If your weeknight dinner routine is stuck on repeat, let me introduce you to a game-changer: cheesy panko chicken. This one-pan wonder is crispy, creamy, spicy, and secretly healthy. We’re talking golden-baked chicken topped with a cheesy, crunchy crust, served alongside perfectly roasted broccoli—all done in under 30 minutes. No extra dishes. No stovetop juggling. Just one pan, real food, and a serious flavor upgrade.

Video: Cheesy Panko Chicken – The Ultimate One-Pan Dinner Hero

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Panko Chicken

First of all, it’s baked—not fried. That means less mess and fewer calories without sacrificing that satisfying crunch. The secret? A clever combo of panko breadcrumbs, melty cheese, and a little mayonnaise to help everything cling together and crisp up in the oven. Add a spoonful of Calabrian chile paste or a shake of red pepper flakes, and now you’ve got dinner with a kick.

It’s also a complete meal. The broccoli roasts right alongside the chicken, soaking up all those savory juices while developing those magical crispy edges. You won’t need a separate side dish or a second pan. Just toss, top, bake, and serve.

Cheesy Panko Chicken Simple Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts are lean, protein-packed, and easy to prep. Split them if they’re thick so they cook evenly and stay juicy.
• Panko breadcrumbs create an ultra-crispy topping without deep frying. Don’t substitute with regular breadcrumbs unless you’re cool with disappointment.
• Shredded cheese brings the melty, gooey factor. Cheddar, mozzarella, or even a blend work beautifully.
• Broccoli florets turn tender and slightly caramelized, adding fiber and color to your plate.
• Calabrian chile paste offers a smoky, spicy note that’s not overpowering. Red pepper flakes will do in a pinch.
• Mayonnaise acts as the binder that makes the topping golden and flavorful. Trust the process.

How to Make Cheesy Panko Chicken

Preheat your oven to 450°F. Grab a sheet pan or baking dish—whichever one isn’t hiding behind your air fryer—and let’s roll.

1. Prep the chicken: Pat your chicken dry and split the breasts if needed. Dry chicken = crispy topping.
2. Toss the broccoli: Spread broccoli on the pan, drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and arrange in a single layer.
3. Make the topping: In a bowl, mix mayo, panko, cheese, and chile paste or flakes.
4. Assemble: Place chicken on the pan next to the broccoli. Spread the cheesy panko mixture generously on top of the chicken.
5. Bake: Pop the whole thing in the oven for 20–22 minutes. The chicken should be cooked through and the broccoli lightly browned.

Healthy, Hearty, and Hot from the Oven

This cheesy panko chicken recipe checks every box: it’s nutritious, low-fuss, and delivers big on flavor. No fancy equipment. No weird ingredients. Just one pan and a dinner that feels like more effort than it actually was.

Perfect for busy nights, picky eaters, or anyone who wants to get in and out of the kitchen without sacrificing flavor. Try it once, and it just might earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation.

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