The Best Creamy Parmesan Chicken Recipe You’ll Ever Make

Looking for a quick and easy dinner idea that will impress everyone at the table? Look no further than this Creamy Parmesan Chicken recipe! With only five ingredients and minimal prep time, this dish is a game changer for weeknight dinners or when you’re hosting friends for a casual meal. You’ll love how flavorful, moist, and tender the chicken turns out, all thanks to the creamy Parmesan topping.

This recipe combines juicy chicken breasts with a cheesy, herby Parmesan crust that’s packed with flavor. It’s baked to perfection in just 45 minutes, making it an effortless dish that tastes like it took hours to make. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting out, this recipe is foolproof and sure to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

– Simple Ingredients: You only need five basic ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen.

– Quick Prep Time: With just a few minutes of mixing and spreading, you can get this chicken in the oven without breaking a sweat.  

– Kid-Friendly: The creamy, cheesy topping is a hit with kids and adults alike, making it a great family meal.  

– Customizable: Want to add your own twist? This recipe is versatile and easy to adjust with different herbs, spices, or cheeses.  

Ready to dive into the details? Let’s get cooking!

Ingredient Breakdown

Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need for this creamy Parmesan chicken recipe:

– Chicken Breast (1 ½ pounds): Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the star of this dish. They’re lean and cook quickly, making them perfect for a busy weeknight.

– Mayonnaise (1 cup): Mayonnaise adds a rich creaminess to the dish and helps the Parmesan stick to the chicken. If you’re not a fan of mayo, you can swap it with sour cream or Greek yogurt for a slightly different flavor.

– Parmesan Cheese (½ cup): Freshly grated Parmesan gives this dish its signature cheesy flavor and helps form a golden crust as it bakes.

– Oregano (2 teaspoons): Dried oregano adds a nice herby note to the chicken. If you prefer, you can substitute with Italian seasoning or fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary.

– Salt and Pepper: These simple seasonings help bring out the natural flavors of the chicken and Parmesan. Season to taste, but don’t go overboard since Parmesan is already a little salty.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Creamy Parmesan Chicken

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to preheat while you prepare the chicken. A hot oven is essential for getting that crispy, golden Parmesan crust.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Take your chicken breasts and season them lightly with salt and pepper. If your chicken breasts are a little thick, consider slicing them horizontally or pounding them slightly to ensure even cooking.

Place the seasoned chicken breasts in a baking dish, leaving a bit of space between each piece. You want the chicken to cook evenly and for the topping to brown nicely.

Step 3: Make the Parmesan Topping

In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, and oregano until everything is well combined. This mixture should be thick and creamy.

Pro Tip: If you want to take this dish to the next level, add a squeeze of lemon juice or a teaspoon of garlic powder to the mixture for an extra burst of flavor!

Step 4: Spread the Topping

Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to spread the Parmesan mixture evenly over the top of each chicken breast. Be generous—this is where all the flavor comes from!

Make sure the topping covers the chicken completely to help lock in moisture while baking.

Step 5: Bake the Chicken

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake the chicken at 375°F for 40-45 minutes. The exact cooking time will depend on the size and thickness of your chicken breasts, but you’ll know it’s done when the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the Parmesan topping is golden brown and bubbly.

Pro Tip: For an extra crispy topping, switch your oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes of baking. Keep a close eye on it to avoid burning.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist and flavorful.

Tips for the Best Creamy Parmesan Chicken

– Pound the Chicken Evenly: If your chicken breasts are thick on one end and thin on the other, consider pounding them to an even thickness. This ensures the chicken cooks evenly and prevents dry spots.

– Use Fresh Parmesan: Pre-grated Parmesan can sometimes lack flavor and moisture. For the best taste, grate your Parmesan fresh from a block of cheese.

– Add Herbs or Garlic: Feel free to customize the flavor by adding fresh herbs like parsley or thyme, or even a little garlic powder for extra zing.

– Leftovers Are Great: This dish reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers. Just store any extra chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.

Variations of Creamy Parmesan Chicken

If you love this dish, here are a few ways to change it up:

– Spicy Parmesan Chicken: Add some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the Parmesan topping for a spicy kick.

– Herb Crusted Chicken: Mix fresh herbs like parsley, rosemary, or thyme into the Parmesan mixture for an herbaceous twist.

– Garlic Parmesan Chicken: Add minced garlic or garlic powder to the Parmesan mixture for a garlic-forward flavor that pairs beautifully with the cheese.

– Lemon Parmesan Chicken: For a bright, zesty version, stir in a tablespoon of lemon zest and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice into the topping.

Best Sides to Serve with Creamy Parmesan Chicken

This dish is rich and flavorful, so pairing it with the right side dishes is key. Here are some ideas to round out your meal:

– Roasted Vegetables: Simple roasted veggies like broccoli, asparagus, or carrots complement the creaminess of the chicken without overpowering the dish.

– Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette is the perfect contrast to the richness of the Parmesan chicken.

– Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes or garlic mashed cauliflower are great sides that soak up the extra sauce from the chicken.

– Pasta: Serve the chicken over buttered noodles or a simple spaghetti for a complete and comforting meal.

– Rice Pilaf: A light, fluffy rice pilaf with herbs and a hint of lemon works beautifully as a side.

Wrapping Up

This creamy Parmesan chicken recipe is a must-try for anyone looking for a quick, easy, and delicious dinner option. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll have a flavorful, cheesy chicken dish that will wow your family or guests. Whether you’re a beginner cook or a seasoned pro, this recipe is simple enough to whip up on a busy weeknight yet impressive enough for a special occasion.

Feel free to get creative with the recipe by adding your favorite herbs, spices, or even a squeeze of lemon. Serve it alongside some roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, or a light salad, and you’ve got yourself a complete meal that everyone will love.

Give this creamy Parmesan chicken a try—you’ll be amazed at how such a simple dish can taste so good!

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Creamy Parmesan Chicken

Discover the easiest and most delicious creamy Parmesan chicken recipe! With just a few simple ingredients like chicken, Parmesan, and mayonnaise, you’ll have a mouthwatering dish in under an hour.

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Keyword baked Parmesan chicken, chicken dinner ideas, chicken with mayonnaise, Creamy Parmesan chicken, easy chicken recipe, Parmesan chicken breast

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 45 minutes minutes

Total Time 55 minutes minutes

Servings 4

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 lbs Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast
• 1 Cup Mayonnaise
• 1/2 Cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
• 2 tsp Dried Oregano
• To Taste Salt and Pepper

Instructions

• Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper and place them in a baking dish.
• Mix the Topping: In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, and oregano until well combined.
• Spread the Mixture: Spread the Parmesan mixture evenly over the top of the chicken breasts.
• Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the topping is golden and bubbly.
• Serve: Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.