Description
A tender and juicy chicken recipe coated in a creamy, savory crust that caramelizes in the oven, making weeknight dinners a breeze.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 pieces Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 to 8 ounces each) (Pound to even thickness for even cooking.)
- 1/2 cup Mayonnaise or Greek yogurt (Use mayonnaise for a richer flavor or Greek yogurt for a lighter option.)
- 1/2 cup Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (Freshly grated melts and browns better than pre-shredded.)
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced (Fresh garlic gives more punch.)
- 1 teaspoon Onion powder (Adds soft warmth.)
- 1 teaspoon Paprika (Provides warmth and color.)
- 1 teaspoon Salt (Season generously.)
- 1/2 teaspoon Pepper (Season to taste.)
- 1 tablespoon Lemon juice or vinegar (Brightens and tenderizes the chicken.)
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil or melted butter (optional) (Adds a glossy finish.)
Instructions
Preparation
- Pat your chicken dry and pound it to an even thickness, about three quarters of an inch.
- Mix the topping by stirring together mayonnaise or Greek yogurt, Parmesan, garlic, onion powder, paprika, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until thick and spreadable.
- Spread the mixture on top of each piece of chicken, about a quarter inch thick, avoiding the sides.
- Let the chicken sit for 10 minutes while the oven preheats.
Cooking
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment.
- Bake the chicken for 22 to 28 minutes, aiming for an internal temperature of 165°F.
- If the topping isn’t browning, broil for 1 to 2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing for best results.
Notes
For extra tender chicken, consider splitting thick pieces in half. Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor. You can also pre-mix the topping up to 2 days in advance.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Cuisine: American