Indulging in the pleasure of cooking a delightful meal with ease and efficiency brings immense joy, especially during those frantic weeknights. This recipe, dear reader, epitomizes convenience and taste, encapsulating all the qualities I seek in a dish.
As the chicken bakes in the oven, my culinary journey takes a swift detour to a refreshing salad or some delectably sautéed vegetables. The heavenly aroma fills the kitchen, promising a feast for the senses. To complete the picture, I warm a baguette or some soft rolls, eagerly anticipating the symphony of flavors that awaits.
With mere minutes of preparation and cooking time, the magic unfolds, and a wholesome, delicious meal materializes before my eyes. The succulent and flavorsome chicken, cooked to perfection, satisfies every craving and leaves an indelible mark on my taste buds. It’s a recipe that entices me to repeat the experience time and again.
Yet, the culinary journey doesn’t end there. Wisely, I always prepare a few extra pieces of this tantalizing chicken, for it grants me the gift of simplicity during busy lunch hours. Effortlessly, I transform these delectable leftovers into sandwiches, creating delightful lunchtime companions. Alternatively, they marry beautifully with a bed of greens in a salad, making for a swift yet satisfying midday meal.
In under an hour, this exceptional recipe manages to enliven the dinner table with its presence, winning hearts and palates alike. The joy of savoring such a meal, crafted with minimal effort and time, is simply unparalleled. I wholeheartedly embrace this culinary gem, and I’m certain that you too will cherish the moments spent preparing and savoring this juicy and flavorsome chicken. So, let’s embark on this culinary adventure, knowing that a delightful dinner or a quick lunch awaits us on the other side. Bon appétit!
Ingredients:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese (plus a little extra for sprinkling on top if you choose)
Salt
Fresh ground pepper
1 tsp. Italian seasoning
½ tsp. garlic powder
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Lightly oil a 9 x 13 baking dish with olive oil. Season the chicken breasts with salt and fresh ground pepper and place in the baking dish.
In a bowl, combine the mayonnaise, parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder.
Spread the mixture on top of each of the chicken breasts. I like to sprinkle a little extra parmesan on top, but it is still fantastic without.
Bake for about 40-45 minutes – using a meat thermometer the internal temperature at the thickest part of the chicken breast should be 165°F. The juices should run clear and the tops of the chicken should be golden brown.
Enjoy!
Notes:
* Fresh parmesan really elevates the flavor but if you do not have any, it will still be delicious!
* It is important to use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature is 165°F. Not only for safety but you also do not want to overcook the chicken. A meat thermometer is a great tool to have in your kitchen!