Discover the deliciousness of Mayo Parmesan Chicken, a quick and easy dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. With juicy chicken breasts coated in a savory mayonnaise and Parmesan mixture, this recipe delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 ½ pounds)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cracked pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions:
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
Season the Chicken:
Season the chicken on both sides with the smoked paprika, salt, and cracked pepper. Arrange the chicken breasts in an even layer in the prepared baking dish.
Prepare the Topping:
In a bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ½ cup of shredded Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until well mixed.
Coat the Chicken:
Spread the mayonnaise mixture evenly over each piece of chicken. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of Parmesan cheese over the top of each chicken breast.
Bake:
Bake the chicken for 25 minutes or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken reads 165°F (74°C).
Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving for a touch of color and freshness.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Serving and Storage Tips:
Serving Tips:
- Pairing Suggestions: Mayo Parmesan Chicken pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Try serving it with roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts, a fresh garden salad, or creamy mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
- Garnish for Extra Flavor: For an extra burst of flavor, garnish the chicken with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or basil just before serving.
- Complementary Sauces: Serve with a side of ranch dressing or a simple homemade garlic aioli for dipping. A light drizzle of balsamic glaze can also add a delightful tangy contrast to the savory chicken.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The chicken will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. Reheating in the oven helps maintain the crispy texture of the topping. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the microwave, but the coating may not remain as crispy.
- Freezing: Although freezing is possible, the texture of the mayonnaise and Parmesan topping may change slightly after thawing and reheating. If you choose to freeze, wrap each chicken breast tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil or place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then follow the reheating instructions above.
Variations:
1. Herb-Crusted Mayo Parmesan Chicken:
- Ingredients: Add 1 teaspoon of dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme) to the mayonnaise mixture.
- Directions: Follow the original recipe, incorporating the herbs into the mayonnaise mixture for an aromatic twist.
2. Spicy Mayo Parmesan Chicken:
- Ingredients: Add 1 teaspoon of hot sauce and 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the mayonnaise mixture.
- Directions: Follow the original recipe, incorporating the hot sauce and cayenne pepper into the mayonnaise mixture for a spicy kick.
3. Lemon Garlic Mayo Parmesan Chicken:
- Ingredients: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and 1 tablespoon of minced garlic to the mayonnaise mixture.
- Directions: Follow the original recipe, incorporating the lemon juice and garlic into the mayonnaise mixture for a zesty, garlicky flavor.
4. Pesto Mayo Parmesan Chicken:
- Ingredients: Substitute 2 tablespoons of basil pesto for 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise in the mixture.
- Directions: Follow the original recipe, incorporating the pesto into the mayonnaise mixture for a delicious basil flavor.
5. Dijon Mustard Mayo Parmesan Chicken:
- Ingredients: Add 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard to the mayonnaise mixture.
- Directions: Follow the original recipe, incorporating the Dijon mustard into the mayonnaise mixture for a tangy mustard flavor.
6. BBQ Mayo Parmesan Chicken:
- Ingredients: Add 2 tablespoons of your favorite BBQ sauce to the mayonnaise mixture.
- Directions: Follow the original recipe, incorporating the BBQ sauce into the mayonnaise mixture for a sweet and smoky taste.
7. Ranch Mayo Parmesan Chicken:
- Ingredients: Add 1 tablespoon of ranch seasoning mix to the mayonnaise mixture.
- Directions: Follow the original recipe, incorporating the ranch seasoning into the mayonnaise mixture for a creamy ranch flavor.
8. Cheddar Parmesan Chicken:
- Ingredients: Use 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup of shredded Parmesan cheese.
- Directions: Follow the original recipe, mixing both cheeses into the mayonnaise mixture for a cheesy twist.
9. Mediterranean Mayo Parmesan Chicken:
- Ingredients: Add 1/4 cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes and 1/4 cup of chopped black olives to the mayonnaise mixture.
- Directions: Follow the original recipe, incorporating the sun-dried tomatoes and olives into the mayonnaise mixture for a Mediterranean flair.
10. Buffalo Mayo Parmesan Chicken:
- Ingredients: Add 1 tablespoon of buffalo sauce and 1 teaspoon of ranch seasoning to the mayonnaise mixture.
- Directions: Follow the original recipe, incorporating the buffalo sauce and ranch seasoning into the mayonnaise mixture for a tangy, spicy Buffalo chicken flavor.
11. Herb-Crusted Mayo Parmesan Chicken: Add fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil to the mayonnaise mixture for an aromatic twist. The fresh herbs will infuse the chicken with extra flavor and a beautiful aroma.
12. Spicy Mayo Parmesan Chicken: Mix some hot sauce or cayenne pepper into the mayonnaise mixture for a spicy kick. This variation is perfect for those who enjoy a bit of heat in their meals.
These variations can be customized further to suit your taste preferences, making Mayo Parmesan Chicken a versatile and delightful dish for any occasion.
FAQs:
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs can be used, but cooking time may need to be adjusted as thighs often take longer to cook. - Is there a low-fat version of this recipe?
You can substitute the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt to reduce fat content. - Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken with the topping and refrigerate it for a few hours before baking. - What sides pair well with Mayo Parmesan Chicken?
Roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice, or a fresh salad complement this dish nicely. - Can I freeze the leftovers?
While you can freeze leftovers, the texture of the mayonnaise and Parmesan topping may change slightly upon reheating. - How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer; the chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). - Can I add breadcrumbs to the topping for extra crunch?
Yes, sprinkling breadcrumbs on top of the cheese can add a crunchy texture. - What if I don’t have smoked paprika?
You can use regular paprika or a mix of paprika and a dash of liquid smoke for a similar flavor. - Is this recipe gluten-free?
The main ingredients are gluten-free, but check the labels on your mayonnaise and seasonings to ensure they are gluten-free. - Can I use pre-shredded Parmesan cheese?
Yes, pre-shredded Parmesan can be used, but freshly grated cheese often melts better and provides more flavor.
Mayo Parmesan Chicken is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. With its juicy, tender chicken breasts coated in a savory mixture of mayonnaise and Parmesan cheese, this recipe delivers incredible taste with minimal effort. Whether you stick to the classic version or try one of the delicious variations, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy the simplicity and deliciousness of Mayo Parmesan Chicken at your next meal!
