This 4-Ingredient Melt-in-Your-Mouth Chicken is the ultimate low-effort dinner that tastes like you tried way harder than you did. Juicy chicken breasts bake under a creamy mayo-Parmesan topping with garlic powder, creating a golden, cheesy crust that locks in moisture and turns every bite tender. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or when you need a reliable easy baked chicken recipe that the whole family will eat. Bonus: it’s naturally gluten-free and low-carb, and you can have it in the oven in under 10 minutes. Serve with roasted veggies, salad, or cauliflower rice for an effortless, satisfying meal.
table of contents
Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 5–10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20–25 minutes (+ 2–3 minutes broil)
- Total Time: 30–35 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ingredients List
- ⅔ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese (about 2 oz)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1½ lb total)
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.
- 9×13-inch broiler-safe baking dish
- Small mixing bowl
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Sharp knife + cutting board
- Paper towels
- Spoon or spatula (for spreading)
- Instant-read thermometer (recommended)
Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions
- Preheat oven: Set oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix topping: In a small bowl, stir together mayo, Parmesan, and garlic powder until thick and creamy. 🧀
- Prep chicken: Slice chicken breasts horizontally to make 4 thinner cutlets. Pat dry with paper towels.
- Season: Sprinkle all sides with salt and black pepper.
- Arrange: Place chicken in a single layer in a 9×13 baking dish.
- Top it: Spread the mayo mixture evenly over each piece (like frosting—don’t be shy!).
- Bake: Bake 20–25 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F in the thickest part.
- Broil for color: Switch oven to broil and broil 2–3 minutes until the top is golden and lightly bubbly. Watch closely! 🔥
- Serve: Rest 3 minutes, garnish with parsley, and serve warm ✨
Pro Tips
- Even cooking: Thin cutlets bake faster and stay juicier than thick breasts.
- Extra flavor: Add ½ tsp Italian seasoning or paprika to the topping.
- Don’t skip the thermometer: It guarantees perfect doneness without drying out.
- Meal prep: Slice and store for salads, wraps, or bowls all week.
Nutrition Table
| Serving Size | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 plate | 529 | 43.5g | 1.1g | 37.7g | 0.1g | 0g |
Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.
4-Ingredient Melt-in-Your-Mouth Chicken
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a small bowl, stir together mayonnaise, Parmesan, and garlic powder until smooth.
- Slice chicken breasts in half horizontally to make 4 cutlets. Pat dry and season with salt and pepper.
- Place chicken in a single layer in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the mayo mixture evenly over the top.
- Bake 20–25 minutes, until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part.
- Broil 2–3 minutes until the top is golden brown (watch closely).
- Rest 3 minutes, garnish with parsley if desired, and serve.
Nutrition
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When you need a fast dinner that feels comforting and tastes amazing, this 4-Ingredient Melt-in-Your-Mouth Chicken delivers every time—juicy inside, golden on top, and unbelievably easy.