Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe. They're often more forgiving than breasts when it comes to cooking time and typically stay juicier. Adjust cooking time slightly as needed - thighs may take a bit longer to reach 165°F, especially if they're larger.

My family doesn't like green beans. What vegetables can I substitute?

You've got plenty of options! Broccoli florets, asparagus, zucchini slices, or cherry tomatoes all work nicely. Just remember that different vegetables have different cooking times. Hardier vegetables like broccoli can go in with the chicken, while quick-cooking options like cherry tomatoes should only be added for the last 10-15 minutes.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Definitely! Simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs for the chicken coating. Double-check your parmesan cheese to ensure it doesn't contain anti-caking agents that might contain gluten. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free.

How can I tell when the chicken is done without cutting into it?

A meat thermometer is your best friend here! Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken breast - when it reads 165°F, your chicken is perfectly cooked. Without a thermometer, look for firm, opaque meat with clear (not pink) juices when pierced with a fork. Remember that cooking times vary based on the thickness of your chicken breasts.

Parmesan Crusted Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner Recipe

Name: Parmesan Crusted Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 lb chicken breast (3-4 pieces, approx. 1 inch thick); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1/3 cup grated Parmesan; 1/3 cup breadcrumbs (Italian or plain; add 1 tsp Italian seasoning if using plain breadcrumbs); 1/2 teaspoon cracked pepper; 1/2 – 3/4 teaspoon sea salt; 2 lb red potatoes, cut into bite-sized pieces (small: quartered; larger potatoes: cut into 6ths or 8ths); 1-2 garlic cloves, minced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 lb fresh green beans, ends trimmed; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 garlic clove, minced; 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan (optional); Salt and pepper to taste

This Parmesan Crusted Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner is a game-changer for busy weeknights when you want something delicious but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. With crispy, cheesy chicken, perfectly roasted potatoes, and tender green beans all cooking together on one pan, you’ll get maximum flavor with minimal cleanup. The parmesan crust creates an irresistible golden exterior on the chicken while keeping it juicy inside, making this a meal that feels special despite taking just an hour from start to finish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks on a single sheet pan, meaning less cleanup and more time to enjoy your evening.
Perfectly Balanced Meal: Protein, starch, and vegetable all cook together, giving you a complete dinner without juggling multiple pots and pans.
Customizable: The basic technique works with various seasonings, so you can switch things up based on what you’re craving or what’s in your pantry.
Restaurant-Quality Results: The parmesan crust gives the chicken that special touch that makes it feel like something you’d order at a nice restaurant.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

Chicken breasts: The star of the show – they’ll get crispy on the outside while staying juicy inside.
Olive oil: Helps the breadcrumb coating stick and contributes to that golden crust.
Garlic: Adds that essential savory depth that makes everything taste better.
Parmesan cheese: Creates a salty, umami-rich crust that’s absolutely irresistible.
Breadcrumbs: The foundation of our crust – Italian breadcrumbs bring extra flavor, but plain work too with a bit of seasoning added.
Salt and pepper: The most basic seasonings, but absolutely crucial for bringing out all the other flavors.

For the Potatoes:

Red potatoes: They hold their shape when roasted and develop a lovely crisp exterior with creamy insides.
Garlic: Because potatoes and garlic are simply meant to be together.
Olive oil: Helps achieve that perfect golden exterior on the potatoes.
Parmesan: A little cheese makes these potatoes extra special.
Salt and pepper: Essential for properly seasoned potatoes.

For the Green Beans:

Fresh green beans: Provides color, nutrition, and a delightful snap to balance the meal.
Olive oil: Just enough to help them roast properly.
Garlic: Elevates the beans from simple to sublime.
Parmesan: Optional but recommended for a flavor boost.
Salt and pepper: Brings out the natural sweetness of the beans.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

This sheet pan dinner is wonderfully versatile. Here are some delicious ways to switch it up:

Different Proteins: Try using boneless pork chops or turkey breast cutlets instead of chicken.
Vegetable Swaps: Replace green beans with asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or broccoli florets – just adjust cooking time accordingly.
Potato Varieties: Sweet potatoes or Yukon Golds work beautifully in place of red potatoes.
Seasoning Adventures: Add herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano to the chicken coating. A pinch of red pepper flakes gives a nice touch of heat.
Dairy-Free Option: Substitute nutritional yeast for the parmesan if avoiding dairy.

How to Make Parmesan Crusted Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a sheet pan with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, toss the quartered red potatoes with olive oil, minced garlic, parmesan, salt, and pepper until well coated. Spread them across one-third of your sheet pan and pop them in the oven for 10-15 minutes. This head start ensures they’ll be perfectly crispy by the time everything else is done.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

While the potatoes get a head start, prepare your chicken. In the same bowl (no need to wash it!), combine the chicken breasts with olive oil and minced garlic, then coat them thoroughly with the mixture of parmesan, breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper. Make sure each piece is evenly coated for maximum crispiness.

Step 3: Add Chicken to the Pan

After the potatoes have had their head start, remove the sheet pan from the oven. Place your prepared chicken in the center section of the pan, leaving room for the green beans.

Step 4: Prepare and Add Green Beans

Quickly toss the trimmed green beans with olive oil, garlic, optional parmesan, salt, and pepper. Arrange them in the remaining third of the sheet pan.

Step 5: Bake Until Done

Return the fully loaded sheet pan to the oven and bake for about 25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the potatoes are tender with crispy edges.

Step 6: Optional Broil

For extra crispiness, switch your oven to broil for the final 4-5 minutes. This gives everything a beautiful golden finish that’s absolutely irresistible.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Size Matters: Cut potatoes to similar size pieces for even cooking. Larger chicken breasts may need more time – use a meat thermometer to be sure.
Don’t Crowd the Pan: Everything needs its own space to roast properly. If cooking for more than 4 people, consider using two sheet pans.
Parchment Paper: This isn’t just for easy cleanup; it prevents the cheese and breadcrumbs from sticking to the pan.
Prep Ahead: Trim green beans and cut potatoes earlier in the day to make dinner assembly lightning-fast.
Seasoning Freedom: Trust your palate with salt and pepper measurements – you can always add more at the table.

How to Serve

This meal is complete as is, but here are some serving suggestions to take it to the next level:

Serving Ideas:

A lemon wedge squeezed over the chicken and green beans adds bright freshness.
A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or basil brings color and flavor.
Serve with a simple green salad dressed with lemon and olive oil for a lighter meal.

Sauce Options:

A dollop of garlic aioli alongside the chicken is divine.
Honey mustard sauce makes a wonderful dipper for both the chicken and potatoes.
Marinara sauce can turn this into a play on chicken parmesan.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep in mind the breadcrumb coating will soften in storage.

Freezing

While you can freeze the cooked chicken, the potatoes and green beans don’t freeze well after cooking. For best results, freeze just the uncooked, breaded chicken separately, then prepare fresh vegetables when ready to cook.

Reheating

For best results, reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes to restore some crispness to the coating. Microwave reheating works but will leave everything softer.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe. They’re often more forgiving than breasts when it comes to cooking time and typically stay juicier. Adjust cooking time slightly as needed – thighs may take a bit longer to reach 165°F, especially if they’re larger.
My family doesn’t like green beans. What vegetables can I substitute?

You’ve got plenty of options! Broccoli florets, asparagus, zucchini slices, or cherry tomatoes all work nicely. Just remember that different vegetables have different cooking times. Hardier vegetables like broccoli can go in with the chicken, while quick-cooking options like cherry tomatoes should only be added for the last 10-15 minutes.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Definitely! Simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs for the chicken coating. Double-check your parmesan cheese to ensure it doesn’t contain anti-caking agents that might contain gluten. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free.
How can I tell when the chicken is done without cutting into it?

A meat thermometer is your best friend here! Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken breast – when it reads 165°F, your chicken is perfectly cooked. Without a thermometer, look for firm, opaque meat with clear (not pink) juices when pierced with a fork. Remember that cooking times vary based on the thickness of your chicken breasts.

Final Thoughts

This Parmesan Crusted Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner brings together the perfect combination of convenience and flavor that makes weeknight cooking actually enjoyable. There’s something incredibly satisfying about pulling a complete, beautiful meal from the oven on a single pan! The crispy, cheesy chicken paired with golden potatoes and tender-crisp green beans creates a dinner that feels special without the fuss. Give it a try next time you’re craving something delicious but don’t want to spend your evening washing dishes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe