If you’re hunting for a dish that sings with flavor, texture, and pure comfort, the Juicy Mayo-Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This recipe brings together tender, juicy chicken breasts enveloped in a golden, crispy crust made from creamy mayonnaise and sharp Parmesan, perfectly seasoned to keep every bite bursting with mouthwatering goodness. It’s straightforward, quick, and delivers impressive results that feel special yet completely doable any night of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet essential, each playing a key role in building that perfect balance of moisture, flavor, and crispness in the Juicy Mayo-Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The lean protein base that soaks up all the flavors beautifully and stays juicy when cooked right.
- Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and moisture, helping to create an irresistibly tender crust.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a sharp, nutty flavor and a golden, crunchy finish to the crust.
- Garlic powder: Infuses the chicken with aromatic depth and mild spice.
- Onion powder: Enhances savory notes and rounds out the seasoning.
- Paprika: Provides subtle smokiness and a hint of color to the crust.
- Salt and pepper: Fundamental seasonings that elevate every other ingredient.
- Fresh parsley (optional): Adds a refreshing, bright garnish that livens up the finished dish.
How to Make Juicy Mayo-Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While that’s warming up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. Getting this ready upfront helps the cooking process go smoothly and ensures even heat distribution for a perfect crust.
Step 2: Mix the Mayo-Parmesan Coating
In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until you have a smooth, creamy mixture packed with vibrant flavors. This coating is the secret behind the irresistible crust you’re about to create.
Step 3: Prep the Chicken
Pat your chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This little step is crucial because removing excess moisture helps the mayo-Parmesan crust adhere better and crisp up nicely during baking.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken
Spread a generous and even layer of the mayo-Parmesan mixture over the top of each chicken breast. Don’t be shy—the richness of the mayo and the sharpness of the Parmesan need ample coverage to make the chicken truly sing.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Arrange the coated chicken breasts on your prepared baking sheet. Slide them into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the crust has turned a beautiful golden brown. The aroma alone will have your mouth watering in anticipation.
Step 6: Optional Broil for Extra Crunch
If you’re craving an even crispier crust, broil the chicken for an extra 1-2 minutes at the end. Just keep a close eye to prevent burning, and you’ll have a perfectly crunchy topping that contrasts beautifully with the juicy chicken beneath.
Step 7: Rest and Garnish
Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This resting time locks in juices and keeps each bite tender. To finish, sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color and a touch of fresh flavor.
How to Serve Juicy Mayo-Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic garnish here—it adds brightness and an inviting color contrast to the golden crust. For an extra flavor boost, a light squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can awaken the dish with a zesty kick that spices things up just right.
Side Dishes
This chicken shines alongside simple sides that complement without overpowering. Think garlic mashed potatoes, a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, or roasted seasonal veggies drizzled with olive oil. Each brings its texture and flavor to the table, making your meal feel complete and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual dinner, serve the chicken sliced over a bed of creamy risotto or buttery polenta. Hosting friends? Arrange the breasts on a large platter with colorful roasted peppers and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a wow-worthy presentation. Either way, this recipe lends itself beautifully to sharing and impressing with minimal fuss.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Juicy Mayo-Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, giving you a ready-to-reheat meal when time is tight or hunger strikes unexpectedly.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked chicken breasts wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil or stored in freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months. To maintain the crust’s texture, it’s best to thaw in the refrigerator overnight rather than defrosting in the microwave.
Reheating
To bring your leftovers back to life, reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This helps preserve the juicy interior while crisping up the Parmesan crust again—keeping that beautiful contrast just like when freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well, too, and they tend to be even juicier. Just adjust baking time slightly, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
Is mayonnaise really necessary in the crust?
Yes, mayonnaise is key because it keeps the chicken moist while helping the Parmesan and spices stick to the surface. It also contributes to that golden, creamy crust we all love.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can try substituting the Parmesan with a dairy-free cheese alternative, but keep in mind this will change the classic flavor and texture. Make sure to choose a high-quality substitute that melts and browns well.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The best way is to use a meat thermometer—when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), your chicken is safely cooked and ready to enjoy.
Can I prepare the chicken in advance and bake later?
Yes! You can coat the chicken breasts with the mayo-Parmesan mixture, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes for easy meal prep and even more infused flavor.
Final Thoughts
If you want a reliable recipe that delivers big on flavor and comfort without fuss, the Juicy Mayo-Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe is a must-try. Its blend of creamy, cheesy crust and juicy, tender chicken makes it a winner every single time. I can’t wait for you to make this dish your own and enjoy all the happy, savory moments it brings to your table.
Print
Juicy Mayo-Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Juicy Mayo-Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe delivers tender, flavorful chicken breasts topped with a crispy, cheesy crust. Using a creamy mayonnaise and Parmesan mixture infused with garlic, onion, and paprika, the chicken bakes to golden perfection in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal weeknight dinner that feels indulgent yet simple to prepare.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Crust Mixture
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish (Optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Coating: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are well integrated to form a creamy crust mixture.
- Dry Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry using paper towels, which helps the crust adhere better and ensures a crispier texture.
- Apply Crust: Evenly spread the mayo-Parmesan mixture over the top surface of each chicken breast, making sure they are well coated with the flavorful crust.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the coated chicken breasts spaced out on the prepared baking sheet to allow even cooking.
- Bake Chicken: Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), and the crust turns a beautiful golden brown.
- Optional Broil: For an extra crispy crust, broil the chicken for an additional 1 to 2 minutes, keeping a close watch to prevent burning.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes to retain juices. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired and serve hot.
Notes
- For best results, use mayonnaise with full-fat content to ensure juiciness and crust adherence.
- Adjust garlic powder and paprika to taste for a milder or spicier crust.
- Use a meat thermometer to guarantee perfectly cooked chicken, avoiding dryness.
- Broiling is optional but helps achieve a crispier crust; monitor closely to avoid burning.
- This recipe can easily be doubled to serve more people.
