Melt in your Mouth Chicken Bake - The Cookin Chicks (2024)

Published: Jun 13, 2023 by Kristin · This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through links on our site, we may earn a commission. · 284 Comments

Melt in Your Mouth Chicken Bake: A Quick and Easy Family Dinner Idea! Enjoy diced chicken, coated in a creamy Parmesan mayonnaise sauce, baked to perfection. It’s juicy, tender, and ideal for any occasion! Serve over pasta, zoodles, rice, or on it’s own!

This simple dinner is not only delicious, but it comes together using simple ingredients! Thanks to the creamy sauce, the chicken literally melts in your mouth!

Why You’ll Love this Chicken Bake

• Easy and Quick to Prepare– this bake can be ready for the oven in under 10 minutes! You can even save on time by preparing ahead of time and keeping in the refrigerator until ready.
• Loaded with Flavor– the creamy Parmesan mayo sauce combined with moist, tender chicken literally melts in your mouth.
• Can be altered to fit tastes and diet–you can use Greek yogurt or Mayo depending on tastes, and also serve this chicken as is, over pasta, zoodles, rice, etc.
• Leftovers are just as delicious– if you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, they reheat perfectly in the microwave and are just as tasty!

Melt in Your Mouth Chicken Bake

This recipe is actually one that I have changed up from my original Melt in Your Mouth Chicken. As comments came in on the original recipe, I made changes and decided to turn this version into more of a casserole bake that could be served over anything versus serving whole chicken breasts. Either recipe, you can’t go wrong, this one just is a bit more kid-friendly, versatile, and can easily be altered.

The mayo-Parmesan mixture turns golden brown once cooked over the chicken and smells incredible. If you love tender, moist, insanely flavor packed chicken, this bake is for you!

Ingredients

See printable recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts and step by step directions.

• Chicken– I use boneless chicken breast. Thighs and drumsticks work too, you may just have to adjust cook time.
• Mayonnaise– this adds incredible flavor and prevents the chicken from drying out. Feel free to substitute Greek yogurt or sour cream.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese– fresh is best versus pre-packaged, Asiago, cheddar, Mozzarella, or Gruyere are all great substitutes.
• Seasoned Salt/Pepper– season to taste.
• Garlic– I used fresh, minced, but dried or powder works too.
• Red Pepper Flakes– this adds a slight kick, but doesn’t add heat, so it still maintains its kid-friendly status.
• Italian Bread Crumbs– a tasty addition to the topping. Adds a slight crunch and flavor boost.

How to make Melt in Your Mouth Chicken Bake

1. Grease a 9 x 13 baking dish and place diced chicken on the bottom.
2. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise (or yogurt), Parmesan cheese, seasoned salt, pepper, garlic, and red pepper flakes.
3. Spread mixture evenly over chicken.
4. Sprinkle bread crumbs on top of mayonnaise mixture.
5. Place pan in preheated oven, 375 degrees, and bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through.
6. Remove pan from oven and use a slotted spoon to serve chicken on top of pasta, rice, or by itself.

What to make with Melt in Your Mouth Chicken Bake

This chicken is incredibly versatile and pairs perfectly with so many side options!

• Pasta– keep it simple and make buttered noodles, or have some fun with it and serve Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti with this!
• Veggies– good ol’ roasted veggies pair perfectly each time!
• Rice– French Onion Rice or regular Jasmine/White Rice is our favorite with this chicken served on top!
• Potatoes– whether you mash potatoes, roast potatoes, or serve baked potatoes; this chicken is a great addition!

How to store leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container once fully cooled.

• Refrigerator– up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave.
• Freezer– up to 3 months. Allow to thaw before reheating in microwave.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

• Dice chicken into pieces the same size so they cook evenly versus cutting some pieces larger than others.
• Be sure chicken reaches 165 degrees F when meat thermometer is inserted into center of chicken.
• This dish can be prepared ahead of time, up to 24 hours, and wrapped in plastic wrap before placing in the refrigerator.
• Use a slotted spoon to scoop chicken out of pan to drain most of the juices before serving.
• Have fun with seasonings and Herbs in this. Thyme, Paprika, Lemon Seasoning, and more are all great additions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the mayo add to this recipe?

This is the main ingredient in creating the rich, creamy sauce that goes over the chicken. It also prevents the chicken from becoming dry and tough.

Why didn’t my cheese mixture melt evenly?

Hopefully you didn’t use pre-packaged cheese as those packages are coated in an additive that prevents clumping in the bag. This prevents the cheese from melting evenly.

Can I use Rotisserie chicken?

Typically, I am all about shortcuts, but using Rotisserie in this recipe cuts the cook time down significantly and the sauce won’t melt into the chicken as much meaning the chicken won’t be as “melt in your mouth” delicious!

Can I use the sauce mixture on top of other meats?

Absolutely! You can use this mixture for fish such as Salmon, Cod, or even over pork loin, roast, and different cuts of chicken or turkey!

Can I make this in the slow cooker?

Yes! Here is the recipe for that version! Just as yummy and even easier to make!

More Chicken Recipes to try

Grilled Bruschetta Chicken

Cilantro Lime Chicken

Jalapeno Popper Chicken

Ultimate Chicken Casserole

Parmesan Chicken Casserole