Description
This Juicy Oven-Baked Melt-In-Your-Mouth Chicken features tender boneless, skinless chicken breasts coated in a flavorful mixture of mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, and spices, then crusted with crispy Panko breadcrumbs and baked to golden perfection. A simple and satisfying dish perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
For the Coating
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- Cooking spray or olive oil
For Garnish (Optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the chicken.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly grease a baking dish with cooking spray or a thin layer of olive oil to prevent sticking during baking.
- Make the Coating Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper, mixing thoroughly until smooth and well integrated.
- Coat the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts on a clean surface and evenly coat each piece with the mayo mixture, ensuring the entire surface is covered for flavor infusion.
- Apply Breadcrumbs: Spread Panko breadcrumbs on a large plate. Roll each coated chicken breast in the breadcrumbs, pressing lightly so they adhere well to the surface.
- Arrange in Baking Dish: Place the breadcrumb-coated chicken breasts into the greased baking dish in a single layer, ensuring they are not overlapping for even cooking.
- Add Oil for Crispiness: Lightly spray the tops of the chicken with cooking spray or drizzle a little olive oil over them to help the breadcrumbs crisp up nicely during baking.
- Bake the Chicken: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) and the breadcrumbs turn a golden brown color.
- Rest the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes to let the juices redistribute and enhance tenderness.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the chicken breasts if desired, adding a burst of color and fresh flavor before serving.
Notes
- For best results, use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Mayonnaise helps keep the chicken moist and contributes to a creamy, flavorful crust.
- Panko breadcrumbs provide a lighter, crispier coating than regular breadcrumbs.
- You can substitute fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for parsley if preferred.
- Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
