Juicy, creamy, foolproof weeknight chicken bake

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This 4-Ingredient Melt-in-Your-Mouth Chicken is the definition of easy comfort food. With just mayo, Parmesan, garlic, and chicken breasts, you get incredibly tender, juicy pieces baked in a creamy, savory topping that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or when you need a simple main dish that works with almost any side rice, potatoes, pasta, or veggies. The prep takes just a few minutes, the oven does the rest, and cleanup is minimal. If you love quick chicken recipes that actually deliver on flavor, this is a must-pin keeper for your dinner board.

table of contents

Time Breakdown

  • Prep Time: 5–10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
  • Total Time: 25–35 minutes
  • Servings: 4

Ingredients List

  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
    • (about 1½ lb / 680 g total, cut in half horizontally to make 4 pieces)
  • ⅔ cup mayonnaise
  • ½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese (about 2 oz / 56 g)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

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 oven-safe (and broiler-safe) baking dish
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Spoon or spatula
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Instant-read thermometer (helpful for doneness)

Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

  1. Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s hot and ready when your chicken is prepped.

2. Make the Creamy Topping

  1. In a small mixing bowl, stir together:
    • ⅔ cup mayonnaise
    • ½ cup finely grated Parmesan
    • 1 tsp garlic powder
  2. Mix until smooth and creamy. The mixture should be thick enough to spread easily.

3. Prep the Chicken

  1. Cut each chicken breast in half horizontally to make 4 thinner pieces.
  2. Pat each piece dry with paper towels so the topping sticks better and the chicken browns nicely.
  3. Season both sides of the chicken with:
    • 1 tsp kosher salt
    • ¼ tsp black pepper

4. Assemble

  1. Place the chicken pieces in a single layer in your 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Divide the mayo-Parmesan mixture over the top of each piece and spread into an even layer, edge to edge. The coating should fully cover the top surface.

5. Bake

  1. Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until:
    • The chicken is cooked through, and
    • An instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads at least 165°F (74°C).
  2. The topping should look creamy and lightly golden around the edges.

6. Broil for Extra Color

  1. Switch your oven to broil.
  2. Broil the chicken for 2–3 minutes, just until the top is golden-brown and slightly bubbly.
  • Watch closely so it doesn’t burn.

7. Serve

  1. Remove from the oven and let rest for 2–3 minutes so the juices settle.
  2. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color (optional).
  3. Serve with your favorite sides—steamed veggies, salad, rice, or roasted potatoes—and enjoy that melt-in-your-mouth texture. 😋

Pro Tips

  • Don’t overbake: Pull the chicken out as soon as it reaches 165°F for juicy, tender meat.
  • Thicker chicken? Add a few minutes of bake time before broiling.
  • Lower-fat option: You can swap part of the mayo for plain Greek yogurt, but the texture will be slightly less rich.
  • Make it a meal: Serve over rice or pasta and spoon extra creamy topping over the top.

Nutrition Table (Estimated)

Per serving (1 piece, based on 4 servings):

Serving SizeCaloriesProteinCarbsFatFiberSugar
1 portion52943.5g1g37.7g0g0g

Nutrition Disclaimer: Nutrition values are estimated using the provided data and may vary based on the brands and exact quantities you use. For specific dietary needs, please calculate using your own ingredients or consult a nutrition professional.

4-Ingredient Melt-in-Your-Mouth Chicken

This juicy, creamy baked chicken uses just 4 main ingredients and delivers melt-in-your-mouth texture with almost zero effort.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 529
Ingredients Method Nutrition

Ingredients
  

  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 1/2 lb total), halved horizontally
  • 2/3 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese (about 2 oz)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • as desired chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, and garlic powder until smooth.
  3. Cut chicken breasts in half horizontally to make 4 thin pieces. Pat dry.
  4. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Place in a 9×13-inch broiler-safe dish.
  5. Spread mayonnaise mixture over the top of each chicken piece.
  6. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C).
  7. Broil for 2–3 minutes until golden-brown on top. Watch closely.
  8. Let rest a few minutes. Garnish with parsley if desired. Serve warm.

Nutrition

Calories: 529kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 43.5gFat: 37.7g

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Conclusion

This 4-Ingredient Melt-in-Your-Mouth Chicken proves that you don’t need a long ingredient list to make something seriously delicious. With a quick prep, one pan, and a handful of staples, you get tender, juicy chicken with a rich, creamy topping that works for weeknights, hosting, or meal prep. Pin it, print it, and keep it in your “easy dinners” rotation it’s one of those recipes everyone asks you for. ✨