Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Total Time: 40-45 minutes
Recipe Yield: 4 servings
Difficulty Level: Easy
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (such as basil, oregano, thyme)
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
- Prepare Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Place them in a single layer in the prepared baking dish. Season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper.
- Make the Topping: In a mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, dried Italian herbs, and paprika. Stir until well mixed.
- Spread the Topping: Evenly spread the mayonnaise mixture over the tops of the chicken breasts, covering each one completely.
- Bake: Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the topping is golden and bubbly. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Broil for Extra Crispiness (Optional): If you’d like the topping to be extra crispy, you can broil the chicken for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end of the cooking time. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
- Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired.
Enjoy your tender, flavorful, and “Melt in Your Mouth” Chicken with your favorite side dishes such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad!