Get your tools ready! Start by preheating your oven to 375°F Recipe
This Melt In Your Mouth Chicken Breast recipe is a simple, flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts topped with a creamy Parmesan and sour cream (or mayonnaise) mixture. Baked to golden perfection, it’s juicy, comforting, and incredibly easy to make—perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
- Author: Lena
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-35 minutes
- Total Time: 35-45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Topping Mixture
- 1 cup sour cream (or mayonnaise or plain Greek yogurt for lighter version)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for sprinkling
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Optional Seasonings
- ½ teaspoon paprika or Italian seasoning (for topping)
- Optional additions: cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, or basil for variations
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about ¾ inch for uniform cooking and tender texture.
- Mix Topping: In a medium bowl, combine the sour cream (or mayonnaise/Greek yogurt), grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, seasoned salt, and black pepper. Stir until smooth and well blended.
- Apply Mixture: Arrange the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish in a single layer. Evenly spread the topping mixture over each breast, covering the entire surface.
- Add Optional Seasoning: Sprinkle paprika or Italian seasoning on top if desired.
- Bake Chicken: Place the dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 25 to 35 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the topping turns golden and bubbly.
- Broil for Crispy Top (Optional): For a golden, crispy crust, broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to retain juiciness before serving.
Notes
- Pounding the chicken to an even thickness ensures even cooking and tender results.
- Use a meat thermometer to accurately check for doneness without drying out the chicken (165°F internal temperature recommended).
- Greek yogurt or sour cream can be used instead of mayonnaise to reduce fat and add a tangy flavor.
- Broil for 2-3 minutes at the end for a crispier, golden topping.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days; reheat covered in oven or microwave.
- Freezing is not recommended if using sour cream as it may affect texture on thawing.
- Feel free to customize the seasoning with your favorite herbs or spices like cumin, smoked paprika, or basil for different flavor twists.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with topping (approx. 180-200g)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
Keywords: chicken breast recipe, baked chicken, Parmesan chicken, easy chicken dinner, moist chicken breasts, healthy chicken recipe, quick chicken dinner