This Chicken Parmesan with Vegetables is a wonderful meal that brings juicy chicken, tasty marinara sauce, and gooey cheese all together. Plus, you’ll get a colorful mix of veggies on the side!
Who doesn’t love a crispy chicken cutlet smothered in cheese? I usually toss in whatever veggies I have lying around. The more, the merrier—just like good company at the dinner table!
This dish is super easy to whip up after a long day. I love serving it over pasta or with garlic bread for a satisfying feast that feels special with little fuss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken is perfect for this dish. If you prefer a leaner option, turkey cutlets work well too. You can also use bone-in chicken for added flavor, though cooking times will differ.
Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs give a nice crunch, but regular breadcrumbs will do. If you’re gluten-free, there are gluten-free breadcrumb options available or you can crush gluten-free crackers as a substitute.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds great flavor. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast can provide a similar cheesy taste. For a different flavor, Pecorino Romano is also a nice alternative.
Marinara Sauce: Store-bought is convenient, but homemade tastes great too! You could replace it with a simple tomato sauce or even pesto for a twist. Just keep the flavor balance in mind!
Vegetables: Baby potatoes and green beans are fantastic together. If you don’t have baby potatoes, regular ones can be cut down to size. You could use broccoli or asparagus instead of green beans if you prefer.
What’s the Best Way to Coat the Chicken in Breadcrumbs?
The coating of the chicken is essential for achieving that crispy texture. Here’s how you can do it efficiently:
- Pat the chicken breasts dry to help the coating stick better.
- Drizzle olive oil evenly over the chicken. This not only adds flavor but helps the breadcrumbs adhere.
- Dredge each piece in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing it in gently for a good coating.
- Shaking off excess ensures you don’t have a soggy coating, which can happen if there’s too much breading.
This technique ensures a perfect crunchy exterior while keeping the chicken juicy inside. Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make Chicken Parmesan with Vegetables
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Parmesan:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Vegetables:
- 1 pound baby potatoes, halved
- 2 cups green beans, trimmed
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty Chicken Parmesan with Vegetables takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 35-40 minutes to cook. In total, expect to spend around 50 minutes before it’s ready to serve. It’s quick, healthy, and oh-so-delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This way, it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake your chicken and veggies!
2. Prepare the Bread Crumb Coating:
In a shallow bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir it well so all the flavors combine.
3. Season the Chicken:
Take your chicken breasts and pat them dry with a paper towel. This helps the coating stick better. Season both sides with salt and pepper for extra flavor.
4. Coat the Chicken:
Drizzle olive oil over the chicken breasts, letting it coat the chicken. Then, press each chicken breast into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring they are coated evenly on both sides. Make sure to shake off any excess crumbs.
5. Arrange on a Baking Sheet:
Place the coated chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This helps with easy cleanup!
6. Prepare the Baby Potatoes:
In a separate bowl, toss the halved baby potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them evenly around the chicken on the baking sheet. This will give you tasty roasted potatoes!
7. Bake the Chicken and Potatoes:
Put the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. This will cook the chicken and give the potatoes a nice roast.
8. Add the Marinara and Cheese:
After 20 minutes, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Spoon marinara sauce over each chicken breast, then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
9. Bake Until Done:
Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Cook the Green Beans:
While the chicken and potatoes are baking, steam or sauté the trimmed green beans for about 5-7 minutes until they are tender. Season with a bit of salt and pepper to taste.
11. Let It Rest:
Once everything is cooked, take the baking sheet out of the oven and let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes. This helps keep it juicy!
12. Serve and Enjoy:
Plate up your delicious Chicken Parmesan with the roasted baby potatoes and green beans on the side. Don’t forget to sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a touch of color and flavor. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work great in this recipe and will result in a juicier dish. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through, about 25-30 minutes total, depending on their thickness.
What Can I Substitute for Panko Breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have panko breadcrumbs, regular breadcrumbs will work just fine. For a gluten-free option, try using crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour. You might want to add a touch more seasoning to boost the flavor if using plain breadcrumbs.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. This will help maintain the crispiness of the chicken!
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Yes, feel free to add other vegetables! Zucchini, bell peppers, or broccoli would all complement this dish nicely. Just adjust the cooking time slightly as needed, depending on the vegetables you choose to add.
