Name: Parmesan Crusted Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 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 paprika; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for drizzling; 3 cups assorted vegetables (such as broccoli florets, diced sweet potatoes, and bell pepper strips)

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Weeknight dinners just got easier (and more delicious!) with this Parmesan Crusted Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner. Tender chicken breasts are coated in a crunchy, Parmesan-infused crust and baked alongside a medley of roasted vegetables for a complete meal that comes together on a single pan.

✨ What Makes This Recipe Special

This Parmesan Crusted Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner is a game-changer for busy weeknights. Not only does it deliver bold, restaurant-worthy flavors, but it also saves you time and effort in the kitchen. The combination of juicy, breaded chicken and perfectly roasted veggies creates a meal that’s both satisfying and visually appealing.

What sets this recipe apart is the way the Parmesan-panko coating crisps up in the oven, providing a delightful textural contrast to the tender chicken. And by roasting the vegetables alongside the chicken, you get flavorful, caramelized produce that’s a perfect accompaniment to the main dish.

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for drizzling
3 cups assorted vegetables (such as broccoli florets, diced sweet potatoes, and bell pepper strips)

The beauty of this Parmesan Crusted Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, and spices creates the Italian-inspired flavor profile that has made sheet pan dinners perennially popular.

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, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir to mix well.
Step 3: Drizzle the chicken breasts with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, then dredge them in the Parmesan-panko mixture, pressing the coating to adhere.
Step 4: Arrange the coated chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet. Scatter the assorted vegetables around the chicken and drizzle them lightly with olive oil.
Step 5: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F/75°C) and the vegetables are tender and lightly browned.
Step 6: Remove the sheet pan from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Timing Overview

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 25-30 minutes
• Total time: 35-40 minutes

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

Nutritional Information

Per serving (based on 4 servings):

• Calories: 458
• Protein: 44g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fat: 21g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sodium: 718mg

These Parmesan Crusted Chicken Sheet Pan Dinners provide approximately 88% of your daily protein requirements and 16% of your daily fiber needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.

🥬 Make It Even Healthier

• Reduced-fat option: Use low-fat or reduced-fat Parmesan cheese and replace the panko breadcrumbs with crushed whole wheat crackers or almond flour for a lower-calorie, lower-carb version.
• Lower-carb version: Omit the panko breadcrumbs and use only grated Parmesan cheese as the coating for the chicken.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Replace the Parmesan cheese with a dairy-free Parmesan alternative and use unsweetened almond milk or oat milk to moisten the chicken before coating.
• Added protein: Serve the Parmesan Crusted Chicken with a side of roasted chickpeas or lentils for an extra boost of protein.
• Boost vegetables: Increase the variety and quantity of roasted vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and zucchini, to make it an even more nutrient-dense meal.

These modifications can reduce calories by up to 20% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the Parmesan Crusted Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm with a side of roasted garlic mashed potatoes or a fresh green salad.
• Pair the Parmesan Crusted Chicken with a crisp white wine or a refreshing lemon-infused iced tea for a complete meal.
• Complement the sheet pan dinner with a light, seasonal soup or a simple tomato-based pasta salad for a well-rounded and satisfying dinner.

❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcrowding the pan: Make sure to arrange the chicken and vegetables in a single layer on the baking sheet to ensure even cooking and crisping.
• Undercooking the chicken: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to guarantee it’s fully cooked through.
• Not seasoning the vegetables: Be sure to season the vegetables with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil before roasting to enhance their flavor.

🏠 How to Store Properly

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

• Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing unbaked: Prepare the chicken and vegetables according to the recipe, but do not bake. Wrap the unbaked sheet pan tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.
• Freezing baked: Allow the baked chicken and vegetables to cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container or resealable freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through, about 15-20 minutes.
• Reheating: For best results, reheat the Parmesan Crusted Chicken and vegetables in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through and the crust is crispy again.

💭 Common Questions

Can I prepare the Parmesan Crusted Chicken ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the coated chicken breasts and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes for an even quicker weeknight meal. Just be sure to bake the chicken and vegetables on the sheet pan when ready to serve.

Can I use different vegetables in this recipe?

Yes, you can easily swap in different vegetables to suit your preferences or what you have on hand. Good options include zucchini, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and red onion. Just make sure to cut the vegetables into similarly sized pieces so they cook evenly alongside the chicken.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make this Parmesan Crusted Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner gluten-free, simply replace the panko breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour. You can also use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative to make the recipe dairy-free as well.

How do I prevent the Parmesan crust from burning?

To avoid the Parmesan crust from burning, make sure to bake the chicken and vegetables at the proper temperature of 400°F (200°C) and keep a close eye on them, rotating the baking sheet halfway through the cooking time. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely cover the chicken with foil for the remainder of the baking time.

Can I add more seasoning to the recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize the seasoning blend to your taste. You can add herbs like dried oregano, basil, or Italian seasoning, or increase the amounts of garlic powder and paprika for a more pronounced flavor.

🎉 Final Thoughts

These Parmesan Crusted Chicken Sheet Pan Dinners represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a cozy weeknight meal or as part of a special occasion spread, they’re sure to impress with their crispy crust and juicy, tender chicken. 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 Dinners demonstrate that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the oven. So why not give this easy, delicious recipe a try and enjoy a restaurant-worthy meal right at home?