Name: Parmesan Crusted Chicken Sheet Pan
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: International
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 cup panko breadcrumbs; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons olive oil

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Imagine biting into a perfectly crispy, golden-brown chicken breast with a delectable Parmesan crust. That’s exactly what you’ll get with this Parmesan Crusted Chicken Sheet Pan recipe! This dish is not only incredibly delicious, but it’s also a breeze to prepare, making it the ideal choice for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

✨ What Makes This Recipe Special

The secret to the irresistible texture and flavor of this Parmesan Crusted Chicken lies in the simple combination of panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, and a few key seasonings. The panko creates a wonderfully crispy crust that perfectly complements the juicy, tender chicken underneath. And the Parmesan adds a rich, savory depth of flavor that takes this dish to the next level.

What’s even better is that this recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, with minimal hands-on time required. Simply toss the chicken in the breading mixture, arrange it on a sheet pan, and let your oven do the rest of the work. The result is a delicious, crowd-pleasing dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights or weekend entertaining.

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil

The beauty of this Parmesan Crusted Chicken Sheet Pan is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of the crispy panko, savory Parmesan, and aromatic herbs creates a flavor profile that has made this recipe a perennial favorite.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Step 2: In a shallow bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
Step 3: Drizzle the chicken breasts with the olive oil, making sure to coat both sides.
Step 4: One at a time, dredge the chicken breasts in the Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to help the coating adhere.
Step 5: Arrange the coated chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are not touching.
Step 6: Bake the chicken for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the crust is golden brown.

Timing Overview

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 20-25 minutes
• Total time: 30-35 minutes

Compared to traditional chicken parmesan, which can take up to 45 minutes to prepare, this Parmesan Crusted Chicken Sheet Pan saves you 25% of your cooking time while delivering similar flavors.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (based on 4 servings):

• Calories: 358
• Protein: 44g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Fat: 14g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 745mg

These Parmesan Crusted Chicken Sheet Pan provide approximately 88% of your daily protein requirements and 19% of your daily carbohydrate needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.

🌱 Healthy Swaps & Substitutions

• Reduced-fat option: Use low-fat or reduced-fat Parmesan cheese and swap the olive oil for a light cooking spray.
• Lower-carb version: Replace the panko breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour for a keto-friendly option.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Omit the Parmesan cheese and use a dairy-free cheese alternative or nutritional yeast.
• Added protein: Serve the chicken with a side of roasted chickpeas or lentils for an extra protein boost.
• Boost vegetables: Roast some diced zucchini, bell peppers, or broccoli alongside the chicken for a complete, veggie-packed meal.

These modifications can reduce calories by up to 15% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the Parmesan Crusted Chicken Sheet Pan.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm with a side of roasted vegetables, such as brussels sprouts or asparagus.
• Pair with a fresh, crisp salad for a complete, well-balanced meal.
• Complement the chicken with a side of garlic mashed potatoes or a hearty grain like quinoa or brown rice.
• For a weeknight dinner, serve alongside a simple vegetable soup or a side of steamed broccoli.
• Create an Italian-inspired platter with the Parmesan Crusted Chicken, a serving of pasta, and a drizzle of marinara sauce.

❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcrowding the baking sheet: Make sure to leave enough space between the chicken breasts to ensure even cooking and crisping of the breading.
• Overbaking: Keep a close eye on the chicken to prevent it from drying out. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) when it’s done.
• Skimping on the breading: Ensure each chicken breast is thoroughly coated in the Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture for maximum crispiness.
• Forgetting to preheat the oven: A hot oven is crucial for achieving that perfect golden-brown crust on the chicken.
• Not using parchment or a silicone mat: This will help prevent the breading from sticking to the baking sheet.

📦 Storage & Leftovers

These Parmesan Crusted Chicken Sheet Pan retain their quality remarkably well:

• Refrigeration: Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing unbaked: Prepare the breaded chicken, arrange on a baking sheet, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
• Freezing baked: Allow the chicken to cool completely, then wrap individually in foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through, about 20-25 minutes.
• Reheating: For best results, reheat the chicken in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through and the crust is crisp, about 10-15 minutes.

❓ FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can! Prepare the breaded chicken and arrange it on a baking sheet, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze the unbaked, breaded chicken for up to 3 months. Just bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Parmesan?

Absolutely! While Parmesan is the classic choice, you can experiment with other hard, aged cheeses like Romano, Asiago, or Grana Padano. These will all provide a similar savory, nutty flavor profile. Just be sure to use the same amount of the replacement cheese as the recipe calls for Parmesan.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to be gluten-free. Instead of using regular panko breadcrumbs, substitute with gluten-free panko or crushed pork rinds. You can also use almond flour or a gluten-free breadcrumb mixture in place of the panko. Just be sure to check the labels of all the ingredients to ensure they are certified gluten-free.

What should I do if the breading is not getting crispy?

If the breading on your Parmesan Crusted Chicken is not getting as crispy as you’d like, there are a few things you can try. First, make sure your oven is preheated to the correct temperature and that you’re not overcrowding the baking sheet. You can also try broiling the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking to help crisp up the breading. Finally, be sure to let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving, as this will help the crust set and become even crispier.

Can I add any extra seasonings or herbs to the breading?

Absolutely! The basic breading of panko, Parmesan, garlic powder, and dried basil is delicious, but you can definitely customize it to your taste. Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat, or mix in some dried oregano or Italian seasoning for more Mediterranean flavor. You can also experiment with fresh herbs like chopped parsley or rosemary for a bright, herbal note.

🎉 Final Thoughts

These Parmesan Crusted Chicken Sheet Pan represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a family dinner or entertaining guests, they’re sure to impress with their crispy texture and rich, savory taste. The versatility of this recipe allows for countless variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.

With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, these Parmesan Crusted Chicken Sheet Pan demonstrate that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the baking process. So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to get cooking and enjoy this delectable, crowd-pleasing dish!