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Hellmann’s parmesan crusted chicken was the first recipe I ever made that didn’t fall apart — literally or emotionally.
I was exhausted, new to cooking, and craving something that actually worked. This recipe saved me. No long list, no fancy tricks. Just juicy, crispy, comforting chicken from pantry basics.
That night, I didn’t just feed my family — I found my lane.
Now, everything I share follows that same rule: real food, made simply, with heart. If you’re tired, overwhelmed, or just need a win tonight? Start here. This is the recipe that built my kitchen confidence — and I hope it brings you the same peace it gave me.
Why You’ll Love This Hellmann’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken
A Crispy Finish Without Frying
Let’s be honest: frying chicken on a Tuesday is just not it. But thanks to the magic of Hellmann’s mayonnaise and parmesan, you still get that golden, crispy crust — no hot oil, no splatter, no stress. It bakes up beautifully every time, and the cleanup is easy.
Pantry Staples, Real Flavor
This isn’t the kind of recipe that sends you hunting through the spice aisle. With just a few kitchen basics — mayo, parmesan, garlic powder, and breadcrumbs — you’ll pull off something that tastes like it took way more effort than it did.
A Go-To for Busy Weeknights
This hellmann’s parmesan crusted chicken is the dinner you reach for when your brain is fried and the fridge feels empty. Whether you’re juggling homework, emails, or just your own exhaustion, it’s on the table in under 30 minutes. No marinating, no stress.
Surprisingly Kid-Approved
The crispy top, cheesy flavor, and tender center? Total kid magnet. You can serve it with rice, roasted veggies, or even slice it into strips for dipping. If you’ve got picky eaters, this might be the first chicken they ask for seconds of.
If you’re looking for another no-fuss dinner idea, this baked pesto chicken is creamy, bold, and just as easy to make.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Core Ingredients
You don’t need much to make this crispy, cheesy classic — just a few pantry staples and one trusted brand of mayo.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ¼ cup Hellmann’s mayonnaise
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- ¼ cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil spray (optional, for crisping)
This combo gives you everything: juicy chicken, a flavorful crust, and that golden brown finish.
Optional Add-Ins & Swaps
- Low-carb tip: Swap breadcrumbs with almond flour and a pinch of paprika.
- No Italian seasoning? A mix of dried basil and oregano works just fine.
- Dairy-free version: Use vegan mayo and nutritional yeast in place of parmesan.
- For extra richness: Add a tablespoon of sour cream to the mayo mixture.
This recipe for hellmann’s parmesan crusted chicken is flexible enough to fit your fridge, your cravings, and your dietary needs — without losing the magic.
hellmann’s parmesan crusted chicken step by step
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). A hot oven is key to getting that crispy, golden topping without drying out the chicken.
Step 2: Flatten the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of parchment or plastic wrap. Lightly pound with a rolling pin or meat mallet until they’re an even ½-inch thick. This ensures even cooking.
Step 3: Mix the Coating
In a small bowl, combine the Hellmann’s mayonnaise, grated parmesan, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Stir until smooth.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken
Lay the chicken breasts on a lined or greased baking sheet. Spread the mayo-parmesan mixture evenly over the top of each piece, coating it completely. This step is where the hellmann’s parmesan crusted chicken gets its signature flavor and moisture.
Step 5: Add the Breadcrumbs
Sprinkle seasoned breadcrumbs generously over the coated chicken. Lightly press with your fingers so they stick. You’ll notice the layers forming — cheesy, savory, and ready to crisp.
Step 6: Arrange on Sheet
Transfer the chicken to a greased baking sheet. You can line it with parchment paper for easier cleanup. Give them space so air can circulate and each hellmann’s parmesan crusted chicken breast crisps properly.
Step 7: Bake
Place the tray in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the top is golden brown.
Step 8: Optional Broil for Crisp
For extra crispiness, broil the chicken for 1–2 minutes at the end — just until the top turns deep golden and slightly crunchy. Watch it closely — the parmesan can brown quickly.
: The Science Behind the Crunch
Mayo as a Moisture Barrier
You might raise an eyebrow at mayo on chicken, but here’s the thing: Hellmann’s locks in moisture while helping the breadcrumbs cling. It also promotes beautiful browning without needing extra oil.
Parmesan’s Role in Browning
Parmesan is naturally high in fat and protein, which means it browns beautifully in a hot oven. It adds that deep golden crust you’d expect from pan-frying — without the mess.
Breadcrumb Texture Tricks
Seasoned breadcrumbs soak up just enough fat to turn crispy, not soggy. Pressing them lightly into the coating helps them form a crunchy top instead of falling off.
Temperature = Juiciness
Flattening the chicken means it cooks evenly and stays juicy. Undercooked parts lead to rubbery bites. Overcooked ones? Dry and stringy. A meat thermometer takes out the guesswork — especially with recipes like hellmann’s parmesan crusted chicken where every bite depends on tenderness.
When to Broil and Why
That quick broil at the end isn’t optional if you want restaurant-level crunch. A minute or two under the heat crisps the topping just enough to make every bite satisfying.
Seasoning Balance
Garlic powder and Italian seasoning add background warmth without overwhelming the main flavors. The simplicity keeps hellmann’s parmesan crusted chicken cozy, nostalgic, and crowd-pleasing.
Need another easy meal with bold flavor? Try this garlic parmesan chicken pasta — it uses similar ingredients in a creamy twist.
: Real-Life Swaps and Creative Twists
Make It Low-Carb
Swap the breadcrumbs for almond flour mixed with a little paprika and parmesan. You’ll still get crispness, just with fewer carbs.
Kid-Friendly Coating Ideas
If breadcrumbs feel too “textured” for picky eaters, try crushed Ritz crackers or panko. They stick well to the mayo mix and offer a more neutral flavor.
Leftover Chicken Remix
Slice cold leftovers over salad, stuff them into wraps, or reheat in the toaster oven for extra crisp. This hellmann’s parmesan crusted chicken keeps its texture better than most baked recipes — which makes it ideal for next-day lunches.
Dairy-Free Version
Use vegan mayo and swap the parmesan with nutritional yeast or dairy-free parm. It won’t brown quite the same, but it will still taste savory and satisfying.
Italian-Inspired Additions
Add a sprinkle of sun-dried tomatoes, basil, or a layer of marinara beneath the topping. It’s like chicken parm… without the frying or layering.
If you’re craving something cozy and cheesy, this chicken cordon bleu casserole brings all the flavor — no rolling or stuffing required.
: Mistakes to Avoid When Making This Dish
Uneven Chicken Thickness
If your chicken is thicker on one end, it won’t cook evenly. One side will be dry before the other is safe to eat. Pound it gently for best results.
Using Too Much Mayo
Yes, mayo helps crisp things up — but slathering on too much can cause the coating to slide off or become greasy. Just a thin, even layer does the trick.
Skipping the Broil
Without broiling at the end, you miss out on that crave-worthy crunch. Just 1–2 minutes can transform a good chicken into a great one.
Not Seasoning Enough
The mayo and cheese add flavor, but don’t skip salt and pepper. Especially if your breadcrumbs are plain, underseasoning can leave it tasting flat. That’s one of the easiest ways to mess up hellmann’s parmesan crusted chicken — a dish that shines because of balance.
Want chicken that’s always cooked perfectly? This diced chicken breast recipe collection teaches you how to avoid overcooked, dry bites every time.
: Frequently Asked Questions
How to make chicken breast with mayonnaise and parmesan?
It’s surprisingly easy. Start by flattening the chicken so it cooks evenly. Then mix mayo, parmesan, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning into a paste. Spread it over each piece, sprinkle with breadcrumbs, and bake at 425°F for 20–25 minutes. That’s the heart of a good hellmann’s parmesan crusted chicken — no marinating, no stress.
Why does the breading fall off my chicken parm?
Usually, it’s one of three things: too much moisture, too little pressure, or not enough coating. Pressing the breadcrumbs lightly into the mayo-parmesan layer helps them stick. Also, avoid flipping the chicken during baking — it doesn’t need it, and it might disturb the crust.
What goes well with crusted parmesan chicken?
This dish pairs beautifully with a bright side. Try roasted green beans, buttery mashed potatoes, a crisp Caesar salad, or even some garlicky pasta. If you’re planning ahead, this hellmann’s parmesan crusted chicken also makes a fantastic leftover — toss cold slices into wraps or serve with fresh greens for lunch the next day.
And if you’re feeling bold, this chicken taco casserole makes an amazing next-night meal with the leftovers.
What is the secret to crispy chicken parmesan?
Two things: high heat and broil time. Baking at 425°F gets things moving, but that final 1–2 minutes under the broiler is what gives the top that irresistible crunch. The mayonnaise in hellmann’s parmesan crusted chicken also helps form a golden seal that locks in flavor and texture.
: You’ve Got This,
You don’t need to be a gourmet cook to make food that feels like love.
Sometimes, all it takes is a quiet kitchen, a warm oven, and a recipe that holds your hand. This one does. Whether tonight’s dinner is for kids at your table or just you and your thoughts — this chicken will be there, hot and cheesy and golden, asking nothing more than a fork.
You did enough. You are enough. And if dinner feels like a small win today… then let it be the win.
From my stove to yours — with heart.
Craving more one-pot wonders? Find me on Facebook and Pinterest — real food, made for real life.
Print
EASY Crispy Hellmann’s Parmesan Crusted chicken
Juicy, crispy chicken with a golden parmesan crust — made effortlessly with pantry staples and the magic of Hellmann’s mayonnaise. A weeknight dinner hero.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ¼ cup Hellmann’s mayonnaise
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- ¼ cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil spray (optional, for crisping)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Flatten the chicken to ½-inch thickness between parchment or plastic wrap.
- In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, parmesan, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning until smooth.
- Place chicken on a greased or lined baking sheet. Spread the mayo mixture evenly on top of each piece.
- Sprinkle breadcrumbs generously over the top and press lightly to adhere.
- Transfer to the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, until golden and internal temp reaches 165°F.
- Optional: Broil for 1–2 minutes for an extra crispy topping. Watch closely to prevent burning.
Notes
Press breadcrumbs gently to ensure they stick well. Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking. For extra richness, add a tablespoon of sour cream to the mayo mixture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 95mg