A Simple and Delicious Dinner – Juicy Baked Chicken with Creamy Dijon Parmesan Crust

🎉 Introduction

When life gets busy and your dinner inspiration feels like it’s hit a wall, this Simple and Delicious Chicken Dinner is your answer. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll create a flavor-packed, juicy, and creamy baked chicken dish that delivers comfort and satisfaction in every bite.

The magic lies in the blend of mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Parmesan cheese, and classic herbs — creating a savory coating that caramelizes in the oven, locking in moisture and packing the chicken with bold flavor. This easy recipe is ready in 30 minutes, needs only one pan, and pairs well with just about anything.

Let’s get into this crave-worthy weeknight dinner that will become a staple in your home!

🧰 Equipment Needed

You’ll only need the basics for this no-fuss dinner:

• Baking dish or sheet pan
• Mixing bowl
• Spoon or spatula
• Measuring spoons
• Knife and cutting board
• Meat thermometer (optional but helpful)

🛒 Ingredients

🥩 Viandes:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

🧄 Fruits et légumes:

• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp dried thyme

🧂 Aides culinaires et épices:

• ¼ tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste

🧴 Condiments:

• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• ½ cup mayonnaise

🧀 Produits laitiers:

• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Tip: Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melt and flavor!

👩‍🍳 Directions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line a sheet pan with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Prep the Chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry using paper towels. If they’re thick, consider slicing them in half horizontally or pounding them to even thickness for quicker and more consistent cooking.

Season both sides with:

• Salt and pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Dried thyme

Step 3: Make the Creamy Coating

In a small mixing bowl, combine:

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ tsp paprika

Mix until smooth and creamy. This will be your flavor-packed coating.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Place the seasoned chicken breasts into your prepared baking dish. Spoon the creamy mixture evenly over the top of each piece of chicken, spreading it out to coat completely.

Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internally and the topping is golden and bubbly.

Optional: Broil for the last 2–3 minutes to add a golden crust.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley if desired, and serve with your favorite side dish.

🍽️ Servings & Timing

• Servings: 2
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Pair With:

• Roasted veggies
• Mashed potatoes
• Rice pilaf
• Fresh salad
• Garlic bread

🧊 Storage & Reheating

Storage:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 4 days.

Reheating:

• Oven: 350°F for 8–10 minutes
• Microwave: 30-second intervals until warm
• Air Fryer: 350°F for 4 minutes to keep the top crispy

Reheat gently to avoid drying out the chicken.

🥄 Variations

This dish is incredibly flexible. Here are some tasty spins:

• Spicy Kick: Add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne to the creamy mixture
• Honey Mustard Chicken: Replace Dijon with honey mustard for a sweeter twist
• Garlic Herb: Add minced garlic and chopped rosemary or oregano
• Low Carb: Serve with cauliflower mash or roasted zucchini
• Cheesy Crust: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella or cheddar over the top before baking
• Crunchy Topping: Add crushed Ritz crackers or panko on top of the cream coating before baking

❓ 10 FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead?

Yes! Boneless, skinless thighs work perfectly and stay extra juicy. Adjust bake time to 30–35 minutes.

2. Is mayonnaise safe for baking?

Absolutely. It keeps the chicken moist and creates a delicious creamy crust when baked.

3. What if I don’t have Dijon mustard?

Use yellow mustard or even a little stone-ground mustard as a substitute.

4. Can I prep this dish ahead?

Yes! Assemble everything, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

5. What can I use instead of Parmesan?

Try Asiago, Romano, or even shredded cheddar for a different flavor.

6. Is this dish keto-friendly?

Yes! All the ingredients are naturally low in carbs.

7. Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, freeze cooked chicken in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven for best texture.

8. What’s the best way to pound chicken breasts?

Place them between two sheets of parchment and use a rolling pin or meat mallet to pound evenly.

9. Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely! Just use a larger baking dish and don’t overcrowd the pan.

10. Does the chicken brown on top?

Yes, especially if you broil it for the last few minutes. For more color, sprinkle a bit more Parmesan before baking.

🏁 Conclusion

This Simple and Delicious Dinner is more than just easy — it’s creamy, juicy, and bursting with flavor. With a rich Parmesan-Dijon coating and a perfectly seasoned chicken base, it’s the kind of no-stress recipe you’ll come back to week after week.

Ready in just 30 minutes and made with pantry staples, it’s perfect for busy nights, relaxed weekends, or whenever you want to serve something effortlessly comforting. Make it once, and it might just become your new favorite chicken dinner!

Adam

A Simple and Delicious Dinner – Juicy Baked Chicken with Creamy Dijon Parmesan Crust

When life gets busy and your dinner inspiration feels like it’s hit a wall, this Simple and Delicious Chicken Dinner is your answer. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll create a flavor-packed, juicy, and creamy baked chicken dish that delivers comfort and satisfaction in every bite. The magic lies in the blend of mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Parmesan cheese, and classic herbs — creating a savory coating that caramelizes in the oven, locking in moisture and packing the chicken with bold flavor. This easy recipe is ready in 30 minutes, needs only one pan, and pairs well with just about anything. Let’s get into this crave-worthy weeknight dinner that will become a staple in your home!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 2 servings

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

🥩 Viandes:

• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts

🧄 Fruits et légumes:

• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp dried thyme

🧂 Aides culinaires et épices:

• ¼ tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

🧴 Condiments:

• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• ½ cup mayonnaise

🧀 Produits laitiers:

• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese grated
• Tip: Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melt and flavor!

Equipment

• You’ll only need the basics for this no-fuss dinner:
• Baking dish or sheet pan
• Mixing bowl
• Spoon or spatula
• Measuring spoons
• Knife and cutting board
• Meat thermometer (optional but helpful)

Method

 

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line a sheet pan with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Prep the Chicken

1. Pat the chicken breasts dry using paper towels. If they’re thick, consider slicing them in half horizontally or pounding them to even thickness for quicker and more consistent cooking.
2. Season both sides with:
3. Salt and pepper
4. Garlic powder
5. Onion powder
6. Dried thyme

Step 3: Make the Creamy Coating

1. In a small mixing bowl, combine:
2. ½ cup mayonnaise
3. 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
4. ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
5. ¼ tsp paprika
6. Mix until smooth and creamy. This will be your flavor-packed coating.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

1. Place the seasoned chicken breasts into your prepared baking dish. Spoon the creamy mixture evenly over the top of each piece of chicken, spreading it out to coat completely.
2. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internally and the topping is golden and bubbly.
3. Optional: Broil for the last 2–3 minutes to add a golden crust.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

1. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley if desired, and serve with your favorite side dish.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Storage:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 4 days.

Reheating:
Oven: 350°F for 8–10 minutes

Microwave: 30-second intervals until warm

Air Fryer: 350°F for 4 minutes to keep the top crispy

Reheat gently to avoid drying out the chicken.

🥄 Variations
This dish is incredibly flexible. Here are some tasty spins:

Spicy Kick: Add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne to the creamy mixture

Honey Mustard Chicken: Replace Dijon with honey mustard for a sweeter twist

Garlic Herb: Add minced garlic and chopped rosemary or oregano

Low Carb: Serve with cauliflower mash or roasted zucchini

Cheesy Crust: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella or cheddar over the top before baking

Crunchy Topping: Add crushed Ritz crackers or panko on top of the cream coating before baking

❓ 10 FAQs
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead?
Yes! Boneless, skinless thighs work perfectly and stay extra juicy. Adjust bake time to 30–35 minutes.

2. Is mayonnaise safe for baking?
Absolutely. It keeps the chicken moist and creates a delicious creamy crust when baked.

3. What if I don’t have Dijon mustard?
Use yellow mustard or even a little stone-ground mustard as a substitute.

4. Can I prep this dish ahead?
Yes! Assemble everything, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

5. What can I use instead of Parmesan?
Try Asiago, Romano, or even shredded cheddar for a different flavor.

6. Is this dish keto-friendly?
Yes! All the ingredients are naturally low in carbs.

7. Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, freeze cooked chicken in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven for best texture.

8. What’s the best way to pound chicken breasts?
Place them between two sheets of parchment and use a rolling pin or meat mallet to pound evenly.

9. Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely! Just use a larger baking dish and don’t overcrowd the pan.

10. Does the chicken brown on top?
Yes, especially if you broil it for the last few minutes. For more color, sprinkle a bit more Parmesan before baking.

🏁 Conclusion
This Simple and Delicious Dinner is more than just easy — it’s creamy, juicy, and bursting with flavor. With a rich Parmesan-Dijon coating and a perfectly seasoned chicken base, it’s the kind of no-stress recipe you’ll come back to week after week.

Ready in just 30 minutes and made with pantry staples, it’s perfect for busy nights, relaxed weekends, or whenever you want to serve something effortlessly comforting. Make it once, and it might just become your new favorite chicken dinner!