If you’re looking for the crispiest, juiciest chicken dinner with minimal effort, this Hellmann’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe is about to become a weeknight favorite.
Made with just a handful of pantry staples, this dish delivers a savory, cheesy crust and tender, moist chicken every time.
In this article, we’ll walk you through my own experience making this iconic mayonnaise-based crust, the steps to get that golden crunch just right, and how to avoid common pitfalls.
Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or planning a cozy Sunday meal, this easy recipe has got you covered.
Table of Contents
Hellmann’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe 2025
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Hellmann’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe delivers crisp, golden coating and juicy flavor with just a few pantry staples.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/2 cup Hellmann’s mayonnaise
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp salt
1 tsp Italian seasoning (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment.
2. Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
3. Spread 1 tablespoon Hellmann’s mayo over each chicken breast.
4. In a bowl, mix Parmesan, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and seasoning.
5. Press each chicken breast into the breadcrumb mixture on both sides.
6. Place on baking sheet and let sit 5–10 minutes.
7. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until internal temp is 165°F.
8. Optional: Broil 2–3 minutes at end for extra crunch.
Notes
Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor.
Broiling adds extra crispness—watch closely to avoid burning.
Pair with roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
How Hellmann’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken Became My Go-To Meal?
I was about nine when I first remember watching my grandmother press a chicken breast into a plate of seasoned breadcrumbs. But it wasn’t until years later that I discovered the magic trick she wasn’t using, mayonnaise.
I’ll never forget the day I saw a jar of Hellmann’s on the counter while visiting a neighbor for dinner. She slathered her chicken with mayo before dredging it in cheese and crumbs. “It locks in all that juicy moisture,” she said with a playful wink.
And sure enough, when that chicken came out of the oven, it had the crispiest crust and juiciest center I’d ever tasted.
That single bite kicked off my obsession with what would become my signature weeknight dish: Hellmann’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken.
Over the years, I’ve made tweaks, adding garlic powder here, a little smoked paprika there, but the base of mayo and parmesan has remained the same.
It’s comforting, foolproof, and always gets the kind of reaction I live for: wide eyes, happy sighs, and clean plates.
Why This Recipe Works So Well for Beginners?
No culinary skills required, anyone can make this dish with ease. The mayo acts as both the fat and the binder, helping the breadcrumb-parmesan mixture cling perfectly to the chicken.
Plus, because it’s oven-baked, you get that fried-like texture without any hot oil splatter.
And let’s be honest, Hellmann’s does half the work for you. It seasons the chicken, locks in moisture, and helps create that gorgeous golden-brown crust that’s basically irresistible.
If you’re just getting started in the kitchen, this is a fantastic confidence-booster.
You’ll find more beginner-friendly recipes like this on my site, including this one-pan creamy chicken and mushrooms and my always-popular crispy baked chicken thighs, both of which use similar pantry staples.
Ingredients and Preparation Tips for Perfect Hellmann’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
What makes this Hellmann’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe stand out isn’t just the method, it’s the ingredients. Start with boneless, skinless chicken breasts.
If they’re thick, slice them in half lengthwise or pound them evenly for more consistent cooking.
Next, the key player: Hellmann’s mayonnaise. Its tangy richness helps the crust adhere, keeping the chicken moist inside while forming a crunchy, flavorful shell outside.
Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese, not the powdery stuff in a can. It melts better and packs more flavor. For the breadcrumbs, plain or panko both work.
Panko adds extra crunch, while regular breadcrumbs offer a smoother, more even layer.
Add a touch of garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper to the breadcrumb mixture for depth. To elevate the flavor, sprinkle in a dash of Italian seasoning or a touch of paprika.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Hellmann’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
To begin, preheat your oven to 425°F. While it heats, lay out your ingredients. Spread a generous tablespoon of Hellmann’s over each chicken breast and smooth it out like you’re icing a cake.
Then, press the mayo-coated side into the Parmesan-breadcrumb mix, making sure it sticks. Flip and repeat.
Set the coated chicken on a baking sheet lined with foil and lightly sprayed with oil, or use parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Bake for 20–25 minutes until the crust is golden and the internal temp hits 165°F. If you want extra crisp, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end.
Let it rest a few minutes before slicing, this keeps all the juicy goodness locked in.
Looking for more pantry-powered dinners like this? Check out my garlic butter baked drumsticks or this easy chicken parm bake, both are crowd-pleasers that follow similar techniques.
Fix Common Mistakes with Hellmann’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
If you’ve tried making a Hellmann’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe and ended up with bare spots where the coating slid off, you’re not alone.
One of the most common issues is too much surface moisture. Always pat your chicken breasts dry with paper towels before adding the mayo layer.
Excess moisture prevents the parmesan-breadcrumb crust from sticking properly.
The beauty of using Hellmann’s mayonnaise is its natural ability to act as a glue for the coating.
But even then, you need to press the crumb mixture firmly into the mayo-coated chicken. Let the chicken sit for 5 to 10 minutes after coating, it allows the crust to adhere better and bake evenly.
Another big tip? Don’t use a bare baking sheet. Always line it with parchment or use a rack. This prevents sticking and keeps the crust intact when you lift the chicken after baking.
How to Maximize Crunch in Your Hellmann’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe?
The best Hellmann’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipes deliver a golden, crunchy coating that snaps when you bite into it.
To achieve that, use a mix of freshly grated parmesan and panko breadcrumbs. The coarse texture of panko gives a lighter, crispier finish than traditional crumbs.
Lightly spritz or drizzle olive oil over the tops before baking to help them brown beautifully.
And if you want a real restaurant-style crunch, flip on your broiler for 2 to 3 minutes at the end. Watch it closely, you want golden, not burned.
Give your crust room to crisp by spacing your chicken pieces apart. Don’t overcrowd the tray or you’ll steam instead of bake.
Want more ideas like this? My crispy ranch mayo chicken and baked parmesan chicken thighs both use similar techniques and ingredients for unbeatable texture.
What to Serve with Hellmann’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe?
Best Sauces to Serve with Hellmann’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
The beauty of this Hellmann’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe is its versatility.
The crispy, cheesy coating holds up perfectly with a variety of sauces. While traditional chicken parmesan uses a classic marinara, this version pairs equally well with creamy garlic aioli, ranch dressing, or even a zesty pesto drizzle.
For a tangy twist, try serving it with a side of honey mustard or a lemon-butter sauce.
These lighter sides complement the savory parmesan crust and let the creamy, mayo-baked chicken shine without stealing the spotlight.
Don’t forget a squeeze of fresh lemon, it adds brightness that balances out the dish beautifully.
If you’re in the mood for comfort food, a warm spoonful of mushroom cream sauce or a dollop of sour cream blended with herbs makes this dish even more satisfying.
I often serve mine with my go-to homemade marinara sauce when I want that classic Italian flavor profile without the breaded fry-up.
Perfect Sides for Hellmann’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
When it comes to sides, your Hellmann’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe plays well with everything from roasted vegetables to pasta.
For a lighter plate, opt for a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette.
Or better yet, pair it with something heartier and flavorful like this Southwest Chicken Salad, its zesty flavors offer a vibrant contrast that keeps the meal balanced.
Want something heartier? Try garlic mashed potatoes or a side of creamy risotto.
Oven-roasted asparagus, seasoned green beans, or crispy Brussels sprouts add a nice crunch and color. For a low-carb twist, serve it over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
And if you want a crowd-pleasing favorite, you can’t go wrong with buttery parmesan roasted potatoes, they echo the crust’s flavor and crispiness in every bite.
Round out your table with crusty garlic bread and a chilled white wine or sparkling lemonade. It’s the kind of dish that brings a touch of elegance, minus the hassle.
Conclusion
The Hellmann’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe is more than just a quick dinner, it’s a weeknight lifesaver and a crowd-pleaser rolled into one.
With just a handful of ingredients and a foolproof method, you get golden, crispy chicken packed with flavor and moisture.
Whether you’re serving it with roasted veggies, creamy mashed potatoes, or a simple salad, this recipe fits any mood or occasion.
From my kitchen in Asheville to yours, I hope this dish brings the same joy to your table that it’s brought to mine.
Give it a shot, you might just find it becoming a staple in your weekly dinner lineup. Happy cooking!
If you loved this Hellmann’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe, be sure to follow me over on Facebook where I share even more easy chicken dinners, step-by-step tips, and comfort food favorites straight from my kitchen in North Carolina
FAQs About Hellmann’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
Why does the breading fall off my chicken parm?
In many recipes, especially if you’re skipping a binder, breading can slide off during cooking. But in a Hellmann’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe, the mayonnaise acts as the perfect adhesive. To make sure your coating sticks, always pat the chicken dry, apply the mayo evenly, and press the breadcrumb-Parmesan mix firmly into the surface. For the best results, let it sit for a few minutes before popping it in the oven.
Why do people put mayonnaise on chicken before cooking?
Mayonnaise, especially in the Hellmann’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe, locks in moisture and creates a creamy barrier that helps toppings like breadcrumbs and cheese stick. It also helps create a crispy golden crust when baked at high heat, no frying needed.
What kind of sauce goes on chicken parm?
Classic chicken Parmesan is typically finished with a rich marinara or tomato sauce on top. However, when you make a Hellmann’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe, the crust stands on its own, so lighter sauces like lemon butter, pesto, or garlic aioli work beautifully too. Marinara is still a classic choice if you want that comforting Italian twist.
What goes with Parmesan-crusted chicken?
A wide variety of sides complement the flavor-packed crunch of Hellmann’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken. Serve it alongside roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, a crisp Caesar salad, warm garlic bread, or a bowl of buttery pasta. For a lighter option, a citrus-dressed salad or steamed green beans is perfect.
What do you eat with coated chicken?
Coated chicken, like in the Hellmann’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe, pairs well with hearty starches like rice or potatoes, and fresh vegetables for balance. Consider creamy risotto, tender roasted carrots, or zesty lemon broccolini to round out the meal.
What is the difference between chicken parmigiana and chicken parmesan?
They’re the same dish, just different names. “Parmigiana” is the Italian term, while “parmesan” is more common in the U.S. Both dishes typically feature breaded chicken topped with tomato sauce and melted cheese. The Hellmann’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe is a simpler version with no sauce and a crunchy, mayo-based crust that skips the frying step altogether.