How to Make Chicken with Mayo and Parm Cheese Recipe

The first time I made this chicken with mayo and parm cheese recipe, I was skeptical. Mayo on chicken? But that first bite changed everything—crispy, golden exterior with juicy, flavorful meat inside. It’s now my go-to for impromptu dinner guests and busy weeknights alike. My teenage son, who normally pushes chicken around his plate, requested it three times in one week! Sometimes the simplest recipes truly are the most magical.

Are you looking for a dinner option that’s both incredibly simple to prepare and bursting with flavor? This chicken with mayo and parm cheese recipe is about to become your new weeknight favorite! The combination of creamy mayonnaise and savory Parmesan creates a mouthwatering crust that keeps the chicken tender and juicy inside while developing a golden, crispy exterior that’s simply irresistible.

As someone who’s tested countless chicken recipes over the years, I can confidently say this mayo-parmesan coating technique ranks among the most foolproof methods for consistently perfect results. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters, hosting a dinner party, or simply treating yourself to a delicious meal, this chicken with mayo and parm cheese recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken with Mayo and Parm Cheese Recipe

This isn’t just another chicken recipe – it’s a game-changer that combines simplicity with incredible flavor. Here’s why this dish deserves a permanent spot in your recipe collection:

• Perfectly moist chicken every time: The mayo coating locks in moisture, eliminating the common problem of dry chicken breasts.
• Crispy exterior without deep frying: Get that satisfying crunch without excess oil or complicated battering processes.
• Minimal prep work: Just a handful of ingredients and about 5 minutes of hands-on time.
• Versatile serving options: Pairs beautifully with pasta, salads, or vegetables for a complete meal.
• Kid-approved: Even picky eaters love the mild, cheesy flavor profile.
• Budget-friendly: Uses simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
• Impressive enough for guests: Looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen!

The magic of this chicken with mayo and parmesan cheese recipe lies in its perfect balance of simplicity and flavor. The mayonnaise acts as both a binding agent and moisture-preserver, while the Parmesan creates a savory, umami-rich crust that browns beautifully in the oven.

Ingredients & Substitutions

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 pounds)
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for the baking dish)
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Equipment Needed:

• Shallow baking dish
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Meat thermometer
• Cutting board and knife

Cook’s Tip: For the best flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than pre-shredded. The texture and melt factor are significantly better!

Possible Substitutions:

• Mayonnaise: Greek yogurt can work as a lighter alternative, though the crust won’t be quite as crispy. For a different flavor profile, try chipotle mayo or aioli.
• Parmesan cheese: Pecorino Romano or Asiago make excellent substitutes if you prefer a stronger flavor.
• Chicken breasts: Chicken thighs work beautifully and stay even juicier, just adjust cooking time accordingly.
• Italian seasoning: Use a blend of dried oregano, basil, and thyme if you don’t have the mix on hand.
• Dietary adaptations: For a keto-friendly version, make sure your mayonnaise has no added sugars. For gluten-free, just verify your mayonnaise and cheese brands are certified gluten-free.

Air Fryer Chicken with Mayo and Parm Cheese Recipe

Have an air fryer? This chicken with mayo and parm cheese recipe adapts beautifully to air fryer cooking with even crispier results!

1. Prepare the chicken and mayo-cheese mixture as described in the main recipe.
2. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
3. Place the coated chicken pieces in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t overlap.
4. Cook for 10 minutes, then flip the chicken pieces.
5. Continue cooking for another 5-8 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

The air fryer creates an exceptionally crispy exterior while keeping the chicken incredibly juicy inside. It’s also faster than oven baking, making it perfect for busy weeknights!

How to Make Chicken with Mayo and Parm Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. If the chicken breasts are very thick, butterfly them or pound them to an even thickness of about 3/4 inch. This ensures even cooking.
3. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels – this helps the mayo mixture adhere better.

Step 2: Create the Mayo-Parmesan Coating

1. In a medium bowl, combine the Mayonnaise, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Mix thoroughly until you have a smooth, well-combined paste.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

1. Lightly oil a baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Using a spoon or spatula, generously coat each chicken breast on all sides with the mayo-Parmesan mixture.
3. Place the coated chicken in the prepared baking dish, leaving a little space between each piece.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

1. Transfer the baking dish to your preheated oven and cook for 25-30 minutes. Look for two indicators of doneness: the Parmesan coating should develop a beautiful golden-brown crust with crispy edges, and the center of the thickest part should register 165°F (74°C) on a meat thermometer.
2. If you want an extra-crispy top, switch your oven to broil for the final 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

1. Once removed from the oven, let the chicken sit undisturbed for 5 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat.
2. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired.
3. Serve warm with your favorite sides.

Variation Ideas:

• Spicy version: Add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the mayo mixture.
• Herb-crusted: Mix in 2 tablespoons of fresh chopped herbs like basil, thyme, or rosemary.
• Lemon-garlic: Add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest and an extra clove of minced garlic.

Serving Suggestions

This chicken with mayo and parm cheese recipe is remarkably versatile and pairs well with numerous side dishes:

For a Light Meal:

• Arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette
• Roasted asparagus or broccoli
• Zucchini noodles tossed with olive oil and herbs

For a Heartier Dinner:

• Garlic mashed potatoes
• Buttered egg noodles with herbs
• Roasted rosemary potatoes
• Steamed rice with a touch of butter and parsley

Complementary Sauces:

• Light marinara for dipping
• Garlic butter drizzle
• Lemon-herb sauce
• Balsamic reduction

The dish works beautifully for meal prep too! Make extra portions and slice the cooled chicken for incredible salads, wraps, or grain bowls throughout the week.

Related Recipes

If you enjoy this chicken with mayo and parm cheese recipe, you might also love these other chicken dishes from our kitchen:

1. Chicken Philly Cheese Steak Recipe
2. High Protein Chicken Recipes
3. Longhorn Parmesan Chicken Recipe

FAQ

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 420
• Protein: 48g
• Fat: 23g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sodium: 680mg

This recipe is naturally low-carb, gluten-free, and keto-friendly.

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