🍗 Tender Chicken Delight

By: Rabia

Juicy, flavorful, and baked to perfection — this Tender Chicken Delight is a fuss-free dish that’s creamy, cheesy, and guaranteed to impress your family or guests.

📝 Recipe Card

Servings & Timing

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus overnight marinating)

  • Cook Time: 40–45 minutes

  • Total Time: ~1 hour (active time)

  • Yield: 4 servings

Dietary Notes
✔️ High-Protein
✔️ Low-Carb
✔️ Kid-Friendly

Ingredients (quick checklist):

  • Boneless chicken breasts

  • Mayonnaise or Greek yogurt

  • Parmesan cheese

  • Garlic powder

  • Seasoning salt

  • Black pepper

Tools Needed:

  • Sharp knife & cutting board

  • Mixing bowls

  • Baking dish

  • Measuring cups & spoons

Instructions:

  1. Cut chicken breasts into 3 equal pieces each.

  2. Marinate pieces in the fridge overnight.

  3. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

  4. In a bowl, mix mayo/yogurt, half the Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

  5. Arrange chicken pieces in a baking dish.

  6. Spread mixture evenly over each piece.

  7. Sprinkle with remaining Parmesan.

  8. Bake 40–45 minutes until cooked through.

  9. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes:

  • For lighter flavor, Greek yogurt makes an excellent substitute for mayo.

  • Freshly grated Parmesan melts and browns best.

  • Don’t skip marinating — it ensures maximum tenderness.

✨ Introduction

This recipe is the definition of comfort food made simple. With a creamy Parmesan topping that bakes into a golden crust, every bite of this Tender Chicken Delight is moist, savory, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, dinner parties, or when you want a dish that looks fancy but comes together with minimal effort.

🥘 Step-by-Step Cooking Guide

Step 1: Prep & Marinate
Cut chicken into even pieces and marinate overnight for best flavor.
Tip: If short on time, marinate at least 2 hours for tenderness.

Step 2: Make the Topping
Mix mayo or Greek yogurt with Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.

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Step 3: Assemble the Dish
Arrange chicken in baking dish, spread topping evenly, then sprinkle extra Parmesan.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake 40–45 minutes at 375°F. Chicken should be golden on top and fully cooked inside.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
Remove from oven and serve immediately with your favorite sides.

🧑‍🍳 Ingredient Details & Substitutions

  • Chicken: Boneless breasts are easy, but thighs work for juicier meat.

  • Mayonnaise vs. Yogurt: Mayo = richer flavor, Yogurt = tangy & lighter.

  • Parmesan: Freshly grated for best melt. Can swap with Romano or Asiago.

  • Seasoning Salt: Replace with a mix of kosher salt + Italian seasoning if needed.

Equipment Tip: Use a glass or ceramic baking dish for even cooking.

🍽 Variations & Serving Suggestions

  • Herbed Chicken Delight: Add 1 tsp dried Italian herbs to the topping.

  • Spicy Twist: Stir in ¼ tsp cayenne pepper or paprika for a little heat.

  • Cheesy Upgrade: Mix shredded mozzarella into the topping for extra gooeyness.

Serving Ideas:

  • Pair with roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad.

  • Serve over buttered noodles or cauliflower rice for a low-carb meal.

  • Add garlic bread for a comforting family dinner.

🥡 Storage & Make-Ahead

  • Storage: Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days in an airtight container.

  • Reheating: Reheat at 350°F for 10–15 minutes or in microwave in short bursts.

  • Freezing: Freeze cooked chicken for up to 2 months. Thaw in fridge overnight and reheat.

  • Make-Ahead: Assemble dish with topping 1 day ahead, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake.

📊 Nutrition (per serving, est.)

  • Calories: ~310 kcal

  • Protein: 34g

  • Carbs: 2g

  • Fat: 18g

Allergens: Contains dairy (Parmesan, mayonnaise/Greek yogurt).

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❓ FAQ

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Yes! Thighs are juicier and cook beautifully in this recipe.

Q: Is marinating overnight necessary?
A: It gives the best result, but you can marinate for just 2–3 hours if short on time.

Q: Can I make this dish keto-friendly?
A: It already is! Just make sure your mayonnaise or yogurt is sugar-free.

🍴 Personal Note

This dish came from experimenting on a night when I wanted something creamy but effortless. The mayo-Parmesan topping was inspired by a classic potluck casserole, but simplified and refined for busy weeknight dinners. It’s now one of my go-to comfort recipes.

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Golden, cheesy, and tender — this Chicken Delight is sure to be a new family favorite. 🍗✨

👉 Would you serve this with pasta, rice, or roasted veggies?

Rabia
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