So you’re craving something that tastes fancy but requires the same amount of effort as reheating pizza? This Parmesan Chicken & Brussels Sprouts Sheet-Pan dinner is here to save your evening. It’s crispy, cheesy, full of flavor, and—best part—made on one pan so you won’t be stuck doing an endless pile of dishes. Win-win.
Why This Recipe is Awesome
It’s the weeknight miracle you didn’t know you needed. Juicy chicken, roasted Brussels sprouts, and a glorious blanket of Parmesan cheese all get baked together, soaking up each other’s flavors like one big happy family. Plus, there’s no complicated marinating or sautéing—just toss, roast, and eat. It’s idiot-proof. Even if you think your oven hates you, this will still turn out great. And yes, Brussels sprouts can be delicious when they’re roasted until crispy instead of steamed into sadness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Chicken breasts or thighs – boneless, skinless, and not frozen solid unless you like waiting until midnight for dinner.
- Brussels sprouts – halved so they roast instead of sulk.
- Olive oil – the good stuff if you have it, but regular will work just fine.
- Garlic – minced, because garlic is non-negotiable.
- Parmesan cheese – freshly grated if you want to feel like a pro, pre-shredded if you’re feeling lazy.
- Salt – to make everything taste like something.
- Black pepper – freshly cracked if possible, because it’s extra fancy.
- Italian seasoning – for that “I totally meant for this to be gourmet” flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Yes, you actually have to preheat it. This isn’t negotiable.
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup—future you will thank present you.
- Toss the halved Brussels sprouts in olive oil, half the garlic, salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning. Spread them out on one side of the sheet pan.
- Place the chicken breasts on the other side of the pan. Drizzle with olive oil, then season with the remaining garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Roast for 20 minutes. Try not to open the oven every five seconds “just to check.”
- Pull out the pan, sprinkle a generous layer of Parmesan cheese over both the chicken and Brussels sprouts. Don’t be shy—this is the best part.
- Return to the oven for another 8–10 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through (165°F/74°C) and the cheese is golden and melty.
- Serve immediately. Optional: squeeze some fresh lemon over the top for extra zing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the preheat – You’ll end up with pale, sad chicken and limp sprouts. Don’t.
- Overcrowding the pan – Give your food space to roast, not steam. If things look crammed, use two pans.
- Using pre-grated Parmesan from the green can – I’m not saying it’s a crime, but it should be.
- Forgetting to flip the sprouts halfway – They like to crisp on both sides, thank you very much.
Alternatives & Substitutions
- Swap chicken breasts for thighs if you prefer extra juicy meat.
- Use broccoli, asparagus, or green beans instead of Brussels sprouts if you’re not a fan (though roasted sprouts might convert you).
- Try Pecorino Romano instead of Parmesan for a sharper bite.
- Add red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
- Go dairy-free with nutritional yeast instead of cheese—it’s not the same, but it’s still tasty.
FAQ
Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?
Technically yes, but they’ll release more water and won’t crisp as nicely. Fresh is worth it here.
Do I need to pound the chicken first?
Not necessary unless your pieces are wildly different in size. Even cooking is the goal.
Can I meal prep this?
Absolutely. It reheats well in the oven or air fryer—microwave if you must, but you’ll lose crispiness.
Is this recipe low-carb?
Yep! Keto folks can happily dig in.
Can I make this spicier?
Yes—red pepper flakes, cayenne, or a little smoked paprika will do the trick.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Pop them in a 375°F oven for about 8 minutes, or toss in the air fryer for 5–6 minutes.
Final Thoughts
This Parmesan Chicken & Brussels Sprouts Sheet-Pan dinner is proof that delicious doesn’t have to mean complicated. It’s quick, flavorful, and requires minimal effort—a true weeknight hero. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, it’s the kind of meal that’ll make you look like you have your life together (even if you’re eating it in sweatpants while binge-watching Netflix). Now go make it—you deserve a dinner this good.