Juicy Mayo Parmesan Chicken: An Easy Weeknight Dinner

What if I told you the secret to the juiciest, most flavorful baked chicken breast is already sitting in your refrigerator door? We often think of mayonnaise as a simple spread for sandwiches, but it’s a powerhouse ingredient that can completely transform a simple weeknight meal. Get ready to discover your new favorite easy dinner: this incredible Mayo Parmesan Chicken. This recipe combines tender chicken with a rich, savory topping of mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, and garlic for a dish that’s unbelievably simple yet tastes gourmet. Say goodbye to dry, boring chicken forever!

Ingredients for Mayo Parmesan Chicken

This recipe uses simple pantry staples to create a restaurant-quality meal right at home. The creamy mayo mixture keeps the chicken incredibly moist while it bakes to a perfect golden brown.

Component	Ingredient	Amount/Quantity
Chicken	Boneless, skinless chicken breasts	4
Mixture	Mayonnaise	1/2 cup
	Freshly grated Parmesan cheese	1/2 cup
	Garlic powder	1 teaspoon
	Onion powder	1/2 teaspoon
	Dried Italian seasoning	1/2 teaspoon
	Fine sea salt	1/4 teaspoon
	Freshly-ground black pepper	1/4 teaspoon
Optional	Seasoned breadcrumbs	1/2 cup
Garnish	Freshly chopped parsley	Optional

Timing

This dish is perfect for a busy weeknight, coming together in about the same time it takes to watch an episode of your favorite sitcom.

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create a perfectly baked chicken dinner that your whole family will love.

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

First things first, let’s get that oven roaring. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high heat is key to getting a beautifully golden-brown crust on the chicken. While it heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or give a baking dish a light coating of nonstick spray for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

For the most tender results, pat the chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels. This helps the coating stick properly. If your chicken breasts are thicker than an inch, it’s a good idea to pound them to an even 3/4-inch thickness. Tip: Place the chicken between two sheets of plastic wrap before pounding to prevent any mess. This ensures every bite is perfectly cooked and juicy.

Step 3: Make the Mayo-Parmesan Mixture

Now for the magic. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the mayonnaise, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until it’s a smooth, creamy, and wonderfully fragrant mixture. The aroma alone will tell you you’re onto something special!

Step 4: Coat the Chicken

Place your prepared chicken breasts on the lined baking sheet. Using a spoon or spatula, spread the mayo-Parmesan mixture evenly over the top of each chicken breast. Don’t be shy—create a thick, generous layer. This coating is what locks in all the moisture and flavor.

Step 5: Add Optional Crunch

If you love a bit of texture, this step is for you. Sprinkle the seasoned breadcrumbs evenly over the mayo-Parmesan coating. Gently press down with your fingers or the back of a spoon to help them adhere to the mixture. This will create an irresistible crunchy topping that contrasts beautifully with the tender chicken.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Carefully place the baking sheet into your preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes. You’re looking for the chicken to be cooked through and the topping to be bubbly and a beautiful golden brown. The most reliable way to check for doneness is with a meat thermometer—the internal temperature should read 165°F (74°C).

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for at least 5 minutes on the baking sheet. This crucial step allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every slice is as moist as possible. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and serve immediately.

Nutritional Information

Here is an estimated nutritional breakdown per serving (one chicken breast). Please note that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients used.

• Calories: 450 kcal
• Protein: 45 g
• Fat: 28 g (Saturated: 7 g)
• Carbohydrates: 5 g (if using breadcrumbs)
• Sodium: 650 mg

This dish is a fantastic source of lean protein, making it a satisfying and filling meal.

Healthier Alternatives

Want to lighten things up? This recipe is wonderfully adaptable.

• Lower-Fat Swap: Substitute the mayonnaise with an equal amount of plain Greek yogurt or light mayonnaise. You’ll still get a creamy, tangy coating but with less fat and a boost of protein.
• Gluten-Free Option: Simply omit the breadcrumbs, or use your favorite gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed pork rinds for that delightful crunch.
• Go Keto: This recipe is already very low-carb. Ensure you use full-fat mayonnaise and omit the breadcrumbs to make it perfectly keto-friendly.

Serving Suggestions

This versatile Mayo Parmesan Chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. For a complete and balanced meal, try serving it with:

• Steamed or roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or green beans.
• A side of creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy quinoa.
• A simple and crisp garden salad with a light vinaigrette.
• For a heartier meal, serve it over your favorite pasta tossed in a light olive oil and garlic sauce.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Ensure your chicken comes out perfectly every time by avoiding these common slip-ups.

• Using Wet Chicken: If you don’t pat the chicken dry, the mayonnaise mixture won’t stick well and can become watery. Solution: Always use paper towels to thoroughly dry the surface of the chicken before coating.
• Uneven Cooking: Very thick chicken breasts can result in the outside being done before the inside is cooked. Solution: Pound the chicken to an even thickness (about 3/4 inch) to ensure uniform cooking.
• Overbaking the Chicken: It’s easy to go from juicy to dry in just a few minutes. Solution: Use a meat thermometer! It’s the best way to know exactly when your chicken reaches the safe and perfect internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Storing Tips

Have leftovers? Lucky you! This chicken is just as delicious the next day.

• Refrigerate: Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: For the best results and to revive the crispy topping, reheat the chicken in an oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. Microwaving will work in a pinch, but you will lose the crunchy texture.

Conclusion

This Mayo Parmesan Chicken recipe is proof that you don’t need complicated ingredients or hours in the kitchen to create a meal that is both comforting and impressive. It’s a reliable, crowd-pleasing dish that delivers on flavor, texture, and simplicity every single time. Perfect for busy families and novice cooks alike, this baked chicken will quickly earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation. We hope you enjoy making and savoring this dish as much as we do. Try it out and let us know in the comments how it turned out for you! We’d love to hear your feedback. Don’t forget to rate the recipe!

FAQs

Q1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs would be delicious in this recipe. They may require a slightly longer cooking time, so be sure to use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Q2. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it a few hours in advance. Simply coat the chicken with the mayo-parmesan mixture, cover, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to eat, just pop it into the preheated oven. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time since the chicken will be cold.

Q3. Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

You can make a dairy-free version by using a high-quality vegan mayonnaise and a dairy-free Parmesan cheese alternative. The taste and texture will be slightly different, but it will still be a tasty dish.

Q4. What if I don’t have Italian seasoning?

No problem! You can easily make your own blend with equal parts dried basil, oregano, and parsley. A pinch of thyme or rosemary would also work well. You can also just use a single herb like dried oregano if that’s what you have on hand.