Sheet Pan Chicken

Make sheet pan chicken breast for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or to prep your protein for the week ahead! Moist, tender, and delicious, this simple chicken is just what you need!

There are days and weeks when life gets BUSY. Notice I said weeks as well as days? During those weeks, my kitchen keywords are “quick and easy,” but I still want my meals to be healthy and delicious.

Do you ever have those weeks?

The good news is that I have loads of one pan chicken dishes that meet all of the above criteria for quick, healthy, and AMAZINGLY delicious, which means easy dinners on the table in less than an hour!

Some of my favorites are 30 Minute Cashew Chicken, Instant Pot Chicken Tinga, and Easy Chicken Piccata.

If sheet pan meals are your thing (they are definitely mine!), try my Blackened Salmon, Sheet Pan Sausage and Peppers, or one of my favorite sheet pan chicken recipes, Lemon and Herb Sheet Pan Chicken and Potatoes.

AND next, I’d like to show you my very simple and delicious sheet pan chicken breast recipe.

EASY SHEET PAN CHICKEN

This easy sheet pan chicken dinner is absolutely perfect for days and weeks when time is short because:

• It’s made with ONE pan, so you don’t have to worry about much cleanup.
• Takes less than 30 minutes to have a healthy dinner on the table!
• It’s versatile – use this pan sheet chicken in a variety of meals.
• An easy way to prep your protein ahead for the week.
• Super yummy!

INGREDIENTS FOR SHEET PAN CHICKEN THIGHS OR BREAST

Here’s what you need to make sheet pan chicken thighs or chicken breasts.

• Chicken Thighs or Breasts. Pounded out to the thickness of the thinnest part of the breast, or you can slice the breasts lengthwise into two thinner halves. I usually use boneless skinless chicken breasts, since they’re easier to pound thinner, but if you want to use thighs, make sure they are boneless skinless chicken thighs.
• Salt and Pepper. You can stick with just kosher salt and black pepper for well-seasoned, simple chicken.
• Optional Seasonings. Basil, oregano, parsley, cumin, and coriander are good spices for chicken. You could also use a seasoning blend like Poultry Seasoning – omit the extra salt if your blend already contains salt.
• Optional Lemon or Orange Slices. Cut in half and place on top of the chicken on a sheet pan. The lemon juice soaks in as it bakes for a burst of fresh flavor.

HOW TO MAKE CHICKEN ON A SHEET PAN

Step 1. Preheat oven to 400F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

Step 2. Using the flat end of a meat mallet, pound out the chicken breasts so they become even in thickness with the thinnest part of the breast (OR slice the breast lengthwise into two thinner halves).

Step 3. Place the chicken on a sheet pan.

Step 4. Season all breasts with salt and pepper, plus any optional seasonings.

Step 5. Place one optional orange or lemon slice on top of each chicken breast (discard when the chicken is done).

Step 6. Bake at 400F for 15 minutes. Check the temperature of the chicken using a kitchen thermometer (it should be at least 165F).

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 1 month.

SERVE WITH SHEET PAN DINNER CHICKEN

This lemon chicken makes an excellent sheet pan dinner because you can serve it in so many ways!

• Slice chicken breast and serve over rice or quinoa
• Shred it and use it in one of these Rotisserie Chicken Meals
• It’s great for sandwiches, like BBQ Chicken Sandwiches
• Add it to wraps, like Bacon Chicken Caesar Wraps
• Dice it up for salads, like this Buffalo Chicken Ranch Salad
• Use sheet pan chicken in dishes like Chicken Pot Pie
• Double up your oven energy and roast vegetables! Brussels sprouts, fresh green beans, onions, mushrooms, carrots, cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, etc., make delicious sides. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and roast on your second oven rack.

USING SHEET PAN CHICKEN RECIPES FOR MEAL PREP

Whether you make a big batch of sheet pan chicken breast or do a sheet pan chicken vegetables mix, this is a great option for meal prep for the week!

Having a lean protein ready to go in the fridge is key to making sure you hit your protein goals all week long.

We want to make sure every meal has a main protein source, and sheet pan chicken is a great option that you can dress up in different ways, so you don’t feel like you’re eating the same thing over and over again.

To get even more protein, try some of these tips:

• Take your total protein goal for the day and divide by the number of meals you’re having – now you have a specific protein goal for each meal!
• Increase the portion size of the protein you’re already eating (i.e. 4oz instead of 3oz)
• Consume vegetables higher in protein (peas, collards, corn)
• Consume grains higher in protein (quinoa, wild rice, oats)
• Seek out high-protein carbs (Dave’s Killer brand, protein pasta, etc.)

Eating protein is just one habit that will set you up for success. If you’re looking to increase your protein intake, sign up for my Protein Made Easy Email Challenge! You’ll learn all about protein – what it is, why we need it, and how to get more of it!

CHICKEN & LEMON RECIPES FAQS

MORE QUICK AND EASY ONE PAN CHICKEN RECIPES

• 15 Minute Kung Pao Chicken
• Sweet and Sticky Chicken
• Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken
• Almond Crusted Baked Chicken