One Pan Chicken Dinner

There's a certain satisfaction in creating a complete and delicious meal with minimal fuss, and this Parmesan Crusted Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner truly delivers on that promise. I stumbled upon the beauty of sheet pan dinners during a time when simplicity was key, and this recipe quickly became a favorite. The magic lies in the way the chicken develops a wonderfully crispy, golden Parmesan crust while the vegetables roast to tender perfection, all on a single pan. It's the ideal solution for busy weeknights when you crave a wholesome meal without the mountain of dishes to wash afterward.

The Essential Ingredients

• Juicy Chicken Breasts: The lean protein star of our dish. Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts for quick and even cooking. Pounding them to an even thickness is a little extra step that ensures they cook through at the same rate.
• Flavorful Fresh Parmesan: Using freshly grated Parmesan cheese is key to achieving that wonderfully crispy and flavorful crust. The texture and moisture content of freshly grated cheese make a significant difference compared to preshredded options.
• Crunchy Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs provide a light and airy crispness to the chicken coating that is truly delightful. Their irregular texture creates more surface area for browning, resulting in a superior crunch compared to regular breadcrumbs.
• Colorful and Nutritious Veggies: Choose a variety of your favorite vegetables for roasting. Baby potatoes and green beans are a fantastic combination, offering different textures and flavors. Consider the roasting times of different vegetables to ensure they all cook through perfectly.
• Good Quality Olive Oil: Olive oil is essential for both coating the chicken and tossing the vegetables. It adds flavor and helps everything to brown beautifully in the oven. A good extra virgin olive oil will enhance the overall taste of the dish.
• Aromatic Seasoning Magic: A simple blend of garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper enhances the natural flavors of the chicken and vegetables, adding a touch of warmth and savory depth. Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your personal preference.

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Let's Bring Dinner Together

Preheat and Prep:

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.

Craft the Parmesan Coating:

In a shallow dish, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix these ingredients together thoroughly until they are evenly distributed and the mixture has a sandy, golden appearance.

Prepare the Chicken:

Lightly brush each chicken breast with olive oil. Then, press each oiled chicken breast firmly into the Parmesan mixture, ensuring that both sides are well coated with the cheesy breadcrumbs.

Assemble the Sheet Pan:

Arrange the coated chicken breasts on one side of the prepared sheet pan. In a separate bowl, toss the halved baby potatoes and trimmed green beans with the remaining olive oil, minced garlic, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Spread the seasoned vegetables on the other side of the sheet pan, ensuring they are in a single layer and not overcrowded. Sprinkle the vegetables with an additional 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.

Roast to Perfection:

Carefully place the sheet pan in the preheated oven and roast for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping the vegetables halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The Parmesan crust on the chicken should be golden brown and crispy, and the vegetables should be tender and slightly browned.

Optional Crisping:

For an extra crispy chicken crust, you can broil the chicken for the last 2 to 3 minutes of cooking, keeping a close eye on it to prevent burning.

Ways to Make It Your Own

This sheet pan dinner is incredibly versatile. You can easily substitute the chicken breasts with chicken thighs or even salmon fillets, adjusting the cooking time accordingly. The vegetable options are endless feel free to use broccoli florets, bell peppers, carrots, zucchini, or any other vegetables you enjoy, keeping in mind that denser vegetables may require a longer cooking time or to be cut into smaller pieces.

Serving Suggestions

A simple squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the cooked chicken and vegetables can really brighten the flavors and add a lovely zing. This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad on the side or some warm, crusty bread to soak up any delicious pan juices. For a lighter option, consider serving it with cauliflower rice.

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Smart Ways to Simplify

To make your busy weeknights even easier, you can bread the chicken earlier in the day and store it covered in the refrigerator until you're ready to bake. You can also prep your vegetables in advance by washing and chopping them, storing them in an airtight container in the fridge. Having these components ready to go will significantly cut down on your dinner prep time.

A Family Friendly Favorite

This recipe is generally well received by kids, especially if you keep the seasonings simple and use vegetables that they enjoy. You can even involve them in the process of coating the chicken or tossing the vegetables.

This One Pan Chicken Dinner is more than just a recipe it's a solution for those busy days when you need a delicious, wholesome meal without the fuss. The combination of the crispy, cheesy chicken and the tender roasted vegetables is a winner every time, and the minimal cleanup is the cherry on top. It’s a recipe that has earned its place in my regular rotation, and I hope it brings the same ease and satisfaction to your kitchen.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use different vegetables?

Yes, you can customize the vegetables based on your preference. Broccoli, carrots, or asparagus would also work well.

→ How do I know when the chicken is done?

The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Using a meat thermometer is recommended.

→ Can I add extra flavor?

Yes, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the chicken and vegetables before serving can add a bright flavor.

→ Do I need to flip the chicken?

Flipping the chicken is not necessary for even cooking, but flipping the vegetables halfway through ensures they roast evenly.

→ Can I use bone-in chicken?

Yes, you can use bone-in chicken, but the cooking time will likely need to be increased. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.