If you’re craving a dinner that’s both fuss-free and bursting with flavor, this Parmesan Crusted Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender, juicy chicken breasts enveloped in a crispy, savory Parmesan crust, roasted alongside colorful, perfectly cooked vegetables—all made on one pan for easy cleanup. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between comforting and impressive, making it a wonderful weeknight meal that feels like a special occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things delightfully simple with essential ingredients that each play a key role in building texture and flavor. From the sharp, nutty Parmesan cheese to the vibrant mixed vegetables, every component comes together beautifully.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Choose medium-sized ones for even cooking and juicy tenderness.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated ensures maximum flavor and helps create that irresistible golden crust.
- Olive oil: Adds moisture and helps with crisping the crust and roasting the vegetables.
- Garlic powder: Infuses a subtle aromatic kick without overpowering the dish.
- Salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors and seasoning the chicken perfectly.
- Black pepper: Adds just the right amount of warmth and depth.
- Mixed vegetables (broccoli, bell peppers, carrots): Provide color, crunch, and a wholesome balance to the chicken.
How to Make Parmesan Crusted Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C), which is key to achieving a golden crust and tender chicken. While it warms up, pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels—this step is crucial for ensuring the Parmesan sticks well and crisps up during baking.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Drizzle the olive oil evenly over each chicken breast, and season generously with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder on both sides. This simple seasoning sets a savory foundation that complements the Parmesan crust beautifully.
Step 3: Add the Parmesan Coating
In a small bowl, mix the freshly grated Parmesan cheese with a bit of extra garlic powder if you like a bolder garlic flavor. Press this mixture firmly onto each chicken breast, coating them thoroughly. The cheese creates a crispy, flavorful shell that seals in the juiciness.
Step 4: Prepare and Arrange the Vegetables
Chop your mixed vegetables into bite-sized pieces, making sure they’re fairly uniform so they cook evenly. Arrange them around the chicken on your sheet pan and drizzle with olive oil. This not only helps the veggies roast nicely but also picks up some of the delicious juices from the chicken as it cooks.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the sheet pan in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and boasts a beautifully golden, crisped Parmesan crust. The vegetables should be tender with a slight caramelized edge—an irresistible combo.
How to Serve Parmesan Crusted Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs such as chopped parsley or basil add a lovely pop of color and brightness that nicely balances the rich Parmesan crust. A squeeze of lemon juice can also lift the entire dish with some refreshing acidity.
Side Dishes
Though this is a full meal on one pan, serving it alongside a crisp green salad or some garlic mashed potatoes can add extra comfort and variety. A simple quinoa or couscous with lemon zest also pairs beautifully for a heartier option.
Creative Ways to Present
Try plating the chicken breast whole, nestling the roasted vegetables around it like a colorful garden. Alternatively, slice the chicken and fan it out in a spiral for a more elegant presentation that’s perfect for dinner guests or meal prepping.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The Parmesan crust remains delightfully crisp for a few hours, but it might soften slightly after refrigeration. No worries—flavor stays fantastic.
Freezing
If you want to freeze leftovers, wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep well for up to 2 months. Just note that vegetables may lose some texture after freezing and thawing.
Reheating
To reheat, place the chicken and vegetables on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes. This helps maintain the Parmesan crust crispness much better than microwaving. If you’re in a hurry, a quick zap in the microwave followed by a few minutes under a broiler works too.
FAQs
Can I use other cheeses instead of Parmesan?
While Parmesan cheese is the star in this recipe for its sharp, nutty flavor and excellent crisping abilities, you can experiment with Pecorino Romano or a mix of Parmesan and mozzarella for a slightly different texture and taste.
What vegetables work best for the sheet pan?
Crunchy, quick-roasting vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes are perfect. Avoid super watery veggies like cucumbers or delicate greens that won’t hold up well in the oven.
Is it possible to use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless skinless chicken thighs work great and remain extra juicy. Just be mindful that cooking times may vary slightly since thighs tend to be a bit thicker.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
You can do most of the prep ahead by seasoning the chicken and chopping the vegetables, then storing them separately in the fridge. Assemble and bake just before dinner for the freshest results.
How do I get the Parmesan crust really crispy?
Make sure the chicken is patted dry before applying the Parmesan, and press the cheese mixture firmly onto the chicken. Also, baking at 400°F helps the crust brown and crisp beautifully without drying out the chicken.
Final Thoughts
This Parmesan Crusted Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner Recipe is a true weeknight winner. With minimal prep, easy cleanup, and loads of comforting flavor, it’s bound to become one of your go-to meals. I hope you enjoy every bite as much as I do—give it a try and watch this simple dish quickly become a family favorite!
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Parmesan Crusted Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Parmesan Crusted Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner is a quick and easy one-pan meal featuring juicy, flavorful chicken breasts topped with a crispy Parmesan crust, accompanied by a colorful mix of roasted vegetables. Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Vegetables
- 4 cups mixed vegetables (e.g., broccoli, bell peppers, carrots)
- Olive oil for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for roasting the chicken and vegetables.
- Prepare Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to help the seasoning stick better and achieve a crispy crust.
- Season Chicken: Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the chicken breasts. Season both sides with 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 2 teaspoons garlic powder for a well-rounded flavor.
- Coat with Parmesan: In a bowl, mix the grated Parmesan cheese with additional garlic powder if desired. Press this mixture firmly onto each chicken breast, creating a thick, even crust.
- Prepare Vegetables: Chop the mixed vegetables into bite-sized pieces and arrange them around the chicken breasts on a large sheet pan. Drizzle the vegetables with olive oil to promote roasting and enhance flavor.
- Bake: Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Bake until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the Parmesan crust is golden brown.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked through for food safety.
- Feel free to customize the vegetables based on seasonality or preference.
- For extra crispiness, broil for the last 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Leftover chicken can be refrigerated and used in salads or sandwiches.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
