Creamy Mayonnaise Baked Chicken Recipe

Succulent, juicy, garlicky and herby chicken marinated in an unbelievably good mayonnaise-based mixture. Add this Mayonnaise Chicken to your rotation — it’s simple, flavorful, and comforting.

This may sound bold, but it’s one of the best chicken recipes you’ll try. With about 10 minutes of active prep, you can have a deeply flavored dish. If possible, allow the chicken to marinate for several hours or overnight so the flavors penetrate all the way through.

Mayonnaise chicken means coating the bird with mayonnaise mixed with spices and herbs. The mayo helps lock in moisture so the meat stays tender and develops a nicely browned crust — yet its flavor blends into the seasoning so you won’t taste it as a separate ingredient.

Even mayonnaise skeptics often love this dish. The mayo simply helps carry and concentrate the other seasonings for a richer result without being overpowering.

This recipe works well as an easy weeknight main and pairs nicely with starchy sides or vegetables. Try it alongside roasted potatoes, rice, a simple salad, or fried plantains for a satisfying meal.

Why This Recipe Works

• Distinct and delicious. The mayonnaise marinade creates a unique texture and crust while concentrating the herbs and spices for a memorable bird.
• Family friendly. The flavors are simple and kid-pleasing, producing tender meat the whole family will enjoy.
• Fast prep, minimal fuss. Prep takes only minutes. The mayo helps seasonings adhere evenly, and the oven does the rest — easy cleanup and little hands-on time.

Watch How To Make It

Follow this step-by-step video for a visual guide to preparing Mayonnaise Chicken:

Ingredients Needed

This recipe uses simple pantry staples and a handful of seasonings.

Key ingredients:

• Chicken: Skin-on, bone-in thighs are recommended for flavor and juiciness.
• Mayonnaise: Use a quality real mayonnaise — it seals in moisture and helps the seasonings form a delicious crust.
• Chicken bouillon powder: Adds umami and subtle saltiness, so adjust additional salt accordingly.
• Garlic and onion powders: Provide roasted, savory depth that stands up to high heat.
• Dried herbs: Thyme and basil add herbaceous notes that pair well with the mayo base.

Salt and pepper finish the seasoning. See the recipe card below for exact amounts and the full ingredient list.

How To Make Mayonnaise Chicken

Overview of the method:

1. Rinse and pat the chicken dry.
2. Mix mayonnaise with garlic powder, ginger powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried basil, chicken bouillon powder, salt and white pepper to form a marinade.
3. Rub the mayo mixture all over each piece, getting into every nook and cranny.
4. Cover and refrigerate to marinate for at least 2 hours or up to overnight.
5. Preheat the oven to low broil. Place chicken skin-side down on a greased baking sheet and broil for 30 minutes.
6. Flip the pieces skin-side up and broil another 10 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer in the thickest part registers 165°F (73°C).
7. Serve warm with your favorite sides.

Marinating time matters. If you cook immediately after applying the mayo mixture the outside may be salty while the inside remains under-seasoned. Marinate at least two hours — overnight is ideal for the best flavor throughout.

Substitutions and Variations

Adapt the recipe to your taste or equipment:

• Different cuts: Try drumsticks, breasts, quarters or wings. Cooking time will vary by cut and size.
• Bouillon swap: Replace bouillon powder with seasoning cubes or omit if you prefer lower sodium.
• Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes, cayenne, or hot sauce to the marinade.
• Herb swaps: Try rosemary, oregano, marjoram, or parsley, or use an Italian seasoning blend.
• Cheesy crust: Sprinkle grated Parmesan over the chicken after cooking for an extra savory finish.
• Breaded option: Mix Italian breadcrumbs with Parmesan, press onto the mayo-coated chicken and bake at 400°F for a crisp Parmesan crust.
• Air fryer: Arrange pieces in a single layer and cook according to your air fryer’s guidelines, adjusting time as needed.

Other Chicken Cuts For Mayonnaise Chicken

Thighs are forgiving and flavorful, but the mayonnaise marinade works well on breasts (bone-in or boneless), drumsticks, quarters, tenders, or a whole chicken. Adjust cooking time: a whole chicken requires much longer, while other parts will be similar to the times listed in the recipe when cooked under the broiler or on a grill.

Always check for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to ensure meat is safely cooked.

Expert Tips

• For larger batches (over 4 pounds), add a bit more salt to ensure even seasoning.
• Use the oven’s low broil setting rather than bake to get a roasted, slightly charred finish that mimics grilling.
• Prep the chicken earlier in the day and leave it to marinate in the fridge so it’s ready for dinner.
• Homemade mayonnaise can elevate the flavor if you prefer fresh ingredients.
• You can also grill the chicken outdoors — start with 10–15 minutes per side depending on thickness and bone-in vs. boneless.

Give this recipe a try and enjoy a reliably tender, flavorful chicken that’s easy to prepare.

Mayonnaise Chicken FAQs

Serving

Serve this chicken as a complete meal with any of these sides:

Oven Roasted Baby Potatoes

Garlic Butter Green Beans

Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Carrots

Garlic Herb Rice

Mango Avocado Salsa

Corn Avocado Salad

Similar Recipes

More chicken options to try:

Baked Thin Chicken Breasts

Baked Dry Rub Chicken Wings

One Pan Chicken and Potatoes and Veggies

Herb Roasted Chicken

Chicken Drumsticks in Creamy Sauce

Chicken Drumsticks Lollipops

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