Mayo Parmesan Chicken

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Introduction

Mayo Parmesan Chicken is a delicious, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. The chicken is coated in a rich, creamy mayo and Parmesan mixture, then baked to golden perfection, resulting in juicy, tender chicken with a crispy, cheesy crust. The mayo keeps the chicken moist while the Parmesan adds a savory, umami flavor that’s irresistible. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a casual gathering, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that combines minimal effort with maximum flavor.

I remember the first time I made this for a weeknight dinner, and my family couldn’t get enough of it. What’s great about Mayo Parmesan Chicken is how simple it is to prepare—just coat the chicken in the mayo-Parmesan mixture, pop it in the oven, and let the magic happen. You don’t need a lot of ingredients, yet the flavor is so rich and satisfying. You can serve it with your favorite sides, like roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes, and it’ll be a meal everyone will love.

This dish is perfect for those busy nights when you want something comforting and delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen. With just a few minutes of prep and a little time in the oven, you’ll have a dish that’s sure to impress!

Perfect for:

  • Family dinners
  • Weeknight meals
  • Quick and easy dinner parties
  • Chicken lovers
  • Meal prep

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Mayo Parmesan Chicken will become one of your go-to recipes:

  • Crispy, Savory Crust: The mayonnaise and Parmesan coating creates a crispy, golden crust that’s bursting with flavor.
  • Moist and Juicy Chicken: The mayo keeps the chicken tender and juicy, ensuring each bite is packed with moisture.
  • Simple and Quick: With just a few ingredients and a short baking time, this dish is easy to prepare.
  • Versatile: Great as a main dish, on top of a salad, or paired with your favorite sides.
  • No Fuss: A no-marinate, no-fry recipe that’s simple yet impressive.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Preparation Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 25 minutes
  • Servings: 4 servings
  • Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
  • Key Nutrients: Protein: 35g, Carbs: 3g, Fat: 22g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make Mayo Parmesan Chicken:

For the Chicken:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • ½ cup mayonnaise (regular or light)
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For Garnish (Optional):

  • Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
  • Lemon wedges

Ingredient Highlights

  • Mayonnaise: Keeps the chicken moist and provides a creamy base for the Parmesan coating.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds a savory, nutty flavor that crisps up beautifully in the oven.
  • Garlic and Onion Powder: Bring out the best in the chicken, adding depth to the flavor.
  • Oregano: A touch of Italian seasoning that complements the cheesy coating.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Mayo Parmesan Chicken:

Prepare the Chicken:

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
  2. Season the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano. Set aside.

Make the Mayo-Parmesan Coating:

  1. Mix the Coating: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the mixture is smooth and the cheese is fully incorporated.
  2. Coat the Chicken: Spread the mayo-Parmesan mixture evenly on both sides of each chicken breast, making sure they’re fully coated.

Bake the Chicken:

  1. Place the Chicken on the Baking Sheet: Arrange the coated chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet.
  2. Bake the Chicken: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C) and the coating is golden brown and crispy.

Serve and Garnish:

  1. Garnish and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley or basil for a burst of color and freshness. Serve with lemon wedges on the side for added brightness.

How to Serve

  • With Veggies: Serve alongside roasted vegetables, like broccoli, green beans, or carrots, for a complete meal.
  • Over a Salad: Add sliced Mayo Parmesan Chicken to a fresh salad for a filling and flavorful lunch.
  • With Pasta or Rice: Pair with a side of pasta or rice for a more substantial meal.
  • In Sandwiches or Wraps: Shred the chicken and use it in sandwiches or wraps with fresh greens and a drizzle of dressing.
  • With Mashed Potatoes: Serve with mashed potatoes for a comforting and hearty meal.

Additional Tips

  • Chicken Thickness: If the chicken breasts are particularly thick, you may want to slice them in half horizontally to ensure even cooking.
  • Try Different Cheeses: Experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella, cheddar, or a blend for variety.
  • Add Extra Flavor: For extra flavor, you can sprinkle some Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes over the chicken before baking.
  • Moisture: Be sure to coat the chicken generously to keep it juicy during baking.

Recipe Variations

  1. Lemon Mayo Parmesan Chicken: Add lemon zest to the mayo mixture for a citrusy kick.
  2. Spicy Mayo Parmesan Chicken: Add a bit of hot sauce or chili flakes to the mayo for a spicy twist.
  3. Herb Mayo Parmesan Chicken: Incorporate fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary into the mayo mixture for extra fragrance.
  4. Crispy Mayo Parmesan Chicken with Panko: Coat the chicken with panko breadcrumbs before baking for a crunchier crust.
  5. Mayo Parmesan Chicken with Veggies: Add sliced bell peppers or zucchini on the baking sheet to roast along with the chicken.
  6. Stuffed Mayo Parmesan Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts open and stuff them with spinach and mozzarella before coating with the mayo-Parmesan mixture.
  7. Garlic Mayo Parmesan Chicken: Add minced garlic to the mayo mixture for an extra garlic flavor.
  8. Mayo Parmesan Chicken Thighs: Substitute chicken thighs for a juicier, richer variation.
  9. Mayo Parmesan Chicken with Bacon-Free Ranch: Swap the mayo-Parmesan mixture for a ranch dressing and Parmesan for a different twist.
  10. Pesto Mayo Parmesan Chicken: Mix in pesto with the mayo for a fresh, herby flavor.

Freezing and Storage

  • Freezing: You can freeze leftover Mayo Parmesan Chicken. Wrap the chicken tightly and store it in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to keep the coating crispy.

Special Equipment

  • Electric mixer (optional for mayo blending)
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper or aluminum foil

FAQ Section

  1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Yes, chicken thighs work well for this recipe as they’re juicy and flavorful.
  2. Can I use store-bought mayonnaise? Yes, you can use store-bought mayonnaise, but homemade mayo will give you a fresher flavor.
  3. Can I add vegetables to the baking sheet? Yes, you can add vegetables like potatoes, carrots, or zucchini to roast alongside the chicken.
  4. Can I use a different cheese? Absolutely! Parmesan can be swapped with mozzarella, cheddar, or any cheese you prefer.
  5. Can I prepare this in advance? You can prep the chicken with the mayo-Parmesan coating ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake.

Conclusion

Mayo Parmesan Chicken is a delicious and effortless dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. With its golden, crispy coating made from a flavorful mayo-parmesan mixture and juicy, tender chicken, this recipe delivers comfort in every bite. Whether you’re serving it for a quick dinner or as part of a family meal, this dish is sure to become a favorite.

It’s a simple, customizable recipe that you can tweak to fit your preferences, from adding extra seasonings to adjusting the cheese levels. The combination of creamy mayo and savory parmesan creates a crispy, cheesy crust that pairs wonderfully with your choice of sides.

I’d love to see how your Mayo Parmesan Chicken turns out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Enjoy your meal!

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