Hamdi Saidani This Pioneer Woman Best Chicken Breast Melt In Your Mouth Recipe is a juicy and tender recipe, which is made with Greek yogurt and Parmesan cheese. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner, ready in about an hour and a half, including marinating time.
Pioneer Woman Best Chicken Breast Melt In Your Mouth Ingredients
- 4 boneless + skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup milk
- 3/4 cup Greek yogurt (or mayo or sour cream)
- 3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese (divided)
- 1 tsp salt
- 3/4 tsp each: garlic powder, onion powder + paprika
- black pepper to taste
- Optional Garnish: parsley + chili pepper flakes
How To Make Pioneer Woman Best Chicken Breast Melt In Your Mouth
- Prep and marinate the chicken: Slice each chicken breast into two or three long strips. Place them in a bowl, cover with the milk, and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes (or covered in the fridge overnight).
- Make the topping: Preheat your oven to 375°F. In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, half of the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper.
- Assemble the dish: Transfer the marinated chicken pieces to a 9×13-inch baking dish and season them lightly with salt. Spread the yogurt mixture evenly on top of each chicken piece.
- Bake and broil: Sprinkle the remaining half of the grated Parmesan cheese over the chicken, followed by another light sprinkle of paprika. Bake for 40 minutes. To get some extra color on top, switch the oven to the broil setting and broil for a few minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
Recipe Tips
- How to get the juiciest chicken? The secret is marinating the chicken in milk. The enzymes in the milk help to tenderize the chicken, resulting in an incredibly moist and tender final product.
- Can I use something other than Greek yogurt? Yes, the recipe notes that full-fat mayonnaise or sour cream are excellent substitutes and will result in an equally creamy and delicious topping.
- Can I use chicken thighs? Absolutely. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs would also work well. They are naturally juicier, so you may be able to reduce the baking time slightly.
- How to prevent the topping from burning under the broiler? Watch it very carefully! The broiler works fast. It should only take 1-3 minutes to get a nice golden color. Don’t walk away from the oven during this step.
What To Serve With Melt In Your Mouth Chicken
This rich and savory chicken pairs well with a variety of simple sides.
- Steamed or roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli
- Creamy mashed potatoes or rice pilaf
- A simple garden salad with a light vinaigrette
- Buttered egg noodles
How To Store Melt In Your Mouth Chicken
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Freezing is not highly recommended as the texture of the yogurt/mayo topping can change upon thawing.
Melt In Your Mouth Chicken Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 249kcal
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Protein: 34g
- Fat: 9g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Why marinate the chicken in milk?
Marinating chicken in milk is a classic technique for tenderizing. The calcium and lactic acid in milk gently break down the proteins in the chicken, resulting in a more tender and moist piece of meat after cooking.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
You can marinate the chicken overnight. You can also prepare the yogurt topping and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to cook, simply assemble and bake.
s this recipe low-carb or keto-friendly?
Yes, this recipe is naturally low in carbohydrates, making it a great option for those following a low-carb or keto diet.
Try More Pioneer Woman Recipes:
- Pioneer Woman Chicken Piccata with Buttery Lemon Noodles Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Chicken Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Chicken Enchiladas Recipe
Pioneer Woman Best Chicken Breast Melt In Your Mouth Recipe
Description
An incredibly easy recipe for the most tender, juicy baked chicken breasts, thanks to a simple milk marinade and a creamy, cheesy Parmesan topping.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Slice chicken into strips and marinate in milk for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Combine yogurt, half the Parmesan, and all spices in a small bowl.
- Place chicken in a 9x13u0022 baking dish, season with salt, and spread the yogurt mixture on top.
- Sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan and a little more paprika.
- Bake for 40 minutes.
- Broil for 1-3 minutes at the end to brown the top.
Notes
- u003cliu003eDon’t skip the milk marinade; it’s the key to the u0022melt-in-your-mouthu0022 texture.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eFor the best flavor and texture, use full-fat Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, or sour cream.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eUsing freshly grated Parmesan cheese will result in a better melt and flavor than pre-shredded varieties.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eWatch the chicken closely under the broiler as the topping can go from golden to burnt very quickly.u003c/liu003e
