Melt-In-Your-Mouth Chicken has 6 ingredients that taste SO good!
Don’t let the simplicity fool you. It’s also outrageously delicious! It’s always good to have a couple quick and easy recipes up your sleeve.
Melt-In-Your-Mouth Chicken is a classic recipe that’s been around for ages. Its origins are unclear, but I’m glad whoever came up with it did. The idea of topping chicken breast with mayo and parmesan is pure genius! The mixture turns beautifully golden post-baking, and it smells phenomenal, too.
The flavor is so rich, so creamy, and so addictive!
More importantly… OMG… the chicken is insanely tender and moist! That’s something that’s hard to come by with baked chicken breast. Best of all, this recipe is impossible to mess up. Even if you’re a newbie in the kitchen, you can easily pull it off. If you’re looking for a dish to shock and impress your family and friends, this is the one!
It all started when I was making my meal menu/grocery list for the week, I have a set of “go-to” meals that could be made quickly with minimum effort and planning, but there I was… stuck! It was definitely a sick day!
Hopefully, chicken is a wonderful starting point for all kinds of easy meals, in addition of mayonnaise, parmesan cheese and a few easy seasonings. With 5 minutes of prep time and around 40-45 minutes of baking time – wonderful melt in your mouth chicken was ready.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup mayonnaise (for a healthier option, use plain Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise)
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon seasoning salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
How To Make Melt In Your Mouth Chicken
Step 1: In a bowl, mix the mayonnaise (or yogurt if you replace it), cheese and seasonings.
Step 2: Spread the mixture over each chicken breast.
Step 3: Place the chicken in a baking dish and bake in a preheated 375 degree oven for about 45 minutes or until cooked through.
Step 4: Serve hot!
Tips:
Choose the Right Chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for this recipe. These cuts of chicken are typically more tender and cook faster.
Tenderize the Chicken: To achieve a “melt-in-your-mouth” texture, you can tenderize the chicken by pounding it to an even thickness. This helps the chicken cook more evenly.
Marinate for Flavor: Marinating the chicken in a flavorful mixture can enhance the taste and tenderness. Common marinade ingredients include buttermilk, yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs. Marinate for at least 30 minutes or longer for maximum flavor.
Dredge in Coating: Before cooking, coat the chicken in a mixture of flour, breadcrumbs, or a combination of both. This coating adds a delicious crispy texture to the outside of the chicken.
Use a Thermometer: To ensure your chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature, use a meat thermometer. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Oil Temperature: Heat your cooking oil to the right temperature. Too hot, and the chicken may burn on the outside while remaining undercooked inside. Too cold, and the chicken can absorb excess oil and become greasy. A temperature of around 350-375°F (175-190°C) is ideal for frying.
Rest After Frying: Allow the fried chicken to rest on a wire rack for a few minutes after cooking. This helps any excess oil drain off and prevents the chicken from becoming soggy.
Season After Frying: Sprinkle the fried chicken with a pinch of salt immediately after removing it from the oil. This enhances the overall flavor.
Serve with Sauce: You can serve your Melt-In-Your-Mouth Chicken with your favorite dipping sauce, such as honey mustard, ranch dressing, or barbecue sauce, for extra flavor.
FAQs:
1. Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
While boneless cuts are more common for this dish, you can use bone-in chicken, but the cooking time will be longer.
2. How long should I marinate the chicken?
Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but longer marinating times, even overnight, will result in more flavorful and tender chicken.
3. Can I make this dish without frying?
You can bake the chicken in the oven for a healthier option. Coat the marinated chicken with breadcrumbs and bake it at 375°F (190°C) until it reaches 165°F (74°C) internal temperature.
4. What type of oil is best for frying?
Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil are commonly used for frying chicken. Use an oil with a high smoke point to prevent it from breaking down at high temperatures.
5. How can I make the coating gluten-free?
To make the coating gluten-free, use gluten-free flour or breadcrumbs or a combination of cornstarch and rice flour for a crispy texture.
6. What can I serve with Melt-In-Your-Mouth Chicken?
This chicken dish pairs well with a variety of sides, such as mashed potatoes, coleslaw, cornbread, or a fresh green salad.
7. Can I freeze leftover chicken?
Yes, you can freeze leftover chicken. Store it in an airtight container or freezer bag, and it should be good for up to 2-3 months. Reheat it in the oven to maintain its crispiness.
