Crispy Parmesan Chicken & Broccoli in 25 mins

Okay, so you know those nights when you’re just wiped out but still want something delicious and *good* for you? That’s exactly when this Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Broccoli comes to the rescue! Seriously, this is my go-to when I need dinner on the table FAST, with barely any cleanup. It’s a healthy sheet pan meal that tastes like you slaved over it, but we both know the truth – it’s just ridiculously easy. Plus, that crispy chicken coating? Chef’s kiss!

Why You’ll Love This Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Broccoli

Honestly, this recipe is a weeknight superhero! Here’s why it’s become a staple in my kitchen:

• Super Quick Prep: Seriously, it takes like 10 minutes to get everything ready.
• Minimal Cleanup: One pan? Yes, please! Fewer dishes make my heart sing.
• Packed with Flavor: That crispy, cheesy chicken with perfectly seasoned broccoli is just *so* good.
• Healthy AND Delicious: You get your protein and veggies without feeling guilty. It’s a win-win!

Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken Perfection

Okay, let’s talk about the star of the show: the chicken! Getting that perfect crispy coating is easier than you think. It all comes down to the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture. When you press that coating onto the chicken, you’re creating a barrier that gets wonderfully golden and crunchy in the oven. Trust me, you want that satisfying crunch! And the best part? Inside, the chicken stays super juicy and tender. It’s this amazing contrast that makes every bite a little bit of heaven. The Parmesan gets all melty and toasty, while the breadcrumbs give it that oh-so-satisfying crispiness. It’s simple, but it’s pure magic for your taste buds!

Tender and Flavorful Broccoli Companions

Now, we can’t forget about the broccoli! Cooking it on the same pan is such a smart move. It gets that lovely tender-crisp texture, meaning it’s cooked through but still has a little bite to it – none of that mushy stuff here! A simple toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper is all it needs. The oil helps it get a little bit of char and keeps it from drying out, while the salt and pepper just bring out its natural, slightly sweet flavor. It’s the perfect healthy, vibrant green sidekick to that cheesy chicken.

Ingredients for Your Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Broccoli

Alright, let’s gather our goodies for this super simple dinner! You don’t need a ton of fancy stuff, which is why I love it so much. Make sure you have everything prepped and ready to go before you even think about turning on the oven. It makes the whole process so much smoother, trust me!

Here’s exactly what you’ll need:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Chicken Preparation for Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Broccoli

For the chicken, you want to have your breasts ready to go. If they’re super thick, you might want to cut them into more uniform pieces, maybe about 1-inch chunks, so they cook evenly. But if they’re a decent size already, just pat them dry with a paper towel. This helps the coating stick better!

Broccoli Preparation and Seasoning

For the broccoli, just snip off those nice florets. You want them to be bite-sized, so they cook up nicely alongside the chicken. Give them a quick toss in a bowl with that tablespoon of olive oil, a pinch of salt, and a little black pepper. That’s it! So easy, right?

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Broccoli

Alright, let’s get this dinner party started! This is where the magic really happens, and it’s so straightforward, you’ll wonder why you haven’t made it a million times before. Just follow these simple steps for some seriously yummy Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Broccoli.

1. First things first, get that oven preheating to 400°F (that’s 200°C). You want it nice and hot so everything cooks up perfectly.
2. While the oven is warming up, grab a shallow dish. This is where we’ll make our amazing coating! Mix together that grated Parmesan cheese and the breadcrumbs. Give ‘em a good stir so they’re all combined.
3. Now, grab those chicken breasts you prepped. Season them all over with that salt and pepper. Make sure they’re nicely coated.
4. This is the fun part! Take each seasoned chicken breast and dip it into the Parmesan and breadcrumb mixture. Press it down a bit to make sure it’s covered all over. You want a nice, thick layer of that cheesy goodness!
5. Carefully lay your coated chicken breasts on one side of your baking sheet. Try to give them a little breathing room so they can get nice and crispy.
6. Next, grab those broccoli florets you tossed with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them out on the other side of the baking sheet next to the chicken. Again, try not to crowd them too much!
7. Pop that whole baking sheet into your preheated oven. Let it bake for about 20 to 25 minutes. You’re looking for the chicken to be cooked all the way through and the broccoli to be tender but still have a little crunch.

Coating the Chicken for Maximum Flavor

When you’re coating the chicken, really press that Parmesan and breadcrumb mixture onto each piece. Don’t be shy! You want a good, even layer all around. This is what gives you that fantastic crispy crust and locks in all the yummy cheesy flavor. Make sure every nook and cranny is covered for the best results. It’s seriously satisfying to see that golden coating get perfectly crisp in the oven!

Arranging the Sheet Pan for Even Cooking

The key to making this a true sheet pan meal is arranging everything correctly. Put the chicken on one side and the broccoli on the other. Make sure there’s a little space between each piece of chicken and each floret. This allows the hot air to circulate all around, which is super important for getting that chicken nice and crispy and the broccoli perfectly tender-crisp without getting steamed. Nobody wants soggy chicken or broccoli! For more ideas on easy sheet pan meals, check out these easy sheet pan meals.

Tips for Achieving the Best Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Broccoli

Want to take this already amazing Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Broccoli to the next level? I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve! First off, for that *extra* crispy coating, try popping the chicken under the broiler for the last minute or two of cooking. Just watch it like a hawk, okay? It can go from perfectly golden to burnt super fast! Also, always, always check the internal temperature of your chicken. It should hit 165°F (74°C) to be safe and cooked through. A meat thermometer is your best friend here. And for the broccoli, keep an eye on it. You want it tender but still with a little snap – nobody likes mushy broccoli, right? If it looks like it’s cooking too fast or too slow compared to the chicken, you can always pull the pan out and adjust things. You can find more great recipes like this on Pinterest.

Serving Suggestions for Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Broccoli

This Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Broccoli is pretty much a complete meal on its own, but if you want to jazz things up a bit, I’ve got some ideas! A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette is always a good choice – it adds a nice fresh contrast. You could also serve it with some fluffy quinoa or even a small portion of pasta if you’re feeling a bit hungrier. Sometimes I’ll whip up a quick lemon-herb sauce to drizzle over everything, but honestly, it’s so flavorful on its own, you really don’t need much else!

Frequently Asked Questions about Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Broccoli

Got questions about making this amazing Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Broccoli? I’ve got you covered!

Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are super forgiving and stay really moist. Just make sure they’re boneless and skinless, and adjust the cooking time slightly if they’re a different thickness. They’ll still get that fantastic crispy coating!

Q2: How can I make this gluten-free?

Easy peasy! Just swap out the regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs. You can also use almond flour or even crushed gluten-free cornflakes for the coating. Just make sure your Parmesan cheese is also gluten-free, as some can have anti-caking agents that aren’t.

Q3: What if I don’t have broccoli?

No problem at all! This recipe is super versatile. You can totally swap the broccoli for other veggies that cook up nicely on a sheet pan. Asparagus, green beans, bell pepper strips, or even zucchini chunks would work great. Just make sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly. For more sheet pan veggie ideas, check out sheet pan veggie fajitas.

Q4: Can I use a different cheese besides Parmesan?

You sure can! While Parmesan gives it that signature salty, nutty flavor, you could try Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste, or even a blend of Parmesan and Asiago. Just make sure it’s finely grated so it adheres well to the chicken!

Nutritional Estimate for Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Broccoli

Just a heads-up, these are estimates, but they give you a good idea of what you’re working with! This healthy sheet pan meal is pretty balanced. Each serving typically comes in around 400 calories, with about 15g of fat (mostly the healthy kind!), a fantastic 40g of protein to keep you full, and roughly 25g of carbohydrates. It’s a great way to get a satisfying and nutritious dinner without breaking the bank on calories! For more sheet pan chicken recipes, explore our collection.

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