If you’ve been searching for a creamy baked chicken recipe that’s quick to make, packed with flavor, and requires only a few pantry staples, this Mayo and Parmesan Chicken is exactly what you need. This easy weeknight dinner combines tender, juicy chicken breasts with a rich layer of creamy mayonnaise and nutty Parmesan cheese. As it bakes, the sauce turns into a golden, flavorful crust that’s absolutely irresistible.
This recipe is perfect for beginners, busy home cooks, or anyone who loves comfort food without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s proof that simple ingredients can deliver gourmet-level results with very little effort. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal-prepping for the week, or hosting guests, this baked Parmesan mayo chicken will impress every time.
🧂 Why You’ll Love This Baked Mayo Parmesan Chicken
This dish is a beautiful balance of creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors. The mayonnaise locks in the chicken’s natural juices, keeping it moist even after baking. The Parmesan adds a subtle nuttiness and forms a golden crust that’s lightly crisp on the edges and creamy underneath.
Here’s what makes it special:
- 5-minute prep time: Perfect for busy nights.
- Only a few ingredients: Everything you likely have at home.
- No marinating or frying required: Just mix, spread, and bake.
- Crowd favorite: Loved by kids and adults alike.
- Versatile: Pairs beautifully with vegetables, pasta, or rice.
This is one of those “set it and forget it” meals that practically cooks itself while filling your kitchen with the delicious aroma of roasted garlic and Parmesan.
🍗 Choosing the Best Chicken
The foundation of this recipe is, of course, the chicken itself. For the best results:
- Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They bake evenly and stay juicy under the mayo-Parmesan layer.
- Pound thicker breasts slightly to ensure even cooking.
- For extra tenderness, you can brine your chicken for 30 minutes in salted water before baking.
- Prefer dark meat? Swap the chicken breasts for boneless thighs. They stay even more succulent and flavorful.
🧀 The Magic of Mayonnaise and Parmesan
This duo might sound simple, but together they create magic in the oven.
- Mayonnaise: Acts as a flavor carrier and moisture barrier. It ensures your chicken doesn’t dry out and helps the topping stick perfectly.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds richness and that signature nutty umami flavor that browns beautifully while baking. Freshly grated Parmesan is ideal, but pre-grated works too for convenience.
When combined with garlic powder, seasoning salt, and pepper, the mixture forms a thick, spreadable coating that turns golden and bubbly in the oven.
🌿 Flavor Enhancements and Add-Ins
While the classic version is fantastic on its own, there are several delicious variations you can try:
- Crispy Crust Upgrade:
Sprinkle breadcrumbs or crushed Ritz crackers on top of the mayo-Parmesan mixture before baking for a lightly crunchy topping. - Herb Lovers’ Version:
Add 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning or fresh chopped herbs like parsley, thyme, or basil for an aromatic touch. - Garlic Butter Twist:
Melt 1 tablespoon butter with minced garlic and drizzle it over the chicken before adding the topping. - Cheese Lovers’ Blend:
Mix Parmesan with mozzarella or cheddar for extra gooey, melty texture. - Zesty Kick:
Add a pinch of paprika, cayenne pepper, or lemon zest to the topping mix for brightness and a touch of heat.
🕒 Step-by-Step Method (Detailed Guide)
This creamy Parmesan chicken couldn’t be simpler to prepare. Follow these easy steps for perfect results every time:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). This moderate temperature allows the chicken to cook through while giving the topping time to caramelize and form a golden crust.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Topping
In a small bowl, combine the following:
- ⅔ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon seasoning salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Stir until the mixture becomes smooth and spreadable. You should be able to easily coat the chicken with it.
Pro Tip: You can use a combination of mayonnaise and Greek yogurt for a slightly lighter but still creamy texture.
Step 3: Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel to help the topping stick better. Arrange them in a lightly greased baking dish.
Step 4: Coat Generously
Spread the mayonnaise mixture evenly over each chicken breast using the back of a spoon or spatula. Make sure to cover the surface completely—this ensures even flavor and moisture.
Step 5: Bake Until Perfect
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40–45 minutes. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the top turns golden brown.
If you prefer a crispier finish, switch to broil mode for the last 2–3 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Once baked, let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute for maximum tenderness.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
This versatile chicken dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Here are a few delicious serving ideas:
- Classic pairing: Serve over creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy jasmine rice.
- Low-carb option: Pair with steamed broccoli, roasted zucchini, or cauliflower mash.
- Mediterranean-style: Serve with couscous, roasted peppers, and a drizzle of olive oil.
- Salad combo: Slice the baked chicken and serve it over a crisp Caesar salad or mixed greens.
- Pasta night: Toss with fettuccine Alfredo or garlic butter noodles for a luxurious meal.
🧊 Make Ahead, Storage, and Reheating
This recipe is perfect for meal prep or make-ahead dinners:
- Make Ahead: Prepare the chicken with the mayo-Parmesan topping up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate. Bake when ready.
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.
- Reheating: Warm gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes or microwave briefly in 30-second intervals.
- Freezing: Once baked and cooled, store portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
🥣 Healthier Variations
Want to make this dish a bit lighter without losing its creamy charm? Try these swaps:
- Replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or light mayo for reduced fat and extra protein.
- Use low-fat Parmesan or part-skim mozzarella.
- Bake with a thin layer of olive oil spray on top for crispness without excess calories.
Each modification keeps the texture luscious and the taste comforting, while trimming the calorie count.
👩🍳 Pro Cooking Tips
- Always use a thermometer to ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked—no guesswork needed.
- Avoid overbaking, as chicken breast can dry out quickly once past 165°F (74°C).
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken with lemon juice and garlic for 15 minutes before topping with the mayo mixture.
- Want a gourmet presentation? Sprinkle chopped parsley and grated Parmesan before serving.
💡 FAQ Section
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Boneless, skinless thighs work wonderfully. Just adjust the baking time slightly—about 30–35 minutes depending on thickness.
2. Can I make this in an air fryer?
Absolutely. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 18–20 minutes. The air fryer gives an even crispier top.
3. What can I substitute for Parmesan?
Try Romano, Asiago, or even a blend of Parmesan and mozzarella for a milder flavor.
4. Can I make it spicy?
Yes—add cayenne, paprika, or a few chili flakes to the topping mix.
5. How do I prevent soggy chicken?
Pat the chicken dry before adding the topping and don’t overcrowd your baking dish.
🧾 Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: 435
- Protein: 29g
- Fat: 34g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 1150mg
- Cholesterol: 97mg
This creamy Parmesan chicken delivers rich satisfaction with minimal carbs—perfect for low-carb, keto, or gluten-free diets.
