Description
If chicken breasts have ever felt boring or dry, this recipe is about to change everything. A simple creamy Parmesan topping bakes into a golden, flavorful crust that locks in moisture and delivers unbelievably tender, juicy chicken every single time. With just a handful of pantry staples and about 10 minutes of prep, this is the kind of no-fail dinner you’ll come back to again and again.
Ingredients
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Preheat the oven
Preheat to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line with parchment paper. -
Even out the chicken
Place chicken breasts between plastic wrap or inside a zip-top bag. Gently pound to about ¾-inch thickness for even cooking. -
Make the creamy topping
In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and spreadable. -
Assemble
Place chicken in the baking dish. Generously spread the creamy mixture over the top and sides of each breast. Sprinkle with paprika or Italian seasoning if using. -
Bake
Bake uncovered for 35–45 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the topping is golden and bubbly. -
Rest before serving
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to keep it ultra juicy.
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Instructions
-
-
Preheat the oven
Preheat to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line with parchment paper. -
Even out the chicken
Place chicken breasts between plastic wrap or inside a zip-top bag. Gently pound to about ¾-inch thickness for even cooking. -
Make the creamy topping
In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and spreadable. -
Assemble
Place chicken in the baking dish. Generously spread the creamy mixture over the top and sides of each breast. Sprinkle with paprika or Italian seasoning if using. -
Bake
Bake uncovered for 35–45 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the topping is golden and bubbly. -
Rest before serving
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to keep it ultra juicy.
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Notes
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Pounding matters: Even thickness prevents dry edges and undercooked centers
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Use real Parmesan: Freshly grated melts better and adds richer flavor
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Don’t skip resting: This keeps the juices inside the chicken
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Too thin topping? Add an extra tablespoon or two of Parmesan
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