Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. While the oven warms up, lightly spray a 9- x 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
Prep the Chicken
- Take your boneless, skinless chicken breasts and cut each one in half lengthwise to create thinner, more uniform pieces. Transfer these chicken pieces to your prepared baking dish. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
Season the Chicken
- Evenly season both sides of the chicken pieces with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper.
Create the Parmesan Mixture
- In a medium bowl, combine the 3/4 cup mayonnaise, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon paprika. Stir in 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce and a small pinch of cayenne pepper. Mix everything together until you have a thick, creamy paste.
Apply the Topping
- With a spoon or spatula, spread a generous, even layer of the Parmesan mixture on top of each piece of chicken. Ensure the topping completely covers the chicken for maximum flavor and moisture.
Bake to Perfection
- Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken, looking for precisely 165°F. Remove from the oven immediately once cooked. Garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
Nutrition
Notes
For the best results and a perfect cheesy crust, ensure you use full-fat mayonnaise and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Thoroughly patting the chicken dry before applying the topping is crucial to prevent a runny finish. Always use an instant-read thermometer to cook chicken to precisely 165°F and avoid overcooking, which can lead to dry chicken.
Nutrition information is estimated based on common ingredients and serving sizes and may vary.