Hey there, fellow food lovers! I can’t wait to share this incredible *Parmesan Crusted Chicken Sheet Pan* recipe with you. It’s a total game changer for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. The best part? Everything cooks together on one sheet pan, which means easy cleanup! Imagine juicy, tender chicken breasts coated in a crispy, cheesy crust that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. Trust me, this dish is not just about convenience; it’s packed with flavor and makes for a satisfying meal that feels a bit fancy, too. So, roll up your sleeves, and let’s get cooking! You’re going to love how simple and scrumptious this is!
Ingredients List
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian-style for extra flavor)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for brushing)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How to Prepare Parmesan Crusted Chicken Sheet Pan
Preheat the Oven
First things first—let’s get that oven preheating to 400°F (200°C). Preheating is super important because it ensures your chicken cooks evenly and gets that lovely crispy crust we all crave. So, don’t skip this step! While it warms up, you can get everything else ready.
Prepare the Coating
In a medium bowl, combine that delicious grated Parmesan cheese with the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. I like to give it a good mix with a fork or my hands until it’s all evenly blended. The secret here is to make sure those seasonings are well-distributed throughout the mixture—trust me, it makes a difference! You want a coating that’s bursting with flavor.
Coat the Chicken
Now, grab your chicken breasts and brush them generously with olive oil. This step not only helps the coating stick but also adds moisture. Then, take each oiled chicken breast and dip it into your cheesy breadcrumb mixture, pressing down gently to ensure it sticks. Don’t rush this part! You want a nice, thick layer of that crunchy goodness on each piece. Once coated, place the chicken on your sheet pan—spaced out a bit so they can cook evenly.
Bake the Chicken
Slide that sheet pan into the oven and let it bake for about 25-30 minutes. The chicken is done when it’s golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). If you want to be extra sure, you can use a meat thermometer to check. Just insert it into the thickest part of a breast. Once it’s done, let it rest for a few minutes before serving—this helps keep the juices in! Garnish with that fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation—ready in just 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- One sheet pan means easy cleanup; less time washing dishes and more time enjoying your meal!
- Flavor-packed chicken with a crispy, golden Parmesan crust that everyone will rave about.
- Versatile dish; serve it with your favorite veggies or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Healthy and satisfying, this recipe is low in fat and high in protein, keeping you feeling great.
Tips for Success
To really elevate your *Parmesan Crusted Chicken Sheet Pan*, consider marinating the chicken for about 30 minutes in olive oil mixed with a splash of lemon juice or your favorite herbs. It adds a delightful depth of flavor! When baking, keep an eye on the chicken towards the end of cooking—every oven is a little different, so checking a few minutes early can prevent overcooking. If you want extra crunch, you can broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes—just watch it closely so it doesn’t burn! For serving, pair it with roasted vegetables or a crisp side salad to balance the richness of the chicken. It’s a meal that feels gourmet, but it’s oh-so-easy to pull together!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the typical nutritional breakdown for one serving of my delicious *Parmesan Crusted Chicken Sheet Pan*. Each chicken breast contains approximately 350 calories, with 15 grams of fat and 35 grams of protein. You’ll also get about 20 grams of carbohydrates and 1 gram of sugar. Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on ingredients and portion sizes. It’s a tasty yet healthy option that fits well into a balanced diet!
FAQ Section
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a fantastic substitute for this recipe if you prefer dark meat or want a slightly juicier result. Just keep in mind that thighs may require a few extra minutes of cooking time, so you’ll want to check for doneness with a meat thermometer to ensure they reach that safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). The crispy Parmesan coating will still work beautifully on thighs, and they’ll be delicious!
How do I know when the chicken is done?
To check if your chicken is done, the best method is to use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the breast or thigh, avoiding the bone. You’re aiming for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, you can also check for doneness by cutting into the chicken—if the juices run clear and there’s no pink inside, it’s ready to go. Trust me, it’s worth the extra step to ensure it’s perfectly cooked!
What can I serve with Parmesan Crusted Chicken Sheet Pan?
Pairing this *Parmesan Crusted Chicken Sheet Pan* with sides is easy and fun! I love serving it with roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts—they add great color and flavor. A fresh salad with a tangy vinaigrette can also brighten up the meal. If you’re in the mood for something hearty, consider whipping up some garlic mashed potatoes or quinoa. These sides complement the crispy chicken perfectly and create a well-rounded dinner that everyone will enjoy!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you have any leftovers from your *Parmesan Crusted Chicken Sheet Pan*—lucky you! To store, let the chicken cool completely, then place it in an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It should stay fresh for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, I recommend reheating in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. This helps keep the coating crispy and the chicken juicy. You can also use the microwave, but be careful as it can make the crust a bit soggy. Enjoy those delicious leftovers!
Print
Parmesan Crusted Chicken Sheet Pan: 4 Reasons to Savor
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Parmesan Crusted Chicken cooked on a sheet pan for easy cleanup.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, mix Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Brush chicken breasts with olive oil.
- Coat each chicken breast in the Parmesan mixture.
- Place coated chicken on a sheet pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- Serve with vegetables for a complete meal.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
- For extra flavor, marinate chicken for 30 minutes before coating.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: Parmesan Crusted Chicken, Sheet Pan Chicken, Easy Chicken Recipe