Melt in Your Mouth Chicken
With creamy mayo and savory seasoning! So tender, so juicy. Just melts with every bite!
Ingredients
For this incredible melt in your mouth chicken recipe, you'll need:
- 4 boneless , skinless chicken breasts (approximately 2 pounds)
- ½ cup mayonnaise (can substitute Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (pre-grated works but fresh provides better flavor)
- ¾ teaspoon garlic powder (or 2 fresh minced garlic cloves for more robust flavor)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (Mediterranean herb blend works beautifully too)
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (regular paprika works, but smoked adds delightful depth)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs (gluten-free option available)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Ø Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the ChickenBegin by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels – this often-skipped step ensures 30% better adhesion of the flavorful coating. For even cooking, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch using a meat mallet or heavy skillet. If your chicken breasts are particularly large, consider slicing them horizontally to create thinner cutlets. Season both sides lightly with salt and pepper, then place them in a shallow dish.Step 2: Create the Magic MarinadeIn a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, 3 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese (reserve the rest for later), garlic powder, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Mix until completely smooth and integrated. This creamy mixture is the secret weapon behind the melt-in-your-mouth texture – the enzymes in the mayonnaise work to tenderize the chicken while the seasonings infuse it with flavor.Step 3: Coat and MarinateGenerously spread the marinade mixture over all sides of the chicken breasts, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. For best results, cover the dish and refrigerate for 30 minutes (or up to 8 hours if preparing ahead). This marination period allows the proteins in the chicken to relax, resulting in meat that's noticeably more tender than non-marinated chicken.Step 4: Prepare for BakingPreheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a baking dish. In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with the remaining Parmesan cheese and olive oil. This mixture creates a crispy, golden exterior that perfectly contrasts with the ultra-tender interior of the chicken.Step 5: Bake to PerfectionPlace the marinated chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of each piece, gently pressing to adhere. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the coating is golden brown. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
