Parmesan Chicken Bake

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Parmesan Chicken Bake is one of those go-to meals that’s quick to prepare but still delivers serious flavor. It combines juicy chicken breasts with a crispy, cheesy topping that bakes to golden perfection. It’s comfort food without being heavy, and it works just as well for a busy weeknight dinner as it does for casual entertaining.

This dish brings together the best of Italian-American flavors without the need for breading and frying. Instead, the chicken is baked under a generous layer of seasoned mayonnaise and Parmesan cheese, creating a crispy crust that keeps the meat moist and tender underneath.

What’s great about this recipe is how effortlessly it comes together. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, you can have it in the oven in under 10 minutes. There’s no need for extra steps like dredging or pan-searing. Just season, top, and bake.

It’s also highly adaptable. Add some crushed garlic, swap out the Parmesan for Asiago or Romano, or sprinkle with fresh herbs. Pair it with a simple salad or roasted vegetables and you’ve got a balanced, satisfying meal.

Unlike many chicken Parmesan recipes, this version skips the marinara and keeps the focus on the chicken and cheese. That makes it lighter and more versatile, especially for those who prefer a more savory, less saucy dish.

The topping crisps up beautifully in the oven, giving you all the texture you want without deep frying. It’s a trick many home cooks swear by for juicy chicken and bold flavor with less fuss and mess.

It also works great as leftovers. The crust holds up surprisingly well, and a quick reheat in the oven brings everything back to life. Slice leftovers into sandwiches or dice them for a salad the next day.

This is a great beginner recipe too. You don’t need much experience to pull it off, and the results feel way more impressive than the effort involved. It’s the kind of dish that ends up in your regular rotation.

If you want something that delivers comfort, protein, and rich flavor without taking up your whole evening, this Parmesan Chicken Bake is the answer.

Let’s get it on your table.

Servings

Serves 4

Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Optional garnish: chopped parsley or extra Parmesan

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Place chicken breasts in the dish in a single layer.
3. In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, Parmesan, garlic powder, pepper, and paprika until well combined.
4. Spread the mixture evenly over the top of each chicken breast.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temp of 165°F) and the topping is golden and bubbly.
6. Optional: Broil for 1-2 minutes for extra browning.
7. Let rest 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley or extra cheese if desired.

Tips

• Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking and drying out the chicken.
• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in olive oil and lemon juice before baking.
• You can use chicken thighs instead for a juicier variation.
• Serve with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or over pasta.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

It’s simple, fast, and full of flavor. No frying, no mess, just juicy chicken with a crispy, cheesy top that the whole family will love. It’s an easy win for any night of the week.

This Parmesan Chicken Bake is a no-fuss, flavor-packed dinner you can whip up fast. With a creamy, cheesy crust and tender chicken underneath, it’s a weeknight-friendly recipe that delivers every time. No breadcrumbs, no frying—just great taste with minimal effort.