Parmesan Crusted Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner Recipe
If you are looking for an unforgettable weeknight meal that brings together crispy, cheesy goodness with the vibrant freshness of roasted vegetables, look no further than this Parmesan Crusted Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner Recipe. This dish offers a perfect balance of crunchy Parmesan coating and juicy chicken, all cooked effortlessly on a single pan for easy cleanup. Every bite bursts with flavor, making it a comforting yet elegant choice that you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, quality ingredients is the secret to this recipe’s success. Each item plays a crucial role: the Parmesan cheese adds a nutty crispness, garlic powder infuses warmth, and fresh vegetables brighten the plate with color and texture.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (3-4, about 1.5 lbs): Provides tender, lean protein that crisps beautifully with the Parmesan crust.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (1 cup): Key for that irresistibly crunchy, savory crust.
- Olive oil (2 tbsp): Helps the chicken and vegetables roast to juicy perfection with a subtle richness.
- Garlic powder (2 tsp): Adds fragrant, savory depth without overpowering the dish.
- Salt (1 tsp): Enhances all the natural flavors, balancing the crunchy coating and vegetables.
- Black pepper (½ tsp): Provides just the right amount of mild heat and complexity.
- Mixed vegetables (4 cups, such as broccoli, bell peppers, carrots): Offers a colorful, nutrient-packed side that roasts evenly alongside the chicken.
How to Make Parmesan Crusted Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s ready to create that perfect golden crust. Then, pat your chicken breasts dry; removing moisture helps the Parmesan coating stick and crisp during baking.
Step 2: Season and Oil the Chicken
Drizzle the olive oil over both sides of the chicken breasts, then sprinkle evenly with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. This step ensures every bite is flavorful right from the start, seasoning the meat underneath the cheesy crust.
Step 3: Add the Parmesan Crust
In a small bowl, mix your freshly grated Parmesan cheese with a little extra garlic powder if you like a stronger garlic punch. Then press this mixture firmly onto each chicken breast, making sure the coating covers the top well. This layer transforms into the signature crispy, cheesy topping as it bakes.
Step 4: Prepare and Arrange Vegetables
Chop your chosen vegetables into bite-size pieces to ensure they roast evenly alongside the chicken. Scatter them around the chicken breasts on your sheet pan, then drizzle everything with a bit more olive oil for caramelization and flavor.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the sheet pan in your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The chicken is ready when its internal temperature hits 165°F (75°C) and the Parmesan crust is beautifully golden brown. The vegetables should be tender with just the right amount of roast.
How to Serve Parmesan Crusted Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the look and taste, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil over the chicken and vegetables. A squeeze of lemon juice over the top can add a delightful brightness, cutting through the richness of the Parmesan crust.
Side Dishes
This sheet pan dinner is a complete meal on its own, but if you want to add something extra, a light side salad or some crusty bread would complement the dish wonderfully. A simple garlic bread or a quinoa salad can also round out the meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the chicken sliced atop a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or buttery polenta to highlight the crispy crust. Alternatively, plate with a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a touch of sweetness and sophistication that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This recipe reheats well and maintains much of its original flavor and texture with proper storage.
Freezing
If you want to prepare in advance or save some for later, wrap the cooked chicken and vegetables tightly in freezer-safe packaging. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve the best taste.
Reheating
The best way to reheat Parmesan Crusted Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner Recipe is in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes. This method helps the crust stay crispy while warming the chicken and vegetables evenly.
FAQs
Can I use other cheeses instead of Parmesan?
While Parmesan is ideal for its flavor and crisping ability, you can experiment with Pecorino Romano or Asiago for slightly different tastes. Just be sure to use hard cheeses that melt and brown well.
What vegetables work best for this recipe?
Firm vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, zucchini, and green beans are perfect because they roast evenly within the cooking time needed for the chicken.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! The Parmesan Crusted Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner Recipe holds up well in the fridge and reheats beautifully, making it an excellent choice for preparing lunches or dinners ahead of time.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your Parmesan cheese and other ingredients are certified gluten-free, so it’s a safe and tasty option for those avoiding gluten.
How can I make the crust extra crispy?
To get that crunch on another level, broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, but watch carefully to prevent burning. Pressing the cheese firmly onto the chicken also helps create a better crust.
Final Thoughts
This Parmesan Crusted Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner Recipe is truly one of those dishes that feels special without demanding hours in the kitchen. With its crispy, flavorful chicken paired with a colorful medley of roasted vegetables, it’s a meal that delights the senses and brings joy to the table. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how easily it can become your favorite go-to dinner!
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Parmesan Crusted Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Parmesan Crusted Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner is a quick and easy meal perfect for busy weeknights. Juicy chicken breasts are coated with a flavorful Parmesan and garlic crust, then baked alongside a colorful medley of mixed vegetables on a single sheet pan for minimal cleanup. The combination of crispy, cheesy chicken and tender roasted vegetables makes for a hearty, balanced dinner that the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 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), chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for drizzling over vegetables)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for roasting the chicken and vegetables evenly.
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to help the coating stick better and to achieve a crispy crust.
- Season the Chicken: Drizzle olive oil over both sides of the chicken breasts, then season evenly with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
- Apply the Parmesan Crust: In a bowl, mix the grated Parmesan cheese with additional garlic powder if desired. Press this mixture firmly onto both sides of each chicken breast to create a flavorful crust.
- Arrange Vegetables: Chop the mixed vegetables into bite-sized pieces and spread them evenly around the chicken breasts on a large sheet pan. Drizzle the vegetables with olive oil to ensure they roast nicely.
- Bake the Dinner: Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the crust turns golden brown. The vegetables should be tender and slightly caramelized.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked without overcooking.
- Feel free to swap or add your favorite vegetables such as zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus.
- For extra crispiness, broil the chicken for 1-2 minutes at the end of cooking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To make this meal gluten-free, ensure the Parmesan cheese you use does not contain any gluten additives.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
