🧄 Ingredients (Serves 4)
Boneless chicken breasts
4 (about 1 lb / 450g)
Cut into thirds for even cooking
Mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
1 cup
Mayo = rich & creamy; Greek yogurt = tangy & lighter
Garlic powder
1 tsp
For savory depth
Parmesan cheese, grated
1 cup, divided
Use real Parmesan — pre-shredded has anti-caking agents
Seasoning salt (like Lawry’s)
1 tsp
For savory, herby flavor
Black pepper
½ tsp
Freshly ground preferred
✅ Optional upgrades:
Add ½ tsp paprika or onion powder for extra flavor
Mix in 1 tbsp Dijon mustard for tang
Top with fresh parsley or chives before serving
🥣 Step-by-Step: How to Make Tender Chicken Delight
Step 1: Cut & Marinate the Chicken
Cut each chicken breast into 3 equal pieces (about 1-inch thick)
In a bowl, combine:
1 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt)
½ cup Parmesan cheese
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp seasoning salt
½ tsp black pepper
Add chicken pieces and toss to coat
Cover and marinate in the fridge overnight (or at least 4 hours)
✅ Why marinate?
The creamy mixture tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with flavor.
Step 2: Preheat & Prep
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish (or similar)
Step 3: Arrange & Top
Remove chicken from marinade (let excess drip off)
Arrange pieces in a single layer in the baking dish
Spread any remaining marinade over the top
Sprinkle with the remaining ½ cup Parmesan cheese
✅ Pro Tip: For extra browning, broil 2–3 minutes at the end.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake 40–45 minutes, until:
Chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internally
Tops are golden brown and bubbly
Edges are slightly crisp
✅ No need to flip — the marinade keeps it moist.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
Let rest 5 minutes — helps juices settle
Serve hot with:
Garlic mashed potatoes
Roasted vegetables
Buttered pasta or rice
Leftovers? Reheat in the oven or air fryer — never microwave (kills the texture).
🧑🍳 Pro Tips for the Best Chicken Every Time
Cut chicken evenly
Ensures uniform cooking — no dry or raw spots
Use real Parmesan
Melts better and tastes richer
Don’t skip the marinate
Overnight = maximum flavor and tenderness
Add a splash of lemon juice
Brightens the richness
Make ahead
Assemble, refrigerate, bake when ready
Also, this dish freezes well — great for future meals.
🍽️ Final Thoughts: Sometimes the Best Chicken Isn’t Fancy — It’s Just Tender
We think great dinners need time, skill, and a long ingredient list.
But the truth is:
The most satisfying meals are often the simplest.
This Tender Chicken Delight proves that great flavor doesn’t need to be complicated.
So next time you’re tired, busy, or just craving something comforting…
Don’t overthink it.
Make this.
Because sometimes, the difference between “just dinner” and “I need the recipe”…
Isn’t in the cheese.
It’s in the marinade.
And once you make this?
You’ll understand why it’s called Delight.
