I’ve got to say, Your Mouth Chicken Breast is one of my favorite dinner ideas ever! Melt In Your Mouth Chicken is not only super easy to make, but it’s bursting with flavor, turning those chicken breasts into a tender delight. My family just can’t get enough of it!
In our household, chicken recipes are definitely the top choice, they outnumber any other meat by far! We’re talking Honey Garlic Chicken , Huli Huli Hawaiian Grilled Chicken, Crispy Parmesan chicken Breast, the possibilities are endless. Let’s be real, who doesn’t think nuggets are the ideal snack? Chicken is the perfect canvas for dinner; with just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a new dish every night! Today, we’re diving into “Melt In Your Mouth” chicken, featuring super tender chicken breasts packed with flavor and topped off with cheese.
Why You’ll Love Your Mouth Chicken Breast
Melt In Your Mouth Chicken Breast
Ingredients
- 1 cup of sour cream
- 2 teaspoons of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of your favorite seasoned salt
- Just 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper will do the trick!
- 1 1/2 cups of freshly grated Parmesan cheese divided into portions
- 3 pounds of boneless chicken breasts with any extra fat trimmed away
Instructions
- Set your oven to 375°F for preheating.
- Prepare a 9×13 baking dish by lightly spraying it with nonstick cooking spray, then set it aside.
- In a medium bowl, combine the sour cream, garlic powder, seasoned salt, pepper, and 1 cup of Parmesan cheese.
- Arrange the chicken breasts evenly in the pan. Cover them with the sour cream mixture, then top with the remaining Parmesan cheese.
- Roast for 25-30 minutes, ensuring the chicken is thoroughly cooked.
- Switch the oven to broil and slide the pan under the broiler for 2-3 minutes until the top is lightly browned.
- Enjoy right away.
Notes
- Place in an airtight container and refrigerate for a maximum of 3 days.
- Warm it up in the microwave or bake in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.
Notes
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
Based on 4 servings using Greek yogurt:- Calories: ~280 kcal
- Protein: ~35g
- Fat: ~12g
- Carbohydrates: ~2g
- Fiber: ~0.5g
- Sodium: ~450mg
- This is, without a doubt, one of my all-time favorite recipes! I’ve been whipping it up for over ten years now, and I still get messages from folks who are amazed at how delicious it turns out with such minimal effort.
- I like to use sour cream for this recipe. My mom used to use mayo, but I always felt it was a bit too heavy. I find there’s a fine line with mayo! To keep things light and flavorful, I stick with sour cream, it seems to please everyone. Plus, sour cream tenderizes the chicken beautifully, leaving you with juicy, delicious chicken every time. It’s absolutely delightful!
- Getting ready takes about five minutes, max. Just stir, spread, and bake, it’s that simple! And if you want to take it up a notch, pop it under the broiler for a few minutes at the end to achieve that golden, cheesy perfection.
- Even picky eaters will give it a thumbs up! The flavors are mild and comforting, making it a hit with everyone in the house, even those who usually turn their noses up at new dishes.
What You’ll Need
Getting ready to make this Melt In Your Mouth Chicken is a breeze, it only takes a few minutes! Here’s a quick overview of what you’ll need, plus some of my personal tips. Don’t forget to check out the recipe card below for a handy printable version.
- Boneless Chicken Breasts: When it comes to chicken breasts, here’s a little tip, the thinner they are, the quicker they’ll bake! Personally, I like to go for a “medium” slice, somewhere in between too thin and too thick. Just remember to keep an eye on the baking time based on the thickness of your chicken. Enjoy!
- Sour Cream: It keeps your chicken nice and moist! If you prefer, you can swap it out for Plain Greek Yogurt or mayonnaise.
- Parmesan Cheese: I absolutely adore adding Parmesan Cheese to this dish because it brings so much flavor to the table. you’re in the mood to switch things up, feel free to try another cheese! Just make sure it’s something with a bit of a sharp edge, like Gruyere, Extra Sharp Cheddar, or Asiago.
- Seasonings: This is your chance to get creative and customize the recipe to please all the picky eaters in your family! The original recipe calls for classic seasonings like garlic powder and seasoned salt, but there’s so much room to experiment! Want a Tex-Mex twist? Toss in some cumin. Craving an Italian vibe? Sprinkle in a bit of basil or Italian seasoning Feeling adventurous? Add a dash of smoked paprika and cayenne pepper for a smoky, spicy kick! I absolutely adore chicken recipes like this because they’re so flexible and fun to tweak!
How to Make Melt In Your Mouth Chicken
Alright, let’s dive into the kitchen! Here’s how you can whip up this incredibly easy chicken dish:
- Get your tools ready! Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Lightly coat a 9×13 baking dish with some PAM, and set it aside for now.
- Let’s get started on the MIYM magic! In a medium bowl, mix together the sour cream, garlic powder, seasoned salt, pepper, and 1 cup of Parmesan cheese.
- Spread the MIYM mix over your chicken. Arrange the chicken breasts in a single layer in your prepared pan, then slather the MIYM mix on top. Finish off with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
- Pop it in the oven, and in just 25-30 minutes, you’ll have a delicious meal ready to enjoy!
- I love to give the chicken a quick broil for about 2-3 minutes—just enough to let it get that nice, golden brown on top!
- Time to serve!
Tips for Success
- Thinking about making things easier on the day? You totally can! Prepare everything up to the point of baking the chicken the day before. Simply cover the prepared chicken with saran wrap and pop it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. When the time comes, just off the plastic wrap and continue with the recipe.
- Wondering when your chicken is perfectly cooked? It all depends on how thick your chicken breasts are. Thinner cuts will cook quicker than thicker ones. Keep an eye out for clear juices, which is a good sign that it’s done. If you want to be extra sure, just grab a meat thermometer and make sure it hits 165°F inside.
- What if there ends up being a lot of liquid in the pan? Don’t worry, it’s actually super common with baked chicken dishes! Chicken naturally releases juices while it cooks, and since this recipe involves baking in a dish, those juices don’t have anywhere to go. This isn’t as noticeable when pan frying because the higher pan temperature causes the liquid to evaporate quickly, but at 350°F in the oven, it tends to stick around. No need to stress though! It’s all completely normal. You can simply drain off the liquid either before or after giving it that broiler finish. It’ll turn out just fine!
Serving Suggestions
You’ve got to try this recipe, it’s a winner! I love pairing it with Homemade Egg Noodles whenever I’ve got a bit of extra time. But don’t worry if you’re looking for other sides; here are some more great options:
How to Store and Reheat
- After your meal, simply let the leftovers cool, place them in an airtight container, and store in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days!
- To reheat: Just pop it in the microwave or place it in the oven until it’s nice and warm. If you’re using the oven, cover it with foil to keep the top from getting too brown. Enjoy!
- Can I freeze it? I wouldn’t really suggest it-sour cream doesn’t freeze all that well and can turn a bit funky when it thaws. It’s definitely best to enjoy this one fresh!
F&Q
How do you make chicken breast melt faster?
Achieving that “melt in your mouth” texture with chicken breast requires attention to a few key cooking techniques that can expedite and enhance the process:
Tenderizing the Chicken
One of the most effective ways to ensure quick-cooking, tender chicken breast is to tenderize it before cooking. Use a meat mallet to lightly flatten the chicken until it has an even thickness. This not only helps in reducing the cooking time but also ensures even cooking, preventing parts of the chicken from drying out while others remain undercooked.
Marinade Magic
Let the chicken sit in a flavorful marinade for at least 15-30 minutes before cooking. Acids from ingredients like yogurt, lemon juice, or vinegar in marinades can help break down the proteins in the chicken, resulting in a softer texture. A well-marinated chicken breast will cook faster and more evenly, with an extra layer of flavor.
Pre-Cook Sear
Giving your chicken breasts a quick pre-cook sear in a hot pan can seal in juices and create a delightful crust. This method involves cooking the chicken for a minute or two on each side over high heat before transferring it to the oven or reducing the heat to finish the cooking.
Can you season chicken with mayonnaise?
Absolutely, mayonnaise can do wonders when used as a seasoning or coating for chicken. When you coat your chicken with mayonnaise before cooking, it acts as a wonderful carrier for other flavors while locking in moisture, ensuring your chicken remains juicy and succulent.
Benefits of Using Mayonnaise
Flavor Enhancer: Mayonnaise provides a rich, creamy base that can be combined with a variety of spices and herbs. Whether you prefer a hint of garlic, the zest of lemon, or the aromatic appeal of herbs like rosemary and thyme, mayonnaise can blend seamlessly with these flavors.
Moisture Lock: One of the key advantages of using mayonnaise is its ability to seal in moisture. As the chicken cooks, the mayo acts as a barrier, preventing the meat from drying out. This is particularly beneficial for lean cuts like chicken breast, which are prone to drying out during cooking.
Perfect Crust: When baked, the oils in mayonnaise create a beautiful crust on the chicken, adding an extra layer of texture to each bite. This crust not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also adds a satisfying crunch.
How do you keep chicken soft and moist?
There are several techniques you can employ to ensure your chicken stays soft and moist, resulting in a delectable melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Brining
Brining is an excellent way to add moisture and flavor to chicken breasts. By soaking the chicken in a solution of water, salt, and sometimes sugar or spices, you increase its ability to retain moisture. The brine is absorbed into the meat, which helps it stay juicy as it cooks. Aim for a mild brine for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour before cooking.
Optimal Cooking Techniques
Sous Vide: This precise cooking method allows you to cook the chicken slowly and evenly while ensuring it remains incredibly moist. After vacuum sealing your chicken breast with your choice of marinade, it’s cooked in a water bath at a controlled temperature.
Slow Cooking: Utilizing a slow cooker or crockpot can maintain moisture within the chicken, making it fall-apart tender. Combine your chicken with your favorite sauces or broths and let it cook on low heat for several hours.
Poaching: Cooking chicken gently in a simmering liquid, such as broth or water infused with herbs and spices, can retain moisture while flavoring the meat. Poaching
How long to salt chicken breast before cooking?
Salting chicken breast is another effective method to enhance its moisture and flavor without the need for a full brine. This technique, often referred to as dry brining, involves sprinkling salt directly onto the chicken and letting it rest. Here’s how to do it effectively:
Timing for Salting
Short-Term Salting (30 minutes to 1 hour): If you’re short on time, even a quick salting before cooking can make a noticeable difference. It helps the surface of the chicken start to season and absorb some moisture. This short period is great for when you’re in a rush but still want to add some extra flavor.
Long-Term Salting (up to 24 hours): For maximum flavor and moisture retention, salting the chicken and allowing it to rest in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours is ideal. This extended period allows the salt to penetrate deeply into the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and juicy chicken breast. Simply season with salt and place uncovered in the fridge, which will also help the skin to dry out, leading to a crisper exterior when cooked.