– **Title**: Melt In Your Mouth Chicken Breast
– **Ingredients**:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon dried parsley (for garnish)
– Optional: lemon wedges for serving
– **Instructions**:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and well blended.
3. Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish. Coat each chicken breast generously with the mayonnaise mixture, ensuring they are fully covered.
4. Sprinkle the top of the coated chicken with a little extra Parmesan cheese if desired for added flavor and crunch.
5. Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 75°C) and the top is golden and bubbly.
6. Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
7. Garnish with a sprinkle of dried parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor. Enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this dish due to their quick cooking time. If you’re looking for a leaner option, turkey cutlets can be a great substitute!
Buttermilk: It tenderizes the chicken, making it super juicy. If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes. This homemade buttermilk works wonders!
Flour: All-purpose flour gives the chicken its crunchy coating. If you’re gluten-free, almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour can work as great alternatives.
Parmesan Cheese: The grated Parmesan adds a nice salty flavor. If you don’t have it, try using Pecorino Romano or even nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option!
Spices: Garlic and onion powder really boost the flavor! Feel free to adjust the amounts to suit your taste or swap them with fresh garlic and onion if you prefer.
How Do You Get That Perfect Golden Brown Crust?
Getting that golden brown crust on your chicken is all about the right cooking technique. After dredging the chicken, it’s key to heat your skillet well and ensure it’s nice and hot before adding your chicken. Here’s how to do it:
- Use medium-high heat: This helps the chicken brown quickly without overcooking.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook in batches if necessary, as overcrowding lowers the temperature and can result in steaming instead of browning.
- Let it rest: After cooking, resting the chicken for a few minutes allows the juices to redistribute, keeping it tender.
This approach will help you achieve that deliciously crispy outside while keeping the inside moist and flavorful. Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make Melt In Your Mouth Chicken Breast
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk
For the Breading Mixture:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Cooking:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 1 hour for marinating plus approximately 30 minutes for preparation and cooking. If marinated overnight, it will be even more flavorful! Total time can range from 1 hour to 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on marination time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
Start by marinating the chicken breasts. In a shallow dish, pour the buttermilk over the chicken breasts. Make sure they are fully submerged. Cover the dish and place it in the refrigerator. Let the chicken marinate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for the best flavor and tenderness.
2. Prepare the Oven and Breading:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven is warming up, grab a separate bowl. Combine the all-purpose flour, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in it. Mix everything together until well blended. This mixture will give your chicken a delicious crust!
3. Coat the Chicken:
After marinating, take the chicken breasts out of the buttermilk and let the excess drip off. Dredge each breast in the flour mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated on both sides. This will create a crispy layer when cooked.
4. Sear the Chicken:
In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat until hot. Carefully add the coated chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook each side for about 3-4 minutes until they are golden brown. This step is crucial for that lovely crispy texture.
5. Bake the Chicken:
Once the chicken is nicely browned, transfer the entire skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through—an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) is what you want to reach.
6. Rest and Serve:
After removing the chicken from the oven, let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the chicken even more tender. Before serving, garnish with the freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness!
Enjoy your tender and flavorful Melt In Your Mouth Chicken Breast!
Can I Use Regular Milk Instead of Buttermilk?
Yes, you can! If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make a simple substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly before using it to marinate the chicken.
What If I Don’t Have Parmesan Cheese?
No problem! You can substitute with another cheese such as Pecorino Romano or even mozzarella. If you want a dairy-free option, try nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
Can I Make This Recipe in Advance?
Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken breasts the night before and keep them in the refrigerator. Just dredge them and cook as directed when you’re ready. This allows the flavors to deepen, making the chicken even tastier!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. This helps keep it tender and juicy!
