Parmesan Crusted Chicken Dinner

This Parmesan Crusted Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner is the ultimate weeknight savior, combining crispy chicken, roasted potatoes, and garlicky green beans all on one pan. I discovered this recipe during a particularly busy season when juggling work and family dinners seemed impossible, and it's remained in our regular rotation for its simplicity and incredible flavor.

I first created this sheet pan dinner when my sister and her family visited unexpectedly. Everyone from the adults to the toddlers cleaned their plates, and now it's requested whenever they come over. The combination of crispy parmesan coating with juicy chicken never disappoints.

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts: Provides lean protein and serves as the centerpiece of this meal. Choose pieces that are approximately 1 inch thick for even cooking.
• Olive oil: Helps achieve that golden crust on all components while adding healthy fats.
• Garlic: Infuses everything with aromatic flavor. Fresh cloves make a noticeable difference over jarred.
• Grated parmesan: Creates that irresistible savory crust. Use freshly grated for best melting properties.
• Breadcrumbs: Work with the parmesan to create the perfect crispy exterior. Italian seasoned adds extra flavor.
• Red potatoes: Maintain their shape during roasting and develop crispy exteriors. Choose firm potatoes with minimal eyes.
• Fresh green beans: Provide the perfect tender crisp vegetable element. Look for bright beans without blemishes.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for bringing out the flavors in each component.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the oven and pan:

Heat your oven to 425°F. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. The high temperature is crucial for developing that crispy exterior on all components.

Start the potatoes:

Combine cut potatoes with olive oil, garlic, parmesan, salt and pepper in a bowl, tossing thoroughly to coat each piece. Spread them on one third of your sheet pan and give them a head start in the oven for 10-15 minutes. This ensures they cook through completely and develop that desirable crispy exterior.

Prepare the chicken:

While potatoes begin cooking, coat your chicken breasts thoroughly with olive oil, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, parmesan, salt and pepper. Use the same bowl you used for potatoes to minimize dishes. Make sure each piece is evenly coated for consistent browning.

Add chicken to the pan:

Remove the pan from oven, keeping those potatoes in place, and arrange the coated chicken breasts in the center third of the pan. The preheated pan will immediately begin searing the bottom of the chicken.

Prepare and add green beans:

Quickly toss trimmed green beans with olive oil, garlic, optional parmesan, salt and pepper. Add them to the remaining third of the pan, arranging them in a single layer for even cooking.

Bake everything together:

Return the complete sheet pan to the oven and bake for about 25 minutes. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F when tested with a meat thermometer. This timing allows everything to finish cooking simultaneously.

Optional broiling:

For extra crispy potatoes and chicken topping, switch to broil for the final 4-5 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning. This step creates that restaurant-quality finish on your dish.

Rest before serving:

Allow everything to rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute in the chicken and allows everything to cool just enough to eat comfortably.

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The breadcrumbs combined with parmesan create the magic in this recipe. When I first experimented with this technique, I was amazed at how it created a restaurant-quality crust without deep frying. My husband now regularly requests this dish when we want something that feels special but doesn't require hours in the kitchen.

Perfect Timing Tips

The success of this sheet pan dinner relies heavily on timing each component properly. Potatoes need the longest cooking time, which is why they get a head start. If your chicken breasts are particularly thick, consider pounding them to an even thickness before coating. This ensures they cook at the same rate as the vegetables. For thinner chicken pieces, you might want to add them a few minutes after the green beans to prevent overcooking.

Customization Options

This versatile recipe welcomes many adaptations based on what you have available. Swap red potatoes for baby Yukon golds or fingerlings for equally delicious results. Not a fan of green beans? Asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts work beautifully. The parmesan coating can be enhanced with herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano. For a dairy-free version, nutritional yeast provides a similar savory quality to the coating without the cheese.

Storage and Leftovers

This sheet pan dinner maintains its quality remarkably well as leftovers. Store components in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best reheating results, use an oven or air fryer at 350°F for 10-15 minutes rather than the microwave to maintain the crispy textures. The chicken remains juicy when reheated this way, making it perfect for meal prep or planned leftovers for busy weeknights.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I ensure the chicken stays juicy?

Make sure your chicken breasts are about 1 inch thick and cook them to an internal temperature of 165°F using a meat thermometer.

→ Can I substitute the green beans with another vegetable?

Yes! You can use vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or zucchini. Adjust cooking times accordingly as they may cook faster or slower than green beans.

→ How do I make the potatoes extra crispy?

After baking, you can broil the potatoes on high for 4-5 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.

→ What can I use instead of breadcrumbs?

Try crushed crackers, panko, or even finely ground nuts like almonds for a gluten-free option.

→ Can I prepare this ahead of time?

You can prep the chicken, potatoes, and green beans in advance. Store them separately in the fridge, and assemble on the pan just before baking.