This mayo chicken recipe coats chicken in a rich mixture of mayonnaise, crushed garlic, fresh rosemary, salt, black pepper, and grated Parmesan cheese before baking at 350°F.
The mayonnaise locks in natural juices while baking, yielding tender meat with a savory crust after 15 minutes of prep time. Perfectly suitable for low-carb diets, this simple dinner provides 34 grams of protein and 2 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Essential Ingredients and Kitchen Tools
Preparing this dish requires basic kitchen equipment alongside accessible pantry items that combine to build a flavorful garlic parmesan topping for your choice of chicken cuts.
Recipe Ingredients
The ingredient quantities listed below yield 6 servings. Measuring the seasonings and dairy accurately ensures an even coating across all chicken pieces:
- Whole Chicken: 1 whole chicken, cut into 6 pieces.
- Mayonnaise: 1 cup of mayonnaise.
- Garlic: 2 cloves of garlic, crushed.
- Fresh Herb: 1 tablespoon of finely chopped fresh rosemary.
- Seasonings: 1 teaspoon of salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Cheese: ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
Required Kitchen Equipment
Gather these essential kitchen tools before starting preparation to keep the cooking process smooth and efficient:
- Baking Dish: A 9×13-inch baking dish to fit the chicken pieces in a single layer.
- Mixing Tools: A bowl and spoon to mix the mayonnaise topping.
- Thermometer: An instant-read meat thermometer to verify doneness.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Follow these straightforward steps to prepare the chicken, mix the savory mayonnaise coating, and bake the dish in the oven until it reaches a safe internal temperature.
Oven Preparation and Meat Setup
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Arrange the 6 chicken pieces evenly inside an ungreased 9×13-inch baking dish. Placing the meat in a single layer promotes even cooking throughout the baking duration.
Mixing and Applying the Mayo Crust
In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of mayonnaise, 2 crushed garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon of finely chopped fresh rosemary, 1 teaspoon of salt, and black pepper.Stir until thoroughly blended.
Spread the mayonnaise mixture uniformly over each piece of chicken, then sprinkle ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese on top.
Baking to Temperature
Place the baking dish into the preheated oven. Bake uncovered for approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes. The chicken is ready when the center is no longer pink and juices run clear.
An instant-read meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part must read at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).
Cooking Variations and Cut Swap Tips
Different cuts of meat require modified baking times, while simple herb adjustments allow home cooks to customize flavors according to individual personal taste preferences.
Adjusting Times for Chicken Cuts
Cooking times vary based on the cut of poultry used in the dish:
- Whole Cut Pieces and Thighs: Bone-in chicken pieces, drumsticks, or thighs require 1 hour to 1 hour and 10 minutes at 350°F.
- Boneless Breasts: Pounded boneless chicken breasts require less time in the oven to stay tender.
- Chicken Tenders: Boneless chicken breast tenders cook completely in just 30 minutes at 350°F.
Herb Swaps and Cheese Customization
Adjust seasonings to fit your pantry preferences:
- Herb Swap: Use dried oregano instead of fresh rosemary.
- Garlic Intensity: Replace fresh garlic with garlic powder equal to 4 cloves.
- Extra Cheese: Increase the grated Parmesan cheese up to ¾ cup for a richer top crust.
Protein Substitutions
The mayonnaise and Parmesan crust is versatile. You can apply the exact same coating mixture to pork chops and bake until fully cooked.
Mayo Chicken Nutrition Facts
This recipe yields 6 servings. The table below lists the complete nutrition information per serving based on available nutrient data:
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 579 | – |
| Total Fat | 48g | 62% |
| Saturated Fat | 10g | 52% |
| Cholesterol | 117mg | 39% |
| Sodium | 791mg | 34% |
| Total Carbohydrate | 2g | 1% |
| Dietary Fiber | 0g | 0% |
| Total Sugars | 1g | – |
| Protein | 34g | 67% |
| Calcium | 96mg | 7% |
| Iron | 2mg | 10% |
| Potassium | 290mg | 6% |
| Vitamin C | 0mg | 0% |
Storage, Reheating, and Serving Advice
Proper handling ensures leftovers maintain their moist texture, while complementary low-carb side dishes create a complete, well-balanced meal for family dinners.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Store leftover baked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently in an oven or air fryer so the mayonnaise coating stays creamy without separating.
Recommended Low-Carb Meal Pairings
Providing 34 grams of protein and only 2 grams of carbohydrates per serving, this main course pairs well with roasted green vegetables or a simple salad for a keto-friendly dinner.
