This Melt In Your Mouth Chicken recipe is a true winner! It’s easy and simple, with a creamy, cheesy topping that gives juicy, tender chicken a flavor boost that’s hard to beat. Plus, with just a handful of pantry ingredients, you can have this dish on the table in no time—with minimal effort but maximum, crave-worthy flavor!
In This Post
Y’all, I’m kind of giddy over this. I’m sharing one of my all-time favorite easy dinners: Melt-in-Your-Mouth Chicken. I’ve made this recipe more times than I can count, and it’s one of my go-tos, especially on busy evenings when I don’t know what to make but want something simple and super delicious. Even now, it remains one of my best-loved chicken recipes for dinner, and one my whole family and friends adores, too!
Why This Recipe Is A Weeknight Dinner Game-Changer!
- This recipe doesn’t require fancy techniques or equipment. I just mix, coat, and bake—it’s that simple!
- Even the pickiest eaters won’t be able to resist this chicken. It’s one of those dishes that’s so straightforward yet tastes like you put in way more effort.
- If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, the tender, flavorful chicken reheats beautifully, making lunch the next day a breeze.
Melt In Your Mouth Chicken Ingredients
- Mayonnaise – I like to use full-fat for that perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Parmesan cheese – Freshly grated is always best! You can also use mozzarella, sharp cheddar or asiago cheese instead of the Parmesan.
- Southern Soul House Seasoning – You can use other seasoning salts you like.
- Onion powder – Adds just the right amount of flavor. Garlic powder is also great.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts – The star of the show.
- Fresh parsley – For a simple, fresh finish and garnish.
Recipe Swaps And Variations
This chicken dinner recipe is already incredible as-is, but if you want to mix it up, here are a few ideas:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the mayonnaise mixture for a bit of heat.
- Herb it up: Season your chicken with a teaspoon of dried thyme or rosemary. Thyme gives it a fresh, lemony flavor, while rosemary adds a warm, peppery touch. Just a pinch will make your chicken extra tasty!
- Lighter option: Swap the full-fat mayo for a low-fat version or use Greek yogurt for a healthier, tangier, lighter coating with more protein.
Donya’s Bonus Tips!
- If your chicken breasts are unevenly thick, cover them with plastic wrap and quickly pound them with a meat mallet. This helps the chicken cook uniformly and keeps it juicy throughout.
- Make a little more of the mayo-Parmesan mixture and spread it on generously. You’ll get an irresistibly golden-brown crust that’s extra indulgent.
- If you plan to use the leftovers in Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad or wraps, you can even enjoy them cold straight from the fridge—they’re still packed with flavor!
Step By Step Directions For Baked Chicken Breasts
- Make the coating: In a bowl, combine the mayonnaise, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, Southern Soul seasoning, onion powder, and a dash of salt and pepper. Mix everything until smooth.
- Prep and coat the chicken: Arrange the boneless chicken breast halves in a baking dish. Spread the creamy mayo mixture evenly over each chicken breast. Make sure the top is well-covered—this is where all the magic happens!
- Bake: Place the dish in a preheated oven at 375°F and bake for about 45 minutes. Watch it during the last few minutes to ensure the top gets golden brown and bubbly. Once it’s out of the oven, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Serving Ideas
This dish pairs well with almost anything! It makes a great comfort food meal with Pimento Cheese Grits or rice and a chopped salad. When I want to keep things simple, Southern Greens Beans and Potatoes is the perfect combination. And, for Sunday supper, Stuffed Baked Potatoes, Tomato Cucumber Avocado Salad and Grandma’s Apple Crisp is a menu that my family raves about.
How to Store Melt In Your Mouth Chicken and Keep It Fresh
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. You can reheat them in the microwave, but for the best texture, warm them in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sure! Greek yogurt or sour cream can work as substitutes and still give a creamy, tangy flavor with a similar luscious texture—though the results may be a bit less rich than my original recipe.
Yes! Chicken thighs are naturally juicy and will work beautifully in this recipe. Just know that they might need a little less time in the oven.
Craving More? Try These Delicious Chicken Recipes
If you tried this Melt In Your Mouth Chicken Recipe or any other recipe, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. Thanks!
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Southern Soul House Seasoning
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley – optional
Instructions
- Set oven to 375 degrees.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, seasoning and onion powder.
- Place the chicken in a baking dish making sure they are not overlapping. Evenly coat the chicken breasts with the mayonnaise mixture.
- Bake for approximately 45 minutes until the chicken is cooked and the topping is golden brown. You can test with an instant-read thermometer – the internal temp should read at 165 degrees.
- Remove from the oven, sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired and serve.
Notes
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- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the mayonnaise mixture for a bit of heat.
-
- Herb it up: Mix in some dried herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra flavor.
-
- Lighter option: Swap the full-fat mayo for a low-fat version or use Greek yogurt for a tangier, lighter coating.
Nutrition
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Tamela Richmond
This chicken was absolutely amazing. I will definitely make this again. My husband really liked it. Thank you for the recipe.
Thank you, Tamela! I am so glad y’all liked it. I am thrilled you are cooking with me.
~Donya
Lori
These were delicious..melt in your mouth is the perfect name for them. I made the recipe exactly as written but I used cutlets and baked for 25 minutes. A keeper for sure! The Southern Soul house seasoning is also a hit..
Thanks so much, Lori! Sounds like you made it your own. I’m thrilled you are cooking with me.
~Donya
Claudine
Know this will be good, but how much Parmesan cheese is needed. Doesn’t say in the recipe. Thanks, Donya for all your hard work and for sharing your delicious recipes.
Thank you so much Claudine! All of the measurements are in the recipe card. I am so glad you are cooking with me.
~Donya
M
Hey Donya ~
How much Parmesan cheese?
Hey there! You’ll need 1/2 cup and all of the ingredients/instructions are in the recipe card.
~Donya