Melt in Your Mouth Chicken

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with this “Melt in Your Mouth Chicken” recipe. Tender, juicy chicken breasts are transformed into a culinary delight that lives up to its name. Marinated in a creamy mixture and coated with a savory blend of spices and cheese, each bite is an explosion of flavor that will leave you craving more.

Perfectly seasoned and baked to golden perfection, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, this recipe promises to impress with its melt-in-your-mouth goodness.

Melt in Your Mouth Chicken

Ingredients

4 boneless Chicken Breasts

1 cup mayonnaise or greek yogurt

1 tsp garlic powder

1 cup parmesan cheese divided

1 tsp seasoning salt

½ tsp black pepper

Instructions

Cut each chicken breast into three equal pieces

Place into a bowl of milk, or buttermilk and let sit in refrigerator overnight

Preheat the oven to 375* when ready to cook the chicken

In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ½ cup parmesan and the seasonings.

Combine well

In a 9 x 13 baking dish, place the chicken in, spacing it apart

Spread the mayonnaise mixture over each chicken breast

Sprinkle the tops with the remaining parmesan cheese

Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a meat thermometer reads 165*

Place under the broiler to brown the cheese, slightly

Enjoy!

Tips:

This dish can be served with fresh, steamed vegetables, roasted potatoes or wedge potato fries. As the chicken is cooking, you will notice a build up of liquid at the bottom of the baking dish.

This can be carefully drained every so often. The liquid does not hurt the chicken, it is just the juices coming from the chicken pieces.

You could also wait until just before you place it under the broiler to give the cheese a slight brown color, to drain the liquid.

The longer that the liquid is left in the pan, the more it will help steam the chicken.

Notes:

Handling Liquid: During baking, liquid will accumulate at the bottom of the dish. It can be drained periodically, but this liquid helps steam the chicken.

Flavor Variations:

Substitute mayonnaise or Greek yogurt with sour cream or a mix of sour cream and cream cheese.
Experiment with other hard cheeses like Romano or Asiago.

Chicken Alternatives:

Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts; adjust cooking time as needed.
Bone-in chicken breasts can also be used; adjust cooking time accordingly.

Preparation and Storage:

Mayonnaise mixture can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
Marinating for a shorter time is possible but marinating overnight yields the best results.

Seasoning Options: Any seasoning salt or a blend of herbs and spices can be used.
Fresh vs. Frozen Chicken: Fresh chicken is preferred, but thawed frozen chicken can be used with adjusted cooking time.

Preventing Dryness: Avoid overcooking and consider covering the baking dish with foil initially to retain moisture. Basting with pan juices can also help.

Nutrition Information:

SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use something other than mayonnaise or Greek yogurt?

Yes, you can substitute with sour cream or a mixture of sour cream and cream cheese for a slightly different flavor.

Is it necessary to let the chicken sit in milk or buttermilk overnight?

While it enhances tenderness, you can still achieve good results by letting it soak for a few hours or even skipping this step.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this recipe?

Absolutely, chicken thighs work well too.

Adjust the cooking time as needed.

What sides pair well with Melt in Your Mouth Chicken?

This dish complements a variety of sides such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh garden salad.

Can I prepare the mayonnaise mixture in advance?

Yes, you can make the mixture ahead and store it in the refrigerator.

Just give it a good stir before spreading it over the chicken.

Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute regular yogurt for Greek yogurt in this recipe.

However, Greek yogurt typically has a thicker consistency, so you may need to adjust the amount of liquid in the marinade slightly.

Can I use other types of cheese instead of Parmesan?

While Parmesan cheese adds a distinct flavor to the dish, you can experiment with other hard cheeses such as Romano or Asiago.

Adjust the quantity to taste.

Can I marinate the chicken for a shorter time than overnight?

Marinating the chicken overnight allows it to absorb more flavor, but if you’re short on time, you can marinate it for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour in the refrigerator.

Can I use bone-in chicken breasts for this recipe?

Yes, you can use bone-in chicken breasts instead of boneless ones.

However, you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.

Can I use a different seasoning salt other than the one specified?

Yes, you can use any seasoning salt you prefer or even a combination of your favorite herbs and spices to season the chicken.

Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

While fresh chicken is recommended for optimal flavor and texture, you can use thawed frozen chicken breasts.

Ensure they are completely thawed before marinating and adjust the cooking time as needed.

How do I know when the chicken is done cooking?

The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) as measured by a meat thermometer.

Make sure to insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken breast.

Can I prepare the mayonnaise mixture in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the mayonnaise mixture in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Just give it a good stir before spreading it over the chicken.

Can I use skin-on chicken breasts for this recipe?

While you can use skin-on chicken breasts, keep in mind that the skin may affect how well the marinade adheres to the chicken.

You may also need to adjust the cooking time to ensure the skin crisps up.

How do I prevent the chicken from drying out during baking?

To prevent the chicken from drying out, make sure not to overcook it.

Additionally, covering the baking dish with foil for the first part of the cooking time can help retain moisture.

If you notice the chicken drying out, you can baste it with the juices from the bottom of the pan or cover it with foil until done.