If you’ve never melt in your mouth chicken, get ready to be blown away.
Because this classic dish transforms boring chicken breast into a superb dinner in a flash.
Chicken breast recipes can be hit or miss. But this recipe is flawless every time.
A blend of mayo, Parmesan, and seasonings guarantees unbelievably moist and tender chicken that literally melts in your mouth.
Sure, it’s not the healthiest way to cook chicken, but come on, live a little!
Trust me, it’s worth every calorie.
Do you know what else makes this dish a must-try? It’s effortless to make. Just 5 minutes of prep, and the oven takes care of the rest.
If you only cook one thing this week, let it be melt in your mouth chicken.
Melt In Your Mouth Chicken
Melt in your mouth chicken is a fun recipe that’s been around for ages. Its origins are unclear, but I’m glad whoever came up with it did.
The idea of topping chicken breast with mayo and parmesan is pure genius!
The mixture turns beautifully golden post-baking, and it smells phenomenal, too.
It’s not crispy like chicken Milanese, or tangy like Greek chicken. Instead, the flavor is so rich, so creamy, and so addictive!
More importantly… OMG… the chicken is insanely tender and moist! That’s something that’s hard to come by with baked chicken breast.
Ingredients
- Chicken Breast – The star of the dish. Chicken breast is the most traditional cut for this recipe, but I’ve tried it with tenders and thigh fillets, and they work just fine, too.
- Keep in mind that the baking time will vary depending on the thickness of the chicken, so adjust accordingly.
- Mayonnaise – The main ingredient for the topping. Apart from flavor, it also helps prevent the chicken from drying out in the oven. Have diet restrictions? You can swap it out with Greek yogurt and sour cream.
- Parmesan – Because you can never go wrong with chicken and cheese! Aside from parmesan, you can also use gruyere, sharp cheddar, asiago, or mozzarella.
- Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder – To add flavor to the topping. Feel free to add more herbs and seasonings to suit your taste.
What Does the Mayo Do?
Aside from forming a rich and creamy sauce, mayo plays another crucial role in this dish.
Without it, the chicken breast will dry up as it bakes, resulting in tough and dry meat.
Mayo is the best way to keep the chicken moist and tender, so do not skip it! If you can’t stand it, you can use Greek yogurt or sour cream instead.
Tips for the Best Chicken
- Get a block of parmesan and grate it yourself. Pre-grated parmesan won’t melt as well as freshly-grated cheese. It’s pricier, too!
- Be sure it’s cooked all the way through by checking it with a meat thermometer. The temperature should read 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Cook times vary depending on how thick or thin the meat is. This is why a meat thermometer is extra handy.
- This recipe is a great make-ahead dish. Make the topping, spread it over the chicken, cover the baking dish in plastic wrap, and refrigerate. You can prepare the dish up to a day in advance. Pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake!
- Add more herbs and seasonings to taste. Thyme, rosemary, cumin, Italian seasoning, paprika, and lemon slices all add great flavor to the chicken. Have fun with it, and feel free to mix and match!
Did your dish turn out too runny? That’s okay, it happens.
Chicken releases its juices during baking, and all of it gets stuck in the baking dish. Here are some ways to avoid having too much juice:
- Do not overcrowd the baking dish. If you’re doubling the recipe, make sure to use a bigger dish.
- Pan-sear the chicken beforehand. This will seal in the juices, preventing them from leaking out during baking.
If, despite all these efforts, the dish is still runny, simply drain the liquid.
What to Serve with Melt in Your Mouth Chicken
As tasty as MIYM chicken is, it’s hardly a complete meal. Round out your dinner with these awesome sides.
The dish is super creamy, so you’ll want light and refreshing sides to balance out the richness, such as:
- Oven-roasted cauliflower and broccoli
- Baked potatoes
- Steamed asparagus
- Garden salad
- Roasted Brussels sprouts
- Mashed potatoes
- Mac and cheese
Feeling extra hungry? Serve the chicken over a bowl of white rice or buttered noodles.
It’s a simple pairing, but believe me, it’s so good, you’ll want to have seconds.
More Chicken Recipes You’ll Enjoy
Applebee’s Fiesta Lime Chicken
Chicken Piccata
Ritz Cracker Chicken
No-Peek Chicken
Coca Cola Chicken
Made MIYM Chicken tenders! Followed recipe served with chicken Rice-A-Roni, green beans w bacon, and pickled beets. Really good, going to use it for next supper with family who prefers chicken over steak. Used mayo, noticed a little tang probably from the parmesan(straight out of the shaker in refrigerator door). Super easy AND good for keto (except rice and beets).