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Melt in Your Mouth Chicken Breast – Juicy, Tender and Foolproof Every Time

Melt in your mouth chicken breast baked with creamy Parmesan topping, golden and juicy on a white plate

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This foolproof baked chicken breast uses a creamy Parmesan and mayonnaise topping to lock in moisture and create a golden crust. Minimal prep, keto-friendly, and high protein.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 23 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup mayonnaise (or plain full-fat Greek yogurt, 4% milk fat)
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line with parchment paper. Pat chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels for better adhesion and browning.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and fully blended with no dry pockets.
  3. Spread the creamy mixture generously over the top of each chicken breast, covering the entire surface from edge to edge. The coating should be at least 1/4 inch thick to lock in moisture properly.
  4. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). The topping should be golden and slightly bubbly. For extra browning, broil for the last 2-3 minutes of the cook time. Watch closely so it does not burn.
  5. Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute for a perfectly juicy, tender result.

Notes

  • Full-fat mayonnaise creates the best moisture-sealing effect. Do not substitute with light or reduced-fat mayo.
  • If using Greek yogurt, it must be plain and full-fat (4% milk fat) to prevent a watery topping and dry chicken.
  • Always use a meat thermometer and pull the chicken at exactly 165 degrees F to avoid overbaking.
  • Pat chicken completely dry before coating for better adhesion and a more golden finish.

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