You'll love this creamy and tender baked Parmesan Mayonnaise Chicken Breasts recipe! This quick and easy dinner is made with chicken breasts coated in seasoned mayo and then baked to perfection.
Mayo Chicken is a delicious and simple dish that combines the creaminess of mayonnaise with parmesan and seasonings, plus tender baked chicken.
This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends.
With just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, you can whip up a flavorful and satisfying meal that's sure to please everyone at the table. My family absolutely loves this dish!
All you need to do is mix the parmesan cheese, seasonings and spices into the mayonnaise. Then, slather it onto skinless boneless chicken breasts (or your favorite chicken - it's also great with chicken legs!). Bake it until tasty, tender and juicy.
If we're after a lighter dinner, then I serve it up with salad or steamed vegetables. For a heartier meal, we have it with mashed potatoes and a side of vegetables, like Buttered Cabbage, Arkansas Green Beans, or Roasted Beets.
Whether you're cooking for a busy weeknight or a laid-back gathering with friends, this recipe is a winner. I hope you love it as much as we do!
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Preparation: With minimal ingredients and straightforward instructions, this recipe is a lifesaver for busy weeknights when you crave a delicious meal without the hassle. It's a breeze to whip up, saving you time and effort in the kitchen.
- Family-Friendly Favorite: Mayo Chicken is a crowd-pleaser, loved by both kids and adults alike. Its creamy texture and savory flavor appeal to even the pickiest eaters, making it a reliable go-to recipe for family dinners.
- Versatile and Customizable: While the base recipe is delicious on its own, this dish is also highly adaptable to suit your taste preferences. Whether you want to add a kick of spice, experiment with different seasonings, or try out creative toppings, the possibilities for customization are endless.
- Budget-Friendly Ingredients: You don't need fancy or expensive ingredients to create a flavorful dish. With just a few pantry staples like chicken breasts, mayonnaise, and spices, you can make a satisfying meal that won't break the bank. It's a budget-friendly option that doesn't compromise on taste.
Mayonnaise
As you probably know, mayonnaise, often simply referred to as mayo, is a versatile condiment beloved for its creamy texture and tangy flavor.
Made from a combination of oil, egg yolks, vinegar or lemon juice, and seasonings, mayo adds richness and depth to a variety of dishes.
Whether used as a sandwich spread, a base for dressings and dips, or as a key ingredient in recipes like the Mayo Chicken, its ability to enhance flavors and lend a velvety consistency makes it a kitchen staple.
With its widespread popularity and countless culinary applications, mayo proves to be much more than just a condiment – it's a culinary powerhouse that elevates dishes with its distinctive taste and texture.
Because it's made of eggs and oil, I love using it in slightly more unusual ways. Just half a teaspoon whisked into two or three eggs makes the most velvety, creamy scrambled eggs.
In this mayo chicken, the mayo locks the juices into the chicken and adds extra moisture so it's super juicy and tender.
Ingredients
You only need simple pantry ingredients for this recipe!
- Chicken breasts: Choose boneless, skinless breasts for convenience. Substitution: Chicken thighs can also be used for a juicier option or chicken legs work too.
- Mayonnaise: Provides the creamy base for the dish. I use Duke's brand or Hellman's. Substitution: Greek yogurt can be used for a lighter alternative.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds a savory depth of flavor. Substitution: Any hard cheese, such as Romano or Asiago, can be used.
- Garlic powder: Infuses the dish with aromatic garlic flavor.
- Onion powder: Adds a subtle onion flavor without the texture of fresh onions.
- Smoked paprika: Provides a hint of smokiness and adds color to the dish.
- Salt and pepper: To season the chicken and mayo mixture to taste.
See the recipe card for quantities and method.
How to make Parmesan Mayonnaise Chicken
Follow these step-by-step instructions, then scroll down for the full ingredients list and method.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and pat them dry with paper towels. Tip: This helps the seasoning stick better and promotes browning.
In a bowl, combine the mayonnaise, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt and pepper.
Mix well until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish or on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spread the mayo mixture evenly over the top of each chicken breast, making sure to cover them completely.
Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the top is golden brown. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Scroll down for the full ingredients list and method.
Why You Should Add Mayonnaise To Chicken
Mayo works wonders on chicken in several ways, making it a valuable ingredient in this recipe:
- Adds Moisture: Chicken breasts, especially when baked, have a tendency to dry out. The mayonnaise acts as a barrier, sealing in moisture during the cooking process. This results in juicy, tender chicken with every bite, ensuring a more enjoyable eating experience.
- Enhances Flavor: Mayonnaise is not just a creamy binder; it's packed with flavor. The combination of oil, egg yolks, and vinegar or lemon juice lends a tangy richness that infuses the chicken with a delicious taste. Additionally, the seasonings mixed into the mayo, such as garlic powder, onion powder, and Parmesan cheese, add depth and complexity to the dish, elevating its overall flavor profile.
- Promotes Browning: The emulsified nature of mayonnaise contains proteins and sugars that contribute to browning when exposed to heat. As the Mayo Chicken bakes in the oven, the mayo mixture caramelizes on the surface of the chicken, creating a golden-brown crust that adds visual appeal and a pleasant texture.
- Creates Creamy Texture: Beyond its functional roles, mayonnaise contributes to the creamy texture of the dish. When spread over the chicken breasts, it forms a luscious coating that not only locks in moisture but also adds richness and creaminess to each bite. This creamy layer enhances the overall mouthfeel of the dish, making it more satisfying to eat.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve Mayo Chicken alongside roasted vegetables, such as broccoli or asparagus, for a balanced meal.
- Pair it with a crisp green salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
- Serve with mashed potatoes or seasoned rice to soak up the creamy sauce.
Variations
- Spicy Mayo Chicken: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a drizzle of hot sauce to the mayo mixture for a kick of heat.
- Herb-Crusted Mayo Chicken: Mix chopped fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary into the mayo mixture for a fresh and fragrant twist.
- Bacon-Wrapped Mayo Chicken: Wrap each chicken breast with strips of bacon before spreading the mayo mixture for an indulgent upgrade.
- BBQ Mayo Chicken: Replace the smoked paprika with BBQ seasoning and brush the chicken with your favorite barbecue sauce before baking for a tangy flavor profile.
- Aioli Chicken: Swap the mayo for a homemade aioli (garlic mayo). Try flavors like Basil Aioli, Horseradish Aioli, or Bacon Aioli!
More Dinner Recipes
Recipe Tips
- Ensure the chicken breasts are of even thickness for consistent cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness – the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken breasts in the mayo mixture for 30 minutes to an hour before baking.
- You can broil the chicken for the last few minutes of cooking for a crispier golden top.
Storage
Storage Advice: Store any leftover Mayo Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in the oven or microwave until heated through.
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📖 Recipe
Parmesan Mayonnaise Chicken Breasts
Equipment
- Bowl
- Baking dish
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and pat them dry with paper towels. Tip: This helps the seasoning stick better and promotes browning.
- In a bowl, combine the mayonnaise, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish or on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spread the mayo mixture evenly over the top of each chicken breast, making sure to cover them completely.
- Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the top is golden brown. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition
The nutritional information provided is approximate and can vary depending on several factors, so is not guaranteed to be accurate. Please see a registered dietician for special diet advice.
Tiffany
This is a great weeknight dinner for me, easy and delish! My family loves it! Thank you
Dana
This chicken is SO juicy, tender, and flavorful. Just the simple addition of mayo is a total game changer and I am here for it! Thanks for the awesome recipe 🙂
Charah
It was good. Would make it again. Super juicy.
Vicky
I wouldn't have thought to use mayonnaise on chicken breasts, but you're right, it did make it incredibly juicy and flavorful chicken. I'll be making this again soon and pairing it with a simple salad.
sammy
Loved the chicken coating. Tasted really good.