Easy Peasy Cheesy Mayo Chicken is quick and easy to make and is sure to become a family favorite. It’s moist, flavorful, and melt-in-your-mouth tender using one simple trick!
If you’re looking for an easy dinner with big flavor, this baked chicken with mayo fits the bill. It’s ready in minutes using simple pantry ingredients, yet it tastes like you’ve spent the whole afternoon in the kitchen.
I use mayo as a topping for many of my favorite proteins, from salmon, tilapia, to chicken, and I always had spectacular results. Once you try this simple trick, it will become your favorite method for baking meat and seafood, too.
You will be hard-pressed to overcook and dry out anything in the oven again!
Cooking tips
- Pound the chicken breast with a meat mallet or the back of knife to uniform thickness for even cooking.
- Combine the mayo-cheese when just about ready to top the chicken as the mayo might liquify over time and slide off the chicken when baking.
- If the topping is browning too much before the chicken is cooked through, loosely tent with foil.
The mayo creates a delicious crust that keeps the meat melt-in-your-mouth tender while caramelizing into a golden, creamy mess. The delightful combination of succulent chicken and cheesy topping makes a dinner meal the whole family can’t get enough of!
Serving suggestions
Serve this easy peasy cheesy mayo chicken breasts as the main dish for lunch or dinner with sides of rice, potatoes, or roasted veggies.
Storage and reheating instructions
- Refrigerate leftovers in a container with a tight-fitting lid for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, place in a baking dish and sprinkle with a few tablespoons of chicken broth or water. Heat in a 400 F oven for about 8 to 10 minutes or until a thermometer inserted in the center of the chicken reads 165 F.
Ingredients
- 4 (4-ounces each) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- pepper to taste
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded cheddar
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Place chicken between two sheets of plastic film. Starting from the thickest part, pound the chicken with a meat mallet to flatten.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Arrange in a single layer on a lightly greased baking sheet or oven-safe baking dish.
- In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, cheese, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder.
- Spoon the mixture over chicken fillets, spreading to cover the surface completely.
- Bake in a 400 F oven for about 20 to 30 minutes or until a thermometer inserted in the center reads 165 F.
- Remove from heat and allow to rest for about 3 to 5 minutes before slicing. Serve hot.
Notes
Nutrition Information
“This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.”
Laura says
This really was a super simple recipe! And it was delicious!!! Chicken came out juicy and tender and full of flavor. My family asked me to make it again….which I will! Would work well for a dinner party because it isn’t labor intensive and doesn’t require tending to while it’s baking. I served mine with Jasmine rice and green beans.
Em says
I make this all the time but sometimes I use Pork Chops instead. Turns out amazing every single time! Love this!
Kelci says
Quick, easy, husband and toddler approved! Will definitely make again!
Carla R. says
Made this last night. My husband and I loved this recipe. I used chicken thighs instead of breasts, and it was scrumptious! Will definitely make this again!
Cassandra Sturgis says
This is hands-down the best easiest chicken recipe in the world. Everyone in my family always beg for it at all events, so it’s a big success even when it comes to old-fashioned cooks. Just make sure to make it a little crispy on the top and it’s good to go;)
Lalaine says
Thank you so much for the feedback Yes, I agree. It’s the best easiest chicken recipe ever 🙂 Happy cooking!
Valerie Kirkland says
Just made this tonight for husband and 2 full grown boys. OMG it was a huge success!!! Definitely one recipe we will make more often!! Thank you for sharing!!!!
Michelle says
Just made this and it was amazing! I wasn’t sure about the mayo thing because I’m not a huge fan of it but it doesn’t keep the same flavor and the chicken was so moist. Just delicious! Thank you.
Norm says
Great recipe. I added a coating of parmigiana cheese about 15 minutes into cooking
Beth says
My husband at 73 has gotten so picky but loves chicken I made this tonight he loved it. Now he wanted to nick pick about what all was in it I told him I would not make it again if he didn’t hush. So now he wants to know when I am making it again. Lol
Jennifer says
Do you put foil over this while it is baking?
Lalaine says
Hi Jennifer,
No need to cover with foil. 🙂
Katie says
Good recipe! You make such a great point at the beginning of your post about how subjective the idea of “easy” is depending on the context. I just had this conversation with a tech the other day who was using words like “it’s simple” and “that’s so easy.” I gently explained to him that it might be easy for him, but not for others. Words matter 🙂
Tina says
Fantastic. It was quick and it was easy. Just as the title suggests
Lalaine says
Thanks for the feedback, Tina. I am glad you enjoyed it. 🙂
Heydy says
This chicken recipe is so good! My neighbor wanted the recipe. I did try it another time with Miracle Whip because I didn’t have Mayo and my husband usually prefers it to Mayo. Huge mistake! Only works with Mayo. Too tangy with Miracle Whip. Works great as it is! We love the recipe just like it is! Thank you!
Lalaine says
Thank you so much, Heydy, for your feedback. I am glad your family enjoyed the recipe. This is one of our favorites at home, too. So easy to make and so good 🙂
Janessa says
I put it in for the right time, and temperature. 20 minutes has passed, and it’s still pink! Added 15 more minutes to start off. Hopefully, it will be done my then, everything else I made for dinner was done at the 20 minute mark…
Lalaine says
I am sorry if the chicken breasts didn’t cook on time for your dinner meal. Please note that variations in oven temp and the thickness of the chicken can affect cook times. The time provided as an approximation of what worked for me and as the recipe states, 20 minutes or until thermometer inserted reads 165 F.
Amanda says
My first attempt is in the oven right now. I halved it because I’m just using 2 chicken breasts. I’m a little nervous because my bf is not a mayo fan but I’m wondering if I can sneak it past him…! Thanks for sharing!
Lalaine says
Let me know how he liked it! 🙂
Lisa says
One of my sons is allergic to eggs, so he can’t have the mayo. Whenever a recipe calls for mayo I substitute with plain yogurt. This looks really good; anything with cheese is usually a winner with my oldest son. I think I will be trying it this week. 😀
Lalaine says
Yes, yogurt sounds like a good substitute. Thanks for the tip, Lisa 🙂