SaveBaked Parmesan Chicken Breast
Golden parmesan crust, juicy inside. 30 minutes, one pan. The weeknight workhorse.
Edited by Brian Kaplan·Last updated April 12, 2026
Servings
Est. total: $10.00 · $2.50/serving
Cost estimates are approximate and vary by location, store, season, and brand. Actual prices may differ.
Ingredients
- 4 pieces chicken breasts (boneless skinless, 6 oz each)
- 3/4 cup parmesan cheese (finely grated)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- 2
Mix parmesan, mayonnaise, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl until a thick paste forms.
3/4 cup parmesan cheese1/4 cup mayonnaise1 tsp garlic powder1 tsp Italian seasoning1/2 tsp smoked paprika1/2 tsp salt1/4 tsp black pepper - 3
Pat chicken dry. Place on prepared baking sheet. Spread the parmesan-mayo mixture evenly over the top of each chicken breast.
4 pieces chicken breastsThe mayo isn't for flavor — it keeps the chicken incredibly moist while the parmesan crisps. Trust the process.
- 4
Bake 20-25 minutes until the parmesan topping is golden brown and internal temp reaches 165°F.
Check at 20 minutes. Thinner breasts cook faster. 165°F internal is mandatory for poultry.
- 5
Rest 3-5 minutes before serving. The crust stays crispy.
Pairs With
Medium-bodied Italian red, cherry and earth notes
Italian wine with Italian-seasoned chicken. The acidity cuts the parmesan richness.
Czech or German-style pilsner
Clean and crisp, doesn't compete with the parmesan crust
Aperol, prosecco, splash of soda
Bitter-sweet and bubbly, perfect lighter pairing
Make It Yours
Tap a dietary need to see exactly what to swap.
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Cooking Soundtrack
Dean Martin, Italian jazz, and bossa nova. The soundtrack to every great pasta night.
Nutrition
Per serving. Estimated values. Not a substitute for professional dietary advice.
Tips
- •If your chicken breasts are thick, butterfly or pound them to ¾-inch for even cooking.
- •Broil the last 2 minutes for an extra-crispy top (watch it closely).
Substitutions
- mayonnaise → Greek yogurt (slightly less crispy but lighter)
- parmesan → Pecorino Romano (sharper, saltier — reduce added salt)
- Italian seasoning → equal parts dried basil, oregano, and thyme
Leftovers
Keeps 4 days. Reheat in a 375°F oven for 8-10 minutes to re-crisp the top. Microwave kills the crust.
Leftover Ideas
Nutrition values are estimates calculated per serving and may vary based on brand, preparation method, and serving size. Not a substitute for professional dietary or medical advice. Consult a registered dietitian for specific nutritional needs.
Allergen Notice: Recipes may contain or come into contact with major allergens including milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soy, and sesame. Always verify ingredient labels for allergen information specific to the brands you use.
Drink pairing suggestions are for adults of legal drinking age only. Please drink responsibly.
Food Safety: Follow USDA safe minimum internal temperatures: Poultry 165°F (74°C), Ground meats 165°F (74°C), Beef/pork/lamb steaks 145°F (63°C) with 3-min rest, Fish 145°F (63°C). Use an instant-read thermometer — do not rely on visual cues alone. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.
