Picture this: a chaotic weeknight, the kind where you’ve barely got energy to think, let alone cook.
Enter my savior—One-Pan Chicken Parmesan with Roasted Zucchini. It’s like a warm hug on a plate.
A recipe that’s as familiar and comforting as your favorite old sweater, yet with a twist that keeps it exciting—like finding a forgotten $20 bill in your pocket.
Steps
- Preheat the oven to 450°F and coat a rimmed baking sheet with non-stick spray. Place Panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese into a resealable bag, season with salt and pepper, then add a tablespoon of olive oil. Seal the bag and shake to combine and moisten the crumbs evenly.
- In a shallow dish, whisk an egg. Dip each chicken breast in the egg, then press into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring both sides are coated. Place the coated chicken in the center of the baking sheet and repeat with remaining chicken pieces.
- Bake the chicken for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, prepare the zucchini by placing it in a resealable bag with olive oil and garlic powder, adding salt and pepper to taste. Seal the bag and shake to coat the zucchini evenly.
- Remove the chicken from the oven, flip it, and arrange the zucchini around the chicken in a single layer. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Take the dish out of the oven and spread marinara sauce over the chicken breasts. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top, then move the oven rack closer to the broiler element and set the oven to broil.
- Broil for 1-2 minutes, watching closely to ensure the cheese melts and doesn’t burn. Garnish with basil and serve immediately.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup Italian seasoned Panko bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 large egg
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Nutritional Values
Calories 1736 | Calories from Fat 720 | Fat 80g | Saturated Fat 24g | Cholesterol 680mg | Sodium 2936mg | Potassium 4744mg | Carbohydrates 64g | Fiber 12g | Sugar 24g | Protein 168g | Vitamin A 3004IU | Vitamin C 120mg | Calcium 908mg | Iron 8mg
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of cheese for the chicken parmesan?
- Yes, you can substitute mozzarella with other cheeses such as provolone or a cheese blend if you prefer. Just ensure the cheese melts well under the broiler.
- What other vegetables can I use instead of zucchini?
- Zucchini can be replaced with other soft vegetables like yellow squash or bell peppers. If using harder vegetables like potatoes or carrots, you may need to pre-cook them to ensure everything finishes cooking at the same time.
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
- Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used in place of chicken breasts. They will bring a slightly different flavor and may be juicier.
- How can I make the breadcrumbs if I don’t have Italian seasoned Panko?
- If you don’t have Italian seasoned Panko, you can use regular breadcrumbs and add some Italian seasoning and garlic powder to them for flavor.
- Is it necessary to broil the chicken at the end?
- Broiling at the end is optional, but it helps to melt the cheese quickly and gives it a nice golden color. Just be sure to watch closely to avoid burning.
Tips
- For a healthier option with a crispy finish, use Italian seasoned Panko bread crumbs. If unavailable, add some Italian seasoning and garlic powder to regular Panko crumbs.
- To streamline your preparation and reduce dishwashing, consider using pre-shredded cheese.
- Feel free to substitute zucchini with other soft vegetables like yellow squash or red bell peppers. If you opt for harder vegetables such as potatoes or carrots, adjust cooking times accordingly, as they may require pre-cooking.
- If you prefer, you can swap chicken breasts for boneless skinless chicken thighs for a different flavor and texture.
Equipment
- Rimmed baking sheet (cookie sheet)
- Instant-read thermometer
