4-Ingredient Melt-in-Your-Mouth Chicken

Kelli FosterCulinary Producer
Kelli FosterCulinary Producer
I'm a recipe developer, food writer, stylist, and video producer (and The Kitchn's Dinner Therapist), with more than 10 years professional experience. Since graduating from The French Culinary Institute, I've authored 3 cookbooks: Buddha Bowls, Plant-Based Buddha Bowls, and The Probiotic Kitchen.
Patty CatalanoFood Editor
Patty CatalanoFood Editor
At The Kitchn, I develop all of your favorite recipes and help you discover your most beloved grocery finds. I have more than 17 years of recipe development experience, including time spent in cookbook test kitchens and on Alton Brown’s culinary team. My two kids have lots of opinions on dinner.
published Nov 4, 2025
Pan-seared chicken fillets garnished with chopped herbs, golden brown and juicy.
Credit: Photo: Alex Lepe; Food Styling: Janette Zepeda

You only need four ingredients for the juiciest chicken you'll ever make.

Serves4

Prep5 minutes to 10 minutes

Cook20 minutes to 25 minutes

Cook Mode+
Jump to Recipe
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
Pan-seared chicken fillets garnished with chopped herbs, golden brown and juicy.
Credit: Photo: Alex Lepe; Food Styling: Janette Zepeda

We’ve all been there: It’s 4 p.m. and you’re staring down a pack of boneless chicken breasts with no idea of what recipe to make. Or maybe you’re in a total dinner rut because it seems like you make the same meals over and over. I could keep going on and on, but you get the point. The next time these scenarios pop up, know that melt-in-your-mouth chicken is the answer — trust me!

This four-ingredient recipe makes the absolute juiciest, most flavorful chicken. And best of all, it comes together in three simple steps with just five minutes of easy upfront prep, so dinner is on the table in under 30 minutes. Pair it with some steamed broccoli, rice pilaf, or roasted green beans, and you’ve got an easy weeknight dinner.

Why You’ll Love It

  • The most incredibly juicy chicken. Not only does this prove how flavorful lean chicken breast can be, but every bite is also unbelievably tender and juicy. 
  • It couldn’t be easier. With just five minutes of prep, four ingredients, three simple steps, and hands-off cooking, it doesn’t get better than this in the middle of the week.
Credit: Photo: Alex Lepe; Food Styling: Janette Zepeda

Key Ingredients in Melt-in-Your-Mouth Chicken

  • Chicken: Cut 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts in half to turn them into thinner chicken cutlets. 
  • Mayonnaise: Hear me out! This is the secret to keeping lean chicken breast super juicy. The mayo also contributes to the flavor, so it’s worth using a good-quality jar of mayonnaise.
  • Parmesan cheese: A generous amount of finely grated Parmesan adds flavor, holds the sauce together on the chicken, and picks up a beautiful brown color under the broiler.

How to Make Melt-in-Your-Mouth Chicken

  1. Mix together the topping. Stir mayonnaise, grated Parmesan cheese, and garlic powder together. Spread it evenly over chicken cutlets in a broiler-safe 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Bake the chicken. Bake until the chicken is cooked through.
  3. Finish under the broiler. Broil until the top is golden-brown.

Helpful Swaps

An equal amount of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt (ideally full-fat) can be used as a substitute for mayonnaise. The chicken will be just as flavorful and juicy, although you won’t get the same browning as with using mayonnaise.

Credit: Photo: Alex Lepe; Food Styling: Janette Zepeda

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips 

Leftovers will keep for up to four days refrigerated in an airtight container.

What to Serve with Melt-in-Your-Mouth Chicken

Melt-in-Your-Mouth Chicken Recipe

You only need four ingredients for the juiciest chicken you'll ever make.

Prep time 5 minutes to 10 minutes

Cook time 20 minutes to 25 minutes

Serves 4

Nutritional Info

Ingredients

  • 2/3 cup

    mayonnaise

  • 1/2 cup

    finely grated Parmesan cheese (about 2 ounces)

  • 1 teaspoon

    garlic powder

  • 2

    large, boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 1/2 pounds total)

  • 1 teaspoon

    kosher salt

  • 1/4 teaspoon

    freshly ground black pepper

  • Chopped fresh parsley leaves, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat the oven to 375°F.

  2. Stir 2/3 cup mayonnaise, 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese, and 1 teaspoon garlic powder together in a small bowl.

  3. Cut 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts in half horizontally to get 4 pieces total. Pat dry with paper towels. Season all over with 1 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.

  4. Place the chicken in a single layer in a 9x13-inch broiler-safe baking dish. Spread the mayonnaise mixture over the chicken in an even layer.

  5. Bake until the chicken is cooked through and registers at least 165°F on an instant-read thermometer, 20 to 25 minutes.

  6. Set the oven to broil. Broil until the top is golden-brown, 2 to 3 minutes.

Recipe Notes

Storage: Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

More to Love from The Kitchn