Get ready to elevate your weeknight dinner game with this irresistible Juicy Mayo-Parmesan Crusted Chicken. Imagine perfectly tender chicken breasts cloaked in a rich, creamy mixture of mayo, Parmesan, fragrant herbs, and warm spices, all baked together until golden and bubbling at the edges. The topping locks in every ounce of moisture, ensuring you get succulent chicken in every bite. This dish is not just effortless and quick to prepare; it’s also a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Juicy Mayo-Parmesan Crusted Chicken is its short list of simple ingredients—each one playing a starring role in flavor, texture, or color. Most are pantry staples, yet together they create a dish much greater than the sum of its parts.
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are lean and perfectly suited to soak up all that luscious flavor without becoming dry.
- Mayonnaise: This magic ingredient keeps the chicken moist and helps the crust adhere—and don’t worry, it doesn’t taste overtly like mayo when baked.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Brings a salty, nutty richness that forms a golden, savory crust—use freshly grated for best results!
- Garlic Powder: A touch of garlicky warmth to enhance the overall aroma and depth of the crust.
- Onion Powder: Subtly sweet and earthy, it builds a balanced background flavor for the topping.
- Dried Italian Seasoning: This blend of classic Mediterranean herbs laces every bite with herbal complexity.
- Black Pepper: Brings a gentle heat that wakes up all the other flavors.
- Salt: Essential for both the chicken and the topping—don’t skimp!
- Breadcrumbs (optional): For those who crave extra crunch, a sprinkle of breadcrumbs on top delivers irresistible texture.
- Chopped Fresh Parsley (optional): A shower of green right at the end for freshness, color, and a touch of brightness.
How to Make Juicy Mayo-Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Sheet
Start by heating your oven to 400°F—this is the sweet spot for achieving juicy chicken and a perfectly golden crust. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for effortless clean-up, or lightly grease it if that’s your style. This initial step ensures that your Juicy Mayo-Parmesan Crusted Chicken lifts off the pan with zero fuss and all the crispy bits stay right where they belong.
Step 2: Mix the Flavor-Packed Topping
In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Give it a good stir until you have a thick, creamy spread. This mixture is your secret weapon—it’ll create that signature crust and keep the chicken moist from the inside out.
Step 3: Prep the Chicken Breasts
Pat your chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This small but mighty step helps the delicious topping cling to the chicken instead of sliding off. Place the chicken breasts on your prepared baking sheet, spaced evenly apart.
Step 4: Slather On the Mayo-Parmesan Mixture
Spread the mayo-Parmesan topping generously over the top of each chicken breast. Don’t be shy—you want a nice, thick layer so every bite bursts with flavor. For a little extra indulgence, you can sprinkle breadcrumbs on top at this stage. They’ll bake up into a deeply golden, crunchy crown.
Step 5: Bake to Golden, Juicy Perfection
Slide your pan into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know the Juicy Mayo-Parmesan Crusted Chicken is ready when the topping is browned and bubbly, and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before serving—this locks in those savory juices and makes every slice fork-tender.
How to Serve Juicy Mayo-Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Garnishes
A little sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley does wonders for presentation and flavor, adding a pop of color and a hint of herbal brightness. If you have a lemon on hand, a quick zest or a light squeeze just before serving sends this dish over the top.
Side Dishes
Pair your Juicy Mayo-Parmesan Crusted Chicken with fluffy mashed potatoes, roasted seasonal vegetables, or a simple, crisp green salad. These sides soak up all the flavorful juices and help complete your meal, making every bite feel comforting and balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
For entertaining, slice the chicken into strips and arrange them over a vibrant salad, or tuck into sandwiches with a slather of pesto. For family-style dinners, fan out the chicken pieces on a platter, pile on extra herbs, and let everyone dig in together—the golden crust makes a show-stopping centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, keep Juicy Mayo-Parmesan Crusted Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The crust holds up surprisingly well and the flavors deepen overnight, making lunch the next day a real treat.
Freezing
For longer-term planning, freeze fully cooked, cooled chicken in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. Thaw in the fridge overnight for best results. The crust won’t be quite as crisp as fresh from the oven, but the chicken will stay juicy and flavorful.
Reheating
To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F and warm the chicken on a baking sheet until heated through—about 10 to 15 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can soften the golden crust. A quick stint under the broiler at the end can help revive that crispy, bubbly topping.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Juicy Mayo-Parmesan Crusted Chicken works beautifully with boneless, skinless thighs. They’ll need about the same bake time and turn out extra succulent thanks to the slightly higher fat content.
Is there a good substitute for mayonnaise?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, Greek yogurt is a fantastic swap. It adds creaminess and tang while still keeping the chicken tender and juicy under the Parmesan crust.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! Simply omit the breadcrumbs or use a certified gluten-free variety. All the other ingredients in Juicy Mayo-Parmesan Crusted Chicken are naturally gluten-free.
What’s the best way to tell when the chicken is done?
Use an instant-read thermometer to check that the thickest part of the chicken reaches 165°F. The crust should be bubbly and golden, and the juices should run clear for perfectly cooked results.
Can I prep this dish ahead of time?
You sure can! You can assemble the chicken with the mayo-Parmesan topping up to 8 hours in advance, cover and refrigerate, then bake just before dinner for stress-free entertaining or easy weeknight planning.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been craving a meal that’s simple yet downright crave-worthy, you have to try Juicy Mayo-Parmesan Crusted Chicken. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll come back to time and time again—because crispy, creamy, foolproof chicken is always a win. Let me know how it turns out, and don’t be surprised if everyone asks for the recipe!
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Juicy Mayo-Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Juicy Mayo-Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe features tender chicken breasts coated with a flavorful mixture of mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, and seasonings, baked to golden perfection. A simple yet delicious dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Coating:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional:
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional for extra crunch)
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Mix the coating: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and place them on the baking sheet.
- Coat the chicken: Spread the mayo-Parmesan mixture over each chicken breast. Add breadcrumbs for extra crunch if desired.
- Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes until the chicken reaches 165°F internally and the top is golden and bubbly.
- Rest and serve: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if preferred.
Notes
- This recipe also works well with chicken thighs.
- For a lower-fat option, use light mayo or Greek yogurt.
- Serve with roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, or a green salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
