Melt In Your Mouth Chicken Recipe
This Melt In Your Mouth Chicken recipe features tender chicken breasts marinated in milk, then baked with a creamy Greek yogurt and parmesan cheese coating seasoned with garlic, paprika, and onion powders. The result is a juicy, flavorful dish with a golden, cheesy crust that’s perfect served with your favorite sides or a fresh salad.
- Author: Elena
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus marinating time of 30 minutes to overnight)
- Cook Time: 40 minutes baking + 2-3 minutes broiling
- Total Time: Approximately 50-60 minutes excluding marinating time
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking and Broiling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
For the Chicken and Marinade
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, divided into 2–3 strips each
- 1/2 cup milk
For the Yogurt-Parmesan Coating
- 3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese, divided
- 3/4 cup Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise or sour cream)
- 1 tsp salt, divided (more for seasoning if desired)
- 3/4 tsp garlic powder
- 3/4 tsp paprika, divided
- 3/4 tsp onion powder
- Black pepper to taste
Optional Garnish
- Parsley
- Chili pepper flakes
- Prepare the Chicken: Divide each boneless skinless chicken breast into two or three strips depending on their size. Place all the chicken pieces in a bowl and completely submerge them in 1/2 cup milk. Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes, or for best flavor and tenderness, refrigerate overnight.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while the chicken marinates.
- Mix Yogurt-Parmesan Coating: In a separate mixing bowl, combine 3/4 cup Greek yogurt with half of the grated parmesan cheese (about 3/8 cup), 1 teaspoon salt, 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 3/4 teaspoon onion powder, 3/4 teaspoon paprika, and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir thoroughly to form a creamy seasoning mixture.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Lightly season the marinated chicken strips in a 9×13-inch baking dish with additional salt if you prefer. Evenly coat each chicken piece with the prepared yogurt-parmesan mixture using a brush or spoon, ensuring every strip is generously covered.
- Add Cheese and Paprika: Scatter the remaining grated parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the coated chicken. Finish by lightly dusting the surface with the remaining paprika for added color and flavor.
- Bake and Broil: Place the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake the chicken for 40 minutes, until cooked through and juices run clear. For a golden, slightly crispy top, switch the oven to broil for 2-3 minutes at the end, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley and a pinch of chili pepper flakes if desired. Serve warm and enjoy the melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken overnight enhances tenderness and flavor but a minimum of 30 minutes works well.
- You can substitute Greek yogurt with mayonnaise or sour cream, depending on your taste preference.
- Keep a close eye when broiling to prevent burning the cheese topping.
- This chicken pairs wonderfully with steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh green salad.
- For a spicier twist, add cayenne pepper or smoked paprika in the yogurt mixture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast portion (about 150g)
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
Keywords: baked chicken, creamy chicken recipe, parmesan chicken, yogurt chicken bake, melt in your mouth chicken, easy chicken dinner