Tender Chicken Delight

Prepare to delight your taste buds with this easy and flavorful recipe for Tender Chicken Delight. Featuring boneless chicken breasts marinated to perfection and coated with a creamy, Parmesan-infused topping, this dish promises to be a hit at any dinner table.

Baked to juicy tenderness, each bite is a savory delight that pairs wonderfully with your favorite sides. Whether you’re cooking for guests or your family, this recipe ensures a satisfying and delicious meal every time.

How to make Tender Chicken Delight

Ingredients

4 boneless chicken breasts approximately 1 lb. or 450g

1 cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt

1 tsp garlic powder

1 cup Parmesan cheese divided

1 tsp seasoning salt

½ tsp black pepper

Instructions:

Begin by cutting each chicken breast into three equal pieces.

Place the chicken pieces in a bowl and let them marinate in the refrigerator overnight.

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), half of the Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, seasoning salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.

Take a baking dish and arrange the marinated chicken pieces evenly.

Spread the mayonnaise mixture over each chicken breast, ensuring they are evenly coated.

Sprinkle the tops of the chicken breasts with the remaining Parmesan cheese.

Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.

Once cooked, remove from the oven and serve this delightful dish to your eagerly awaiting guests or family members.

Notes:

Preparation: Cutting the chicken breasts into smaller pieces and marinating them overnight allows the flavors to penetrate the meat, ensuring each bite is flavorful and tender.

Ingredient Choices: The use of either mayonnaise or Greek yogurt in the coating mixture provides a creamy base that helps seal in moisture during baking, contributing to the chicken’s tenderness.

Seasoning: Garlic powder, seasoning salt, and black pepper add a balanced flavor profile to the dish, enhancing the savory taste of the chicken without overwhelming it.

Cheese Layer: Parmesan cheese serves a dual purpose in this recipe—half is mixed into the mayonnaise/yogurt mixture for flavor, and the other half is sprinkled on top to create a golden, cheesy crust during baking.

Baking Process: Baking at 375°F (190°C) ensures even cooking and allows the chicken to bake to tender perfection while the cheese on top achieves a delightful golden color and crispy texture.

Serving: Once baked, the chicken breasts are ready to be served hot from the oven, making it a convenient dish to prepare for family dinners or entertaining guests.

Customization: This recipe is versatile; you can adjust the seasoning or cheese amounts according to personal preference. It’s also adaptable to different side dishes, such as roasted vegetables or a fresh salad, complementing the creamy and savory flavors of the chicken.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 4 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use either mayonnaise or Greek yogurt?

Yes, you can choose either mayonnaise or Greek yogurt based on your preference or dietary needs. Both will work well in this recipe.

Do I have to marinate the chicken overnight?

Marinating the chicken overnight helps to enhance the flavors, but if you’re short on time, you can marinate it for at least 1-2 hours in the refrigerator.

What can I serve with this dish?

This chicken dish pairs well with a variety of sides such as steamed vegetables, rice, pasta, or a fresh salad.

Can I use grated Parmesan cheese instead of shredded?

Yes, grated Parmesan cheese can be used instead of shredded.

It will still add the desired cheesy flavor to the dish.

Is the chicken breast supposed to be cut into smaller pieces?

Yes, cutting the chicken breast into smaller pieces helps it cook more evenly and allows the flavors from the marinade and topping to infuse better.

What is seasoning salt, and can I substitute it?

Seasoning salt is a blend of salt and other seasonings.

If you don’t have seasoning salt, you can use a combination of salt, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder as a substitute.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) when measured with a meat thermometer.

Alternatively, you can cut into the thickest part of the chicken to check for doneness—no pink should be visible, and juices should run clear.

Can I prepare the mayonnaise mixture ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the mayonnaise mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it.

Should I cover the chicken while baking?

It’s not necessary to cover the chicken while baking.

Baking uncovered helps the top layer to brown and develop a nice crust.

How should leftovers be stored?

Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through before serving.