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Melt in Your Mouth Chicken: The Ultimate Recipe Guide

Tender, juicy chicken breasts baked in a creamy Parmesan sauce infused with Italian herbs and spices. This simple yet flavorful dish is perfect for any night of the week.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 packet (1 oz) dry Italian dressing mix
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise (full-fat recommended)
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
  • Optional: Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

  1. Preheat: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Prepare Chicken: Pound thick chicken breasts to an even 1/2-inch thickness.
  3. Grease Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  4. Arrange Chicken: Place chicken breasts in the dish, ensuring they don’t overlap.
  5. Make Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine Italian dressing mix, Parmesan cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Mix well.
  6. Coat Chicken: Spread the creamy Parmesan sauce evenly over each chicken breast.
  7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil for the last 10-15 minutes.
  8. Rest: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
  9. Garnish & Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges. Enjoy with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice, or a salad.

Notes

  • Don’t overcook the chicken! Use a meat thermometer.
  • Full-fat mayonnaise and sour cream provide the best flavor.
  • Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicier kick.
  • Experiment with different cheeses like Romano or mozzarella.
  • If you don’t have Italian dressing mix, you can make your own with dried oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
  • Prepare ahead: Assemble the chicken and sauce, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • For a healthier version, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
  • Add sliced onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the baking dish before adding the chicken.
  • Consider marinating the chicken in Italian dressing for at least 30 minutes before baking.