There’s something wildly comforting about a recipe that feels like a warm hug after a long day—and for me, that’s this baked parmesan mayo chicken.
The first time I tried it, I couldn’t believe how incredibly moist and flavorful the chicken turned out with just a handful of pantry staples.
It’s now one of those go-to meals I keep in rotation when I want something fuss-free yet totally satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Only 6 ingredients – All easy to find and budget-friendly.
Incredibly juicy – The mayo locks in moisture like magic.
Golden cheesy crust – Parmesan takes this dish over the top.
No marinating needed – Just mix, spread, and bake.
Crowd favorite – My family devours this every single time.
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless cuts work best—trimmed and ready to absorb flavor.
Mayonnaise: Adds richness and keeps the chicken tender.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly shredded for melty, golden flavor.
Italian seasoning & garlic powder: Layers in herby, aromatic depth.
Salt & pepper: Simple but essential to season the meat.
Pro Tips Before You Start
Use room temperature mayonnaise for smoother mixing.
If your chicken breasts are thick, consider slicing them horizontally for even cooking.
For best texture, avoid overbaking—165°F internal temp is your golden number.
Freshly grated Parmesan gives better melt and flavor than pre-shredded.
Don’t skip the 5-minute rest post-baking—it lets juices settle for maximum tenderness.
How to Make Baked Parmesan Mayo Chicken
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Lightly grease a 9×13” baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking and set it aside.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts evenly into the dish.
Sprinkle each with salt and black pepper to taste.
Step 3: Make the Parmesan Mayo Mixture
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, shredded Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder until fully combined.
Step 4: Spread the Mixture Over the Chicken
Dollop the mayo-cheese mixture evenly over the chicken.
Use a spatula to spread it so that each piece is fully coated.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Juicy
Place the dish into a preheated 400°F oven.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.
If the topping starts browning too quickly, cover loosely with foil.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Remove the dish from the oven.
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving—this helps keep it juicy.
What to Serve It With
Creamy mashed potatoes or buttery rice
Steamed broccoli, asparagus, or green beans
A crisp Caesar salad or garlic bread
Roasted baby carrots or herbed cauliflower
Variations / Substitutions
Swap the mayo: Try Greek yogurt or sour cream for a tangy twist.
Add a kick: Sprinkle red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce into the mixture.
Use different cheese: Add some mozzarella for extra gooeyness.
Make it low-carb: Serve with cauliflower rice or sautéed spinach.
Storage & Leftovers
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes, or microwave in 1-minute intervals until heated through.
Freeze: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil; freeze up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless thighs also work well—just adjust bake time as needed.
Is it okay to use light mayo?
You can, but full-fat mayo gives the best texture and flavor.
Can I prep this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble everything in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Do I need to marinate the chicken first?
Nope! The mayo mixture acts like a built-in marinade during baking.
What’s the best way to tell when it’s done?
Use a meat thermometer—165°F is your cue to pull it from the oven.
Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
Definitely—just use a larger baking dish or two pans to avoid overcrowding.
Is it gluten-free?
Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but double-check your seasoning blends just to be sure.
Final Thoughts
This baked parmesan mayo chicken is the kind of recipe I rely on when I want something that feels indulgent without needing a culinary degree or hours in the kitchen.
It’s creamy, flavorful, and wildly satisfying—perfect for busy weeknights or even casual gatherings. I hope you love it as much as I do!
Juicy and Effortless Baked Parmesan Mayo Chicken
Ingredients
Method
- Lightly grease a 9x13" baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
- Arrange the chicken breasts evenly in the dish and season with salt and pepper.
- In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese.
- Italian seasoning, and garlic powder until smooth.
- Spoon the mixture over the chicken and spread evenly to coat.
- Bake at 400°F for 20–25 minutes, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- See full steps with tips & photos → https://theboatshedcafe.com/juicy-and-easy-baked-parmesan-mayo-chicken-reci
Notes
- Use freshly shredded Parmesan for best melt and flavor.
- Don’t overbake—check for 165°F internal temperature to keep chicken juicy.
- Works well with thighs or tenders too—adjust time accordingly.
