Melt in Your Mouth Mayonnaise Chicken Recipe
Tender and flavorful chicken breasts marinated in buttermilk and topped with a rich, creamy mixture of mayonnaise, parmesan cheese, and spices, then baked to golden perfection. This recipe ensures juicy, melt-in-your-mouth chicken that’s simple to prepare and perfect for a comforting dinner.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 3 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
- 1 cup buttermilk
Topping Sauce
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup parmesan cheese (grated)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon hot paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste (½ teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper for the sauce, plus additional salt and pepper for seasoning chicken)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a ziplock bag and pour in about 1 cup of buttermilk. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight to tenderize and infuse moisture into the chicken. After marinating, remove the chicken, rinse off the buttermilk, and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels.
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Set your oven to 375ºF (190ºC). Lightly spray or grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Prepare the Chicken for Baking: If you have large chicken breasts, slice each horizontally in half to create thinner cutlets; if using regular-sized breasts, leave them whole. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Arrange the chicken pieces evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Make the Mayonnaise-Parmesan Topping: In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, grated parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, hot paprika, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper. Stir well until all the ingredients are thoroughly blended into a smooth, flavorful topping.
- Top and Bake the Chicken: Spread the mayonnaise and parmesan mixture evenly over each chicken breast, covering the tops completely. Bake the dish uncovered in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and a meat thermometer inserted into the chicken registers between 150-155ºF (65-68ºC). Note that the chicken will continue to cook with residual heat after removal.
Notes
- Marinating in buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken and adds moisture for a juicier result.
- Use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness; chicken is safe to eat at 165ºF, but pulling it out slightly earlier ensures it stays tender and moist.
- Parmesan cheese adds a nutty flavor and helps create a crispy top layer.
- If you prefer spicier chicken, increase the hot paprika or add cayenne pepper to the topping mix.
- This dish pairs well with roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or rice.
