This sheet-pan supper is everything I want on a weeknight: bright lemony chicken, crisp-tender broccoli with a shower of Parmesan, and only one pan to wash. It’s flavorful without being fussy—roast everything together so the chicken juices mingle with the broccoli and the lemon brings the whole tray alive.

My family eats this regularly; my husband calls it “the Sunday-still-going strong” dinner because we make a double batch and somehow it disappears for lunches all week. Our toddler thinks the lemon is a special sauce and always asks for “more zesty.” It’s become our go-to when schedules collide with hunger—simple, satisfying, and reliably loved.

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Why You’ll Love This Easy Sheet Pan Lemon Chicken with Parmesan Roasted Broccoli

– One-pan cleanup: toss, roast, and serve with almost no mess.
– Bright, balanced flavors: lemon and garlic lift the chicken while Parmesan adds savory depth to the broccoli.
– Flexible for busy lives: easy to scale up, adapt for diets, and great for leftovers.
– Texture contrast: juicy chicken plus edges-on-parmesan, roasted-browned broccoli.

Behind the Recipe

This method grew out of wanting a healthy dinner that didn’t require babysitting the stove. I learned to stagger the pieces on the tray—thicker chicken where the heat is gentler, broccoli where it can caramelize—and that really improves both texture and flavor. People often over-crowd the pan; give the vegetables a little room so they roast instead of steam. A final squeeze of lemon and a quick grate of fresh Parmesan right before serving keeps everything bright and prevents the cheese from turning gummy.

★Top Reader Reviews

I made this Easy Sheet Pan Lemon Chicken with Parmesan Roasted Broccoli on a busy weeknight and it delivered—bright lemony chicken and crisp-tender broccoli with a nice parmesan kiss. It was simple to pull together and cleanup was a breeze; next time I’d add a pinch more salt and roast the broccoli a bit longer for extra char, but overall a dependable, tasty weeknight meal.

– Josephine

Shopping Tips

– Protein: Choose bone-in or boneless chicken depending on preference; bone-in gives a bit more flavor but boneless cooks faster and is easier for busy evenings.
– Vegetables: Pick broccoli heads that are firm and dark green with tight florets; avoid ones with yellowing or soggy stems.
– Cheese: Buy a block of Parmesan and grate it yourself for better melt and flavor—pre-grated is fine in a pinch but tends to dry out under heat.
– Citrus: Look for lemons that are heavy for their size and have smooth skin—they’ll be juicier when you need a finishing squeeze.
– Fats & Oils: Use a neutral oil with a decent smoke point for roasting, and if you like, finish with a drizzle of good extra-virgin olive oil for flavor.
– Fresh Herbs: Parsley or thyme are great fresh finishes; choose firm, bright sprigs rather than limp, wilted bunches.

Prep Ahead Ideas

– Trim and chop the broccoli a day ahead and store it in an airtight container lined with a paper towel to absorb moisture.
– Mix the marinade or seasoning for the chicken the night before so the flavors have time to penetrate.
– Grate the Parmesan and store in a sealed bag in the fridge; bring to room temperature before finishing the dish for best melting.
– Pre-measure dry spices and keep them in a small jar or zipper bag so you can dress the chicken quickly after work.

Time-Saving Tricks

– Use pre-trimmed broccoli or frozen florets (thawed and patted dry) to skip chopping.
– Pre-shredded or grated Parmesan is a shortcut—just watch it under the broiler so it doesn’t burn.
– Arrange your mise en place: have lemon, oil, and seasonings at hand so assembly is quick and calm.
– Let the chicken come close to room temperature while you preheat the oven; it roasts more evenly and shortens active time.

Common Mistakes

– Overcrowding the pan: I did this once and ended up steaming the broccoli instead of roasting it; spread items out so hot air can circulate.
– Not drying veggies: wet broccoli won’t brown—pat it dry before oiling and seasoning.
– Cooking chicken straight from the fridge: cold chicken can cook unevenly, so let it rest briefly at room temp.
– Adding Parmesan too early: it can turn leathery if exposed to heat for too long—save most for the end.

What to Serve It With

– A simple lemony couscous or herbed rice to soak up juices.
– A green salad with a bright vinaigrette to echo the citrus.
– Crusty bread for sopping up any pan sauce and for a bit of indulgence.

✔Tips & Mistakes

If you want extra-crisp broccoli, roast it on the hottest part of your oven and avoid overcrowding. If the chicken finishes before the veggies, move it to a warm plate and let the broccoli finish—carryover heat keeps the meat juicy. Taste and finish with more lemon or salt at the end; roasted foods often need that last seasoning lift.

✔Storage Tips

Store in airtight containers in the fridge. It reheats beautifully, but if you sneak a bite cold straight from the container, it still works.

✔Variations and Substitutions

– Swap chicken thighs for breasts if you prefer white meat; adjust roasting so they don’t dry out.
– Use cauliflower or Brussels sprouts in place of broccoli for a different roast profile.
– Swap Parmesan for Pecorino Romano if you want a saltier, sharper finish.
– For a touch of sweetness, drizzle a little honey over the broccoli before roasting—don’t overdo it or the lemon balance will shift.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes. Thaw it completely and pat it dry so it roasts instead of steaming; you may need to give it a little extra time to brown.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely. The components hold up well in the fridge and make easy lunches—the chicken stays juicy and the broccoli reheats without losing too much texture.

My chicken sometimes comes out dry. How do I avoid that?

Let the chicken come closer to room temperature before roasting and don’t overcook—use visual cues and a gentle poke to judge doneness; bone-in pieces are more forgiving than thin breast cuts.

Can I roast everything at the same temperature?

Generally yes, but stagger thicker pieces or place them in slightly cooler parts of the pan if needed. You can also start the chicken a little earlier so the veggies don’t overcook.

I don’t have Parmesan—what else works?

Pecorino Romano or aged Asiago are great substitutes; for a dairy-free route try nutritional yeast for a savory, cheesy note.

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