Effortless & Delicious: Sheet Pan Lemon Parmesan Chicken Tenders with Dole Meal Kits
Are you searching for a quick, healthy, and incredibly easy dinner solution that promises minimal cleanup? Look no further! Our Sheet Pan Lemon Parmesan Chicken Tenders recipe is a weeknight game-changer, delivering a flavorful, nutritious meal all cooked on a single baking sheet. This recipe harnesses the power of fresh ingredients and the convenience of a Dole Sheet Pan Meal Starter Kit to bring a vibrant, zesty dish right to your table. You’ll absolutely adore the wholesome combination of tender chicken, perfectly roasted potatoes, sweet carrots, and crisp broccoli, all coated in a bright lemon parmesan seasoning.
In many households, including mine, sheet pan meals have become a cherished go-to for their sheer convenience and incredible versatility. It’s hard to argue with a meal that not only bakes entirely on a single pan but is also packed with healthy ingredients and robust protein, making it a complete and satisfying dish.
The best part about these all-in-one dinners? The remarkably easy cleanup! After enjoying a delicious meal, simply discard the parchment paper (if used) and give the sheet pan a quick wash – no stacks of pots and pans to tackle. This simplicity is truly a favorite aspect of incorporating sheet pan recipes into our weekly rotation.
Discovering Dole Sheet Pan Meal Starter Kits
We’re thrilled to share this recipe in partnership with Dole, introducing their innovative Sheet Pan Meal Starter Kits. These kits are a game-changer for busy individuals and families, providing all the pre-washed and pre-cut vegetables, along with perfectly portioned seasonings, to kickstart a fantastic meal. Dole currently offers three tantalizing flavor options: Lemon Parmesan, Homestyle Roasted Herb, and French Onion. Each kit is designed to make healthy eating more accessible and enjoyable.
Today’s recipe prominently features the Lemon Parmesan Meal Kit. This convenient package comes generously loaded with fresh, ready-to-eat broccoli florets, perfectly sized mini-cut carrots, and whole mini red potatoes. Complementing these vibrant vegetables is a savory lemon pepper parmesan cheese seasoning, ensuring a burst of flavor in every bite.
We’ve expertly paired the Lemon Parmesan Meal Kit with succulent chicken tenderloins, creating an ideal meal for any weeknight. What makes these Dole meal kits truly fantastic is their adaptability. You have the freedom to customize them with your favorite protein, whether you prefer chicken, flaky salmon, or juicy shrimp. This flexibility means you can easily tailor the meal to your family’s preferences or whatever you have on hand.
If you’re already a fan of our other simple sheet pan creations, such as this Sheet Pan Sausage and Vegetables or the Sheet Pan Honey Balsamic Chicken Tenders and Vegetables, then this new Lemon Parmesan Chicken Tenders recipe is a must-try. It’s quickly earning a permanent spot in our regular meal rotation, and we believe it will in yours too!
Key Ingredients for Your Sheet Pan Success
Creating this delicious and easy sheet pan meal requires just a few simple ingredients, especially when you’re starting with the convenience of a Dole kit. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:
- Dole Lemon Parmesan Sheet Pan Meal Starter Kit: This all-in-one kit truly simplifies meal prep. It contains perfectly portioned and prepared whole baby carrots, mini red potatoes, fresh broccoli florets, and a delicious blend of garlic parmesan and lemon pepper parmesan cheese seasoning.
- Chicken Tenderloins: We opted for chicken tenderloins in this recipe, a favorite among kids and adults alike, due to their quick cooking time and tender texture, which is ideal for sheet pan baking. However, feel free to substitute with other chicken cuts like diced chicken breasts or thighs, or even explore other protein options.
- Olive Oil: A good quality olive oil is essential for coating your ingredients, helping them crisp up beautifully in the oven and ensuring the seasonings adhere evenly.
- Fresh Parsley (for garnish): A sprinkle of fresh parsley at the end adds a touch of vibrant color and a fresh, herbaceous note that brightens the entire dish.
Step-by-Step: Crafting Your Lemon Parmesan Chicken Sheet Pan Meal
Follow these simple steps to prepare your delicious and healthy sheet pan dinner. Remember, preparation is key to a smooth cooking experience and even results!
Step 1: Prepare Your Vegetables. Begin by dicing the mini red potatoes from your Dole kit into quarters. For consistent cooking, try to make all potato pieces roughly the same size. Transfer these quartered potatoes, along with the pre-cut carrots and broccoli florets from the kit, into a large mixing bowl. This bowl will be used for seasoning both the vegetables and chicken, minimizing extra dishes.
Step 2: Season the Vegetables. To the bowl containing your prepared vegetables, add half of the Dole seasoning packet and 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Thoroughly toss everything together, ensuring each piece of vegetable is evenly coated with the delicious lemon parmesan mixture. This step is crucial for infusing flavor and promoting beautiful caramelization.
Step 3: Arrange on Baking Sheet. Evenly spread the seasoned vegetables onto a large, prepared baking sheet. Ensure they are in a single layer, giving each piece enough space to roast without steaming. Leave a clear section in the middle of the pan for the chicken, preventing overcrowding which can lead to soggy results.
Step 4: Season the Chicken. Add the chicken tenderloins to the same mixing bowl (no need to clean it!). Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the remaining half of the Dole seasoning packet. Toss the chicken thoroughly until each tenderloin is fully coated. This ensures maximum flavor penetration and a delicious crust.
Step 5: Add Chicken to Baking Sheet. Carefully place the seasoned chicken tenderloins onto the prepared baking pan, nestling them between the vegetables and potatoes. It’s important that the chicken pieces do not overlap with each other or with the vegetables. Spacing them out ensures even cooking and promotes a lovely golden-brown exterior on everything.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection. Preheat your oven to a robust 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Once hot, place your fully loaded sheet pan on the bottom rack of the oven. Bake for approximately 30-35 minutes. Crucially, ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 170 degrees F (77 degrees C) for safety and doneness. Cooking times can vary based on your oven and the thickness of the chicken, so it’s always a good idea to check for doneness a few minutes before the estimated time, especially for tenderloins which cook quickly.
Customization & Flavor Variations for Your Sheet Pan Meal
One of the best aspects of sheet pan meals is their incredible flexibility. While this Lemon Parmesan Chicken Tenders recipe is fantastic as is, don’t hesitate to experiment and make it your own! Here are several ideas to customize your next sheet pan dinner:
- Protein Power-Ups: We love chicken tenderloins for their tenderness and quick cook time. However, this recipe is incredibly versatile! Feel free to swap them out for other proteins. Consider using cubed chicken thighs or breasts, firm tofu for a vegetarian option, hearty chickpeas, or even seafood like salmon fillets or large shrimp for a different flavor profile and cooking experience. Adjust baking times as needed for different proteins.
- Vibrant Veggie Boosts: The Dole meal kits are excellent for providing a convenient mix of vegetables. But if you want to add more, or simply use what you have on hand, the possibilities are endless. Try adding colorful bell peppers (red, yellow, orange), cherry tomatoes, zucchini, or fresh green beans. Just ensure any added vegetables are cut to a similar size to the kit vegetables for even cooking.
- Spice It Up: The seasoning packet included in the Dole kit is a perfectly balanced blend. However, if you enjoy a little extra kick or different aromatic notes, you can certainly enhance it. A pinch of smoked paprika can add depth, a touch of cayenne red pepper or crushed red pepper flakes will bring the heat, or a dash of garlic powder can amplify the savory base.
- Cheesy Finish: For an extra layer of richness and flavor, a final sprinkling of freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the entire sheet pan meal just after it comes out of the oven is a wonderful addition. The residual heat will melt it slightly, creating a gooey, irresistible topping.
- Fresh Herb Garnish: While fresh parsley adds a lovely bright finish, don’t limit yourself! Fresh basil, fragrant dill, or earthy oregano would also be fantastic choices to chop and sprinkle over the finished dish, adding an aromatic touch and a pop of color.
Storing & Reheating Your Leftovers
One of the many advantages of this sheet pan meal is how well it stores, making it perfect for meal prep or enjoying delicious leftovers. To store your Lemon Parmesan Chicken Tenders and vegetables, allow the cooked meal to cool completely to room temperature. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, providing several convenient meals throughout the week.
When you’re ready to reheat, you have a couple of excellent options. For a quick reheat, simply microwave individual portions until thoroughly warmed through. If you prefer to maintain some of that lovely roasted texture, especially for the vegetables, you can quickly reheat the meal in the oven. Spread the leftovers on a baking sheet and warm at 250 degrees F (120 degrees C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until hot. This method helps prevent the chicken from drying out and can re-crisp the veggies slightly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sheet Pan Chicken Tenders
We’ve gathered some common questions you might have about making this delicious sheet pan meal:
- Can I prepare this meal ahead of time? Absolutely! You can chop the potatoes, carrots, and broccoli (if not using the Dole kit) ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. You can also coat the chicken and vegetables with olive oil and seasoning a few hours before baking, keeping them separate until just before placing on the sheet pan.
- How do I ensure the chicken is cooked through? The most reliable way is to use an instant-read meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken tenderloin. Chicken is safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 170°F (77°C).
- What if my vegetables cook faster than my chicken, or vice versa? If your vegetables seem to be browning too quickly, you can gently stir them about halfway through cooking. If your chicken is done but the vegetables need more time, simply remove the chicken from the pan and continue roasting the vegetables until they reach your desired tenderness.
- Can I use frozen vegetables? Yes, you can! If using frozen vegetables, there’s no need to thaw them first. However, they may release more water during cooking, so ensure your pan isn’t overcrowded and the oven is adequately preheated to allow for proper roasting. Some frozen vegetables might also require a slightly longer cooking time.
Explore More Delicious Sheet Pan Recipes
Chicken
Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas
Chicken
Mediterranean Sheet Pan Chicken
Seafood
Sheet Pan Mediterranean Cod
Chicken
Sheet Pan Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs
Tried this recipe? Leave a star rating and comment below! Subscribe to my newsletter or follow me on
Facebook,
Instagram, or
Pinterest for the latest.
Sheet Pan Lemon Parmesan Chicken Tenders
Pin
Ingredients
- 1 – 21 ounce Lemon Parmesan Dole Sheet Pan Meal Kit
- 1 pound of chicken tenderloins
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F (232°C). This higher temperature helps achieve those perfectly roasted, slightly crispy vegetables.
-
Line a large baking sheet or cookie sheet with foil or parchment paper. This step is key for ultra-easy cleanup. For extra non-stick insurance, lightly spray the lined baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray.
-
If not already pre-cut in your kit, carefully cut the mini red potatoes into quarters. Try to make them uniform in size for even cooking.
-
In a large mixing bowl, combine the vegetables from your Dole kit (broccoli, carrots, and quartered potatoes), half of the included seasoning packet, and 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Toss everything thoroughly until all the vegetables are evenly coated. This ensures maximum flavor.
-
Carefully arrange the seasoned vegetables on one half of the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan, as this can steam the vegetables instead of roasting them. Leave space in the middle for the chicken.
-
Add the chicken tenderloins to the same mixing bowl. Pour in 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the remaining half of the seasoning packet. Toss vigorously until the chicken pieces are thoroughly coated.
-
Place the seasoned chicken tenderloins on the other half of the baking sheet, ensuring they are also in a single layer and not overlapping with each other or the vegetables. Good spacing allows for proper browning.
-
Reduce oven temperature to 425 degrees F (220°C). This slight reduction helps prevent burning while still ensuring thorough cooking.
-
Bake your sheet pan meal on the bottom rack of the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Critical check: ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 170 degrees F (77°C). Cooking times can vary significantly based on your oven’s calibration and the exact thickness of your chicken and vegetables, so start checking for doneness around the 20-minute mark to prevent overcooking.
-
Once cooked, remove the sheet pan from the oven. Garnish generously with fresh parsley for a burst of color and herbaceous flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious, effortless meal!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.