 cup mayonnaise
  • 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese grated
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.5 tsp onion powder
  • 0.5 tsp dried Italian seasoning
  • 0.25 tsp salt
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper
  • 0.5 cup seasoned breadcrumbs optional, for crunch
  • fresh parsley chopped, optional garnish

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Baking Sheet
  • Parchment Paper (Optional)
  • Baking Dish (optional)
  • Medium bowl
  • Meat Thermometer (recommended)

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup, or lightly grease a baking dish.
  2. Step 2: Prepare Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. If any are thicker than 1 inch, pound them down to an even thickness of approximately 3/4 inch to ensure even cooking.
  3. Step 3: Make Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir until thoroughly combined and smooth.
  4. Step 4: Coat Chicken: Place the prepared chicken breasts on the baking sheet. Spread the mayo-Parmesan mixture generously and evenly over the top of each chicken breast, creating a thick layer.
  5. Step 5: Add Crunch (Optional): If desired, sprinkle the seasoned breadcrumbs evenly over the mayo-Parmesan coating. Gently press them down to adhere well.
  6. Step 6: Bake: Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and the coating is beautifully golden brown and bubbly.
  7. Step 7: Rest & Serve: Once baked, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if you like.

Notes

Substitutions & Additions: Experiment with asiago, an Italian cheese blend, or sharp cheddar in place of Parmesan. Try other dried or fresh herbs like oregano, rosemary, or smoked paprika. For heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs also work well, just adjust cooking times. Consider sprinkling crispy bacon bits or chopped sun-dried tomatoes before baking. For a gluten-free option, skip the breadcrumbs or use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Tips for Success: Ensure chicken breasts are pounded to an even thickness for uniform cooking. Avoid overcrowding the baking pan to ensure a crispy crust. Always use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This dish pairs wonderfully with simple green salads, roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or rice.
Storage & Reheating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in a preheated oven (around 350°F / 175°C) or an air fryer to maintain crispiness. While you can freeze cooked chicken for 2-3 months, the crispy coating might lose some texture; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.