Best Chicken With Mayo and Parmesan Cheese for Juicy, Flavorful Weeknight Dinners

This easy chicken with mayo and parmesan cheese recipe is tender, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights. Learn how to make juicy baked chicken with simple ingredients, plus expert tips, variations, FAQs, and step-by-step instructions for the best results.

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Hi friend, pull up a cozy seat and let’s chat about one of my favorite weeknight dinners. If you’ve ever found yourself staring at two lonely chicken breasts and wondering what magic you can make with them, then this chicken with mayo and parmesan cheese recipe is going to feel like a little gift from the cooking gods.

It’s simple and dependable, and it’s wonderfully delicious in that comforting way only an oven-baked chicken dish can be. The mayo keeps the chicken tender and moist, while the Parmesan adds that salty, nutty bite. Then the breadcrumbs provide a light crunch that feels just right. It’s the kind of dish that makes the whole kitchen smell like a hug.

If you enjoy easy baked meals, you might also love this cozy dump-and-bake chicken parmesan casserole that carries those same comforting flavors.

My name is Angela. I live in sunny Florida, and as a home cook, mom of three grown kids, and someone who loves exploring new places, I’ve learned that great meals don’t have to be complicated. They just need heart, flavor, and a good recipe to guide the way. This one checks all those boxes, and I’m excited to share it with you.

Main Ingredients for the Best Chicken With Mayo and Parmesan Cheese

To make this recipe shine, you only need a handful of simple ingredients. Let’s go through each one together so you know exactly why they matter. Think of this as a little kitchen chat between friends.

• Skinless, Boneless Chicken Breasts
  These cook evenly and stay tender under the mayo mixture. Choose medium-sized breasts so everything bakes at the same pace.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese
  Parmesan adds a salty, savory depth that makes this chicken with mayo and parmesan cheese recipe pop. Grated Parmesan melts nicely and blends easily with the mayo.
• Mayonnaise
  Mayo might surprise you as a main ingredient, but trust me here. It keeps the chicken moist, adds flavor, and helps the Parmesan stick perfectly. It’s also the secret to that irresistible golden crust on top.
• Bread Crumbs
  A spoonful gives a nice crispy finish. Regular breadcrumbs work well, but you can also use panko if you want more crunch.
• Herbes de Provence
  This blend adds a fragrant, slightly floral aroma. It brings a gentle boost of flavor without overpowering the chicken.

Each ingredient works together to create a dish that’s comforting yet wonderfully flavorful. Nothing fancy, just good food made with simple pantry staples.

About Mayo & Parmesan

Mayo and Parmesan make a simple but incredibly effective combination for baked chicken. The mayonnaise keeps the meat tender and juicy while helping the cheese stick and brown evenly. Parmesan adds a salty, nutty flavor that turns golden and slightly crisp in the oven, giving the dish its rich, comforting finish.

If you enjoy how Parmesan transforms chicken, you might also like our classic Chicken Parmesan, a more traditional dish with crispy breading, marinara, and melted cheese.

Additional Ingredients (Optional but Wonderful)

Sometimes a recipe feels perfect as is, but adding a little twist can make the experience even better. If you’re feeling playful in the kitchen, try including a few of these extras.

• Fresh Garlic or Garlic Powder
  Garlic adds warmth and depth that pairs beautifully with Parmesan.
• Paprika
  A sprinkle on top gives a soft pop of color and smoky sweetness.
• Panko Bread Crumbs
  If you want more crunch, panko is the way to go.
• Lemon Zest
  A pinch of zest brightens the whole dish.
• Fresh Parsley or Basil
  Adds color and freshness, perfect for serving.

Feel free to mix and match. Cooking should feel flexible, fun, and pressure-free.

Expert Tips for Perfect Chicken With Mayo and Parmesan Cheese

Let’s get into the good stuff. These expert tips will help you turn this simple recipe into something truly memorable. I’ve cooked more chicken in my life than I can count, and trust me, these little insights make a big difference.

• Pound the Chicken for Even Cooking
  Uneven chicken breasts cook unevenly. A gentle pound helps them bake evenly and stay juicy.
• Don’t Skimp on the Mayo
  I know some folks feel shy about mayo, but here it’s the magic. Add a little extra if the chicken looks dry before baking.
• Use Real Parmesan, Not the Shaker Bottle
  Fresh-grated Parmesan melts better and tastes richer.
• Let the Chicken Rest
  Give it five minutes after baking so the juices settle.
• Bake on the Middle Rack
  This helps the chicken brown while staying moist.
• Internal Temperature Matters
  165°F is your goal. An instant-read thermometer saves the day.
• Add More Flavor If You Want
  Try garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, or herbs you love.

If you enjoy cheesy, family-friendly dishes, take a peek at this comforting cheesy chicken and rice casserole that brings the same warm, satisfying bite to the table.

These small details help elevate your chicken with mayo and parmesan cheese from simple to fantastic.

How to Make Chicken with Mayo and Parmesan Cheese

1. Step 1:
   Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).
2. Step 2:
   Place the chicken breasts in a lightly greased baking pan.
3. Step 3:
   Mix the grated Parmesan and mayonnaise until smooth and creamy.
4. Step 4:
   Spread the mixture evenly over the chicken.
5. Step 5:
   Sprinkle bread crumbs and herbes de Provence on top.
6. Step 6:
   Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the chicken reaches 165°F and the topping turns golden.
7. Step 7:
   Let the chicken rest before slicing.

Additional Guide: Variations and Special Cooking Tips

If you’re feeling adventurous, here are a few fun twists:

• Make It Spicy
  Add red pepper flakes or cayenne.
• Extra Cheesy
  Sprinkle mozzarella during the final minutes of baking.
• Different Herbs
  Try rosemary, thyme, or Italian seasoning.
• Use Chicken Thighs
  They stay super juicy.
• Add Veggies
  Cherry tomatoes, zucchini, or green beans roast beautifully.

If you enjoy adding a little heat or Tex-Mex flair to your dinners, try a bold twist like this dump and bake queso chicken and rice. It’s fun, flavorful, and just as easy.

These variations keep your cooking exciting without losing the heart of this cozy recipe.

FAQs

Conclusion

I hope this cozy recipe finds a happy place in your kitchen. Sometimes the simplest dishes bring the most joy. This chicken with mayo and parmesan cheese recipe has been a favorite in my Florida home for years. It’s quick, dependable, and perfect after a long day.

If you’d like something heartier to serve alongside it, you might enjoy a classic oven-baked chicken and rice that pairs wonderfully with this dish. And for a lighter twist on chicken dinners, try my fresh and bright one pan lemon basil chicken and rice next time you’re craving something sunny and simple.

Thanks for spending time with me today. Now go make something delicious and share it with the people you love.

Chicken With Mayo and Parmesan Cheese

This easy chicken with mayo and parmesan cheese comes out tender, juicy, and perfectly golden. A quick baked chicken recipe made with simple pantry ingredients.

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine American

Servings 2 servings

Calories 420 kcal

Equipment

• Baking Pan
• Mixing bowl
• Instant Read Thermometer

Ingredients

  

• 2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
• 2 1/2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp mayonnaise or more to taste
• 2 tbsp bread crumbs or more to taste
• 1 1/2 tsp herbes de Provence

Instructions

 

• Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Place chicken breasts in a baking pan.
• Mix the Parmesan cheese and mayonnaise together in a bowl until well combined.
• Spread the mixture evenly over the chicken breasts.
• Coat with bread crumbs and sprinkle with herbes de Provence.
• Bake until chicken is no longer pink in the center and juices run clear, 20 to 25 minutes.
• Ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C). Let rest before serving.

Notes

Feel free to add garlic powder, paprika, or swap in panko for extra crunch.

Keyword baked chicken, chicken with mayo and parmesan cheese, easy chicken recipes