There’s something so comforting about a chicken breast recipe baking in the ovenespecially one that smells buttery, garlicky, and just a little sweet. This particular recipe has gained significant traction, often described as having a “melt-in-your-mouth” texture that makes it incredibly satisfying. It’s simple enough for beginners, requires only about ten minutes of prep, and thendinner’s ready for the oven.
This delightful dish uses straightforward, everyday ingredients: mayonnaise (yes, really!), grated Parmesan, a blend of spices, and juicy chicken breasts. The result is pure comfort food, reminiscent of a creamy baked hug. Think of it as a go-to easy dinner to take to someone or one of those reliable easy family friendly meals. You’ll find all the details here!
I grew up with a similar dish on Sundays, where my aunt used crushed crackers for crispness. I’ve tested this version extensively to achieve the perfect golden crisp on top, and there’s a clever ingredient swap that also keeps it surprisingly light. It’s a trick you’ll appreciate!
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Breast Recipe
This recipe truly is a kitchen marvelminimal effort for maximum flavor. Here’s what makes it a standout:
- Beginner-friendly: No advanced culinary skills are needed. If you can mix ingredients and spread them, you’re all set for success.
- Quick and cozy: With just 10 minutes of hands-on prep, the oven does most of the work, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you need dinner fast.
- Flexible and sharable: It’s an ideal easy dinner to take to someone, or a crowd-pleaser for easy big family meals.
- Lightened-up option: Easily swap the mayonnaise for plain Greek yogurt for a healthier, tangier twist without sacrificing creaminess.

Key Ingredients and Swaps
This chicken breast recipe relies on simple, everyday staples you likely already have on hand. Let’s break down what you’ll need:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: These are the foundation of the dish. Pounding them to an even ¾-inch thickness ensures they cook uniformly and stay tender.
- Mayonnaise: This forms the rich, creamy base that keeps the chicken incredibly moist. For a lighter, tangy alternative, substitute with plain Greek yogurt.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds a crucial savory, nutty depth and contributes to the golden, crispy topping. Both pre-grated and freshly grated Parmesan work beautifully.
- Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper are essential for building a robust flavor profile. Feel free to add a pinch of paprika or Italian seasoning for an extra layer of taste.
Pro Tip: Keeping these core ingredients stocked means you’ll always be ready for an amazing easy chicken oven dinner recipe!
Step-By-Step Instructions
Making this chicken breast recipe couldn’t be simpler. Follow these easy steps for a delicious meal:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Place your chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic wrap and pound them to an even thicknessaim for about ¾ inch throughout. This helps them cook uniformly.
- In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Arrange the pounded chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Evenly spread the mayonnaise mixture over the tops of each chicken breast, ensuring they are fully coated. If desired, sprinkle with a little extra paprika or Italian seasoning for color and flavor.
- Bake uncovered for 35–45 minutes, or until the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer. For a crispier topping, broil for the last 2–3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Once cooked, remove the dish from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. This crucial step allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring super juicy and tender chicken.
Pro Tip: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked to 165°F (74°C) without drying out. And remember to wash your hands thoroughly after handling raw chicken!
Timing Breakdown
| Step | Time |
|---|---|
| Prep (mix, pound, spread) | 10 minutes |
| Bake | 35–45 minutes |
| Rest | 5 minutes |
Serving and Storage Tips
Transforming this chicken breast recipe into a comforting, family-friendly dinner is effortless:
- Pair with sides: Classic accompaniments like creamy mashed potatoes, simple roasted vegetables (like broccoli or asparagus), or warm, buttery dinner rolls make excellent matches.
- Make it sharable: This dish travels beautifully, making it a wonderful easy dinner to take to someone who might appreciate a homemade meal.
- Store leftovers: Keep any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through; this helps maintain the crispy topping. While convenient, microwaving can sometimes dry out the chicken.
Storage Tips At a Glance
| Storage Method | Time |
|---|---|
| Fridge (cooked) | 3–4 days |
| Freezer (uncooked) | Up to 2 months |
Pro Tip: To freeze uncooked, coated chicken breasts, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to an airtight, freezer-safe bag or container. You can bake them straight from frozen, simply add an extra 10–15 minutes to the cooking time until they reach 165°F (74°C).
Expert Says: Mastering Texture in Chicken Breast Recipes
Achieving tender, juicy chicken breast requires balancing cooking time and temperature carefully. This chicken breast recipe highlights the importance of not overcooking to maintain moisture, while proper seasoning enhances natural flavors. Applying these techniques transforms a simple protein into a flavorful, satisfying meal every time.
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Learning to Nail the Perfect Chicken Breast Recipe
After many attempts, including a few too-dry dinners, I finally found the balance of seasoning and cooking time to make this chicken breast recipe shine. It took patience and some trial and error, but this version is tender, flavorful, and easy to pull together for busy weeknights.
FAQs ( Chicken Breast Recipe )
How do I keep chicken breast moist and tender?
To keep chicken breast juicy, avoid overcooking by using a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F. Marinate the chicken or brine it briefly before cooking to add moisture. Cooking at medium heat and letting the meat rest before slicing helps lock in the juices for a tender texture.
What are some quick sides to serve with this dish?
Simple sides like steamed green beans, roasted sweet potatoes, or a fresh garden salad complement the flavors well. For an easy dinner to take to someone, consider packing quinoa or brown rice and some steamed broccoli for a balanced meal. These quick sides keep the meal wholesome without extra fuss.
Can I make this recipe ahead for busy nights?
Absolutely, this recipe is great for meal prepping. Cook the chicken fully, then store it in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid drying out and pair with quick salads or steamed veggies for easy family friendly meals any night of the week.
Is this recipe healthy for family dinners?
Yes, this dish focuses on lean protein and can be paired with nutrient-rich sides for a balanced meal. Using simple seasonings and cooking methods avoids excess fat, making it ideal for healthy quick dinner recipes families. Suitable portion sizes and fresh ingredients support overall wellness.
What is the best way to cook this chicken in the oven?
Bake the chicken at 375°F on a lightly oiled baking sheet or dish. Cooking times usually range from 20 to 25 minutes depending on thickness. Using a meat thermometer ensures perfectly cooked chicken, and covering it loosely with foil helps retain moisture during baking.

Conclusion
This chicken breast recipe truly is a weeknight heroeffortlessly ready in under an hour with simple ingredients that deliver tender, juicy chicken and that irresistible golden topping. You’ll love how straightforward it is, yet so satisfyingly full of comforting flavor, making it a reliable choice among your easy chicken oven dinner recipes.
Don’t hesitate to personalize it! Mix in fresh herbs like thyme, or swap the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt for a lighter touchlittle adjustments that keep the recipe exciting. The leftovers store beautifully, making it a smart choice for easy dinner meals with chicken or even an easy dinner to take to someone. Remember this crucial tip: always let the chicken rest before slicing for maximum juiciness!
Got your own creative spins on this cozy classic? I’d love to see your photos or hear about your family’s favorite add-ins in the comments below. Did this recipe evoke memories of a dish from your childhood? Share the love and pass this easy family friendly meal alongbecause good recipes, like good company, are always better when shared.

Chicken Breast Recipe: Quick and Irresistible Meal
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line with parchment paper.
- Pound chicken breasts to even thickness (about ¾ inch thick) for even cooking.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Spread the mixture evenly on top of each chicken breast, covering the entire surface.
- Place in baking dish and sprinkle optional paprika or Italian seasoning on top.
- Bake uncovered for 35–45 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the top is golden.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving for maximum juiciness.
Notes
- ✅ Pounding the chicken is key to even cooking and tender texture.
- ✅ Use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness without drying out the chicken.
- ✅ For a crispy crust, broil for the last 2–3 minutes.
- ✅ Greek yogurt gives a tangy, lighter version — great for cutting fat.










