Creamy Parmesan Chicken Breasts feature seasoned chicken breasts topped with a parmesan mayonnaise blend, sprinkled with additional parmesan, and baked to perfection. The result is tender, flavorful, and cheesy chicken, ideal as a main dish or a versatile addition to salads or sandwiches. Whether for a quick weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, this dish promises to please. It’s also adaptable for air fryer cooking!
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Chicken: While chicken breasts are preferred, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used, with potential adjustments to baking time.
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder are needed for seasoning.
- Mayonnaise: Opt for full-fat mayonnaise, though reduced-fat or homemade mayonnaise can be substituted. Avoid using miracle whip.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan cheese is recommended, but alternatives like Romano, pecorino, or asiago can also be used.
Air Fryer Creamy Parmesan Chicken Breasts
To cook chicken effortlessly without heating the oven, consider using an air fryer. Follow the chicken preparation instructions, then place them in the air fryer basket (working in batches if needed). Cook at 400°F (200°C) for about 8 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
Storing and Reheating Creamy Parmesan Chicken Breasts
Properly storing cooked chicken ensures leftovers remain fresh.
- Refrigeration: Allow the chicken to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer.
- Freezing: Once cooled, place the chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts, halved horizontally (approximately 1 ½ pounds / 680 grams)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
Mayonnaise Mixture
- ½ cup (120 g) mayonnaise, at room temperature
- 1 cup (100 g) shredded parmesan cheese, divided
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish or sheet pan with cooking spray.
- In a small bowl, combine salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Season the chicken breasts evenly with the seasoning mixture on all sides. Arrange them in the prepared baking dish in a single layer.
- In a medium bowl, mix mayonnaise, ½ cup of parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Spread the mayonnaise mixture evenly over each halved chicken breast.
- Sprinkle the remaining parmesan cheese equally over each chicken breast.
- Bake for 20-22 minutes or until the chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
