This baked Mayonnaise Parmesan Chicken is a reliable weeknight favorite for good reason. Juicy, well-seasoned chicken is topped with a creamy parmesan mixture, then baked until golden, bubbly, and full of flavor — all in one pan.
The oven does the heavy lifting here. The mayonnaise keeps the chicken moist while the parmesan melts into a savory crust that tastes rich and comforting without any complicated steps.
Readers love this recipe because it’s quick to prep, mostly hands-off, and made with everyday ingredients you probably already have on hand.
If you’re looking for an easy dinner that delivers big flavor with minimal effort, this is one you’ll come back to again and again.
For Mayonnaise Parmesan Chicken
- Chicken Breasts – Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are sliced in half so they cook quickly and evenly while staying tender and juicy.
- Kosher Salt – Enhances the natural flavor of the chicken without making it overly salty.
- Black Pepper – Adds mild heat and balances the richness of the topping.
- Garlic Powder – Brings savory depth without overpowering the dish.
- Onion Powder – Rounds out the seasoning with subtle sweetness and warmth.
For the Parmesan Mayonnaise Topping
- Mayonnaise – The key to keeping the chicken moist as it bakes; it also helps the topping cling and brown beautifully.
- Parmesan Cheese – Adds salty, nutty flavor and creates a golden, bubbly crust. Half is mixed in, half is sprinkled on top for extra texture.
- Garlic Powder – Boosts the savory flavor in the creamy topping.
- Kosher Salt – Lightly seasons the topping and balances the richness of the cheese and mayo.
- Black Pepper – Adds just enough bite to keep the flavors from tasting flat.
- Fresh Parsley – A simple garnish that adds color and a fresh finish.
Baked Mayonnaise Parmesan Chicken
Ingredients
Chicken
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced in half horizontally (6 pieces total; about 1½ pounds)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
Mayonnaise Parmesan Topping
- ½ cup (116 g) mayonnaise, room temperature
- 1 cup (100 g) parmesan cheese, shredded and divided
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
- Heat the oven to 400°F. Lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish or sheet pan with cooking spray.
- In a small bowl, stir together the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Season the chicken evenly on all sides with the spice mixture. Arrange the chicken in a single layer in the prepared dish.
Make the Topping
- In a medium bowl, mix the mayonnaise, ½ cup of the parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Spoon and spread the mayonnaise mixture evenly over the top of each piece of chicken.
- Sprinkle the remaining parmesan cheese evenly over the chicken.
Bake
- Bake for 20–22 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the cheese is melted and bubbling.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving, if desired.
Calories: 385kcal | Protein: 36g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Carbohydrates: 2g | Fiber: 0g | Sugar: 1g | Cholesterol: 115mg | Sodium: 720mg
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully here and stay extra juicy. Just make sure they’re a similar thickness to sliced chicken breasts so everything cooks evenly.
2. Do I really need to pat the chicken dry first?
Yes — and it only takes a minute! Dry chicken helps the seasoning stick properly and keeps the parmesan-mayo topping from sliding off while baking.
3. Is pre-grated parmesan okay, or do I need to shred my own?
Pre-grated parmesan will still work and tastes great. That said, freshly shredded parmesan melts a little better and gives you a nicer golden crust. Use what you’ve got.
4. What if my chicken pieces are thicker than expected?
No problem. If the chicken is on the thicker side, just bake it a few minutes longer. The key is checking that the internal temperature reaches 165°F — once it does, you’re good to go.
5. Can this be prepped ahead of time?
Yes! You can season the chicken and mix the parmesan-mayo topping earlier in the day (or even the night before). Keep everything covered in the fridge, then assemble and bake when ready.
