If your evenings look anything like mine—chaos with a splash of “What’s for dinner?”—then this is the kind of magic you need in your recipe box. Chicken breast recipes with mayonnaise and parmesan cheese are like a warm hug from your oven. It’s one of those dinners that feels fancy enough for guests but easy enough to throw together in the middle of a Tuesday meltdown (yours or the kids, no judgment here).
This dish brings the best of both worlds: the juicy tenderness of baked chicken with a cheesy, golden topping that’s got just the right amount of crisp. And yes—it only takes about 30 minutes start to finish. I call that a win.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Breast Recipe with Mayonnaise and Parmesan Cheese
Here’s the deal: the mayonnaise locks in moisture, so you’re not dealing with dry, sad chicken (we’ve all been there), while the parmesan adds that nutty, salty bite that makes you want to lick the plate. Bonus? There’s no breading, no frying, and no mess. Just flavor-packed chicken with a creamy-crunchy topping that somehow makes your picky eater ask for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to bring this cheesy dream to life — no stress, no obscure pantry raids required:
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts – sliced in half for quicker cooking and maximum surface area for the good stuff.
- Kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder – your classic flavor boosters.
- Mayonnaise – keeps the chicken juicy and adds richness.
- Parmesan cheese – shredded, and trust me, the real deal (not the green can) makes a difference.
- Fresh parsley – totally optional, but it adds a fresh pop and makes it look a little extra.
NOTE: The full list with exact measurements is waiting for you in the recipe card below!
Let’s Make It: Step-by-Step
1. Prep Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Give a 9×13-inch baking dish a quick spray with cooking spray so nothing sticks.
2. Season Your Chicken
In a small bowl, stir together your salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Then, give your sliced chicken breasts a good, even rub-down with this seasoning mix. Lay them flat in the prepared dish.
3. Make the Creamy Magic
In a medium bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, half of the parmesan, plus a little more garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This mixture is your flavor blanket—spread it generously over each chicken piece.
4. Finish with Cheese (Always Cheese)
Sprinkle the rest of the parmesan over the top. Don’t worry if it piles up a bit—it’ll melt into that dreamy, golden crust.
5. Bake to Bubbling Perfection
Pop the dish in the oven for 20–22 minutes, or until your chicken hits that safe 165°F mark and the cheese is melted and lightly browned. Garnish with parsley if you’re feeling fancy.
Tips for Delicious Success
- Slice Smart: Halving the chicken breasts means they cook faster and more evenly—no raw centers or dried-out edges.
- Don’t Skimp on the Cheese: Using a good block of parmesan that you shred yourself makes a world of difference in flavor and texture.
- Let It Rest: Give the chicken 5 minutes after baking to lock in those juices before serving.
And if the top looks too golden before the inside is cooked through, just loosely cover with foil. Easy fix!
A Little Kitchen Backstory
This one was born out of pure desperation—two hungry kids, one tired mom (me), and exactly 30 minutes until bedtime. I threw this together with what I had in the fridge and not only did it work, but it also got rave reviews at the dinner table. Now it’s on monthly rotation, especially when craving comfort without the casserole-level cleanup.
FAQs
Can I substitute the mayonnaise?
Yes! Greek yogurt works if you want a lighter option, though the texture and richness will be slightly different.
How should I store leftovers?
Pop leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Totally! You can prep the chicken and mayo topping earlier in the day and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
There’s something so satisfying about pulling a dish like this out of the oven—golden, bubbling, and practically begging to be served with a big spoonful of mashed potatoes or a crisp green salad. Whether you’re cooking for your family, your friends, or just your future self (hello, leftovers), this chicken breast recipe with mayonnaise and parmesan cheese is here to make your life deliciously easier.
Give it a try this week—and hey, don’t be surprised when someone asks for the recipe.
Print
Chicken Breast Recipes with Mayonnaise and Parmesan Cheese
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Chicken Breast with Mayonnaise and Parmesan Cheese is a weeknight dinner hero—juicy, cheesy, and irresistibly creamy. With just a few pantry staples and under 30 minutes in the oven, this no-fuss dish delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. A guaranteed family favorite!
Ingredients
Chicken:
3 boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced in half horizontally for a total of 6 chicken breasts (about 1 ½ pounds chicken)
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
Mayonnaise Mixture:
½ cup (116 g) mayonnaise, room temperature
1 cup (100 g) parmesan cheese, shredded, divided
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 400°F. Lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish or sheet pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.Season the Chicken
In a small bowl, combine kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Rub the mixture evenly over both sides of each chicken breast half. Lay them flat in the prepared dish.Prepare the Mayonnaise Mixture
In a medium bowl, mix together mayonnaise, half the shredded parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy.Top the Chicken
Spread the mayo mixture evenly over each seasoned chicken breast. Then sprinkle the remaining parmesan on top for a golden, bubbly crust.Bake to Perfection
Bake for 20–22 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the top is golden and bubbling. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
Use freshly grated parmesan cheese for best texture and taste—pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that don’t melt as nicely.
Don’t worry if the mayo looks thick—it transforms into a luscious topping once baked.
If using thinner chicken breasts, reduce baking time to avoid overcooking.
Serve this dish with roasted vegetables or a crisp salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Chicken Breast Recipes
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast half
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
Keywords: chicken breast recipes with mayonnaise and parmesan cheese, baked chicken with mayo, parmesan crusted chicken, easy chicken dinner, low carb chicken recipe, creamy baked chicken, no breading chicken recipe, family chicken dinner
