If you are like me, being able to create a delicious meal with minimal effort and time makes you happy – especially on a busy weeknight. My family is always on the go and dinner is the one time a day that I can count on everyone being present – I have to appreciate the small miracles!
This chicken recipe ticks all the boxes for me! While the chicken is baking, I either throw together a salad or sauté some vegetables and warm a baguette or rolls. A wonderful meal can come together in under an hour and this juicy and flavorful chicken is one that you will want to make often.
I always make extra pieces of chicken for quick lunches – either sandwiches or on a salad. This recipe is one of my absolute favorites because it is a time saver, a money saver, and the whole family loves it!
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt – See Notes)
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese (plus a little extra for sprinkling on top if you choose)
Salt
Fresh ground pepper
1 tsp. Italian seasoning
½ tsp. garlic powder
Directions
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Lightly oil a 9 x 13 baking dish with olive oil. Season the chicken breasts with salt and fresh ground pepper and place in the baking dish.
In a bowl, combine the mayonnaise, parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder.
Spread the mixture on top of each of the chicken breasts. You can sprinkle a little extra parmesan on top (I love it this way), but it is still fantastic without.
Bake for about 40-45 minutes – using a meat thermometer the internal temperature at the thickest part of the chicken breast should be 165°F. The juices should run clear, and the tops of the chicken should be golden brown.
Enjoy!
Notes
* Fresh parmesan really elevates the flavor but if you do not have any fresh parmesan, it will still be delicious with whatever parmesan you have on hand!
* If you do not like mayonnaise, or would like a lighter option, plain Greek yogurt works well. The flavor is a bit tangier, but the dish still comes out beautifully.
* When I sauté vegetables, I usually choose asparagus, broccoli, or green beans. Also, I have roasted vegetables during colder months and they were fantastic as well. I think almost any vegetable would complement this chicken.
* Fresh, warm bread is always lovely but either rice or pasta are also great options. This chicken is so versatile that you can tailor your side dishes to whatever sounds good to you and works best for you.
* It is important to use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature is 165°F. Not only for safety but you also do not want to overcook the chicken. A meat thermometer is a great tool to have in your kitchen!