Parmesan Zucchini-Crusted Chicken with Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes

This Parmesan zucchini-crusted chicken turns simple baked chicken breasts into a bright, comforting dinner. Grated zucchini is squeezed dry, mixed with Parmesan and baked on top of the chicken until the topping is golden at the edges.

On the side, buttery Yukon Gold mashed potatoes and tender green beans make the plate feel complete, while lemon wedges add a fresh finish right before serving.

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Ingredients

1 unit ZucchiniView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

12 ounce Chicken BreastsView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

0.25 cup Parmesan CheeseView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

12 ounce Yukon Gold PotatoesView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

6 ounce Green BeansView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit LemonView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 box MilkView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 teaspoon Olive OilView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 tablespoon ButterView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

unit SaltView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

unit PepperView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Wash and dry all produce. Peel the Yukon Gold potatoes and cut them into 1/2-inch cubes. Trim the green beans. Grate the zucchini on the large holes of a box grater.
2. Pile the grated zucchini in the center of a clean kitchen towel. Gather the towel around it and squeeze firmly over the sink or a bowl to remove as much liquid as possible. Season the squeezed zucchini generously with salt and pepper.
3. Transfer the drained zucchini to a medium bowl and stir in the Parmesan cheese. Set aside.
4. Place each chicken breast between two pieces of plastic wrap. Pound with a meat mallet or the bottom of a heavy pan until about 1/2 inch thick. Season the chicken all over with salt and pepper.
5. Place the chicken breasts on a baking sheet and brush each with olive oil. Spoon a thick layer of the Parmesan-zucchini mixture over the top. Bake until the chicken is just cooked through, about 12 minutes.
6. Turn the broiler to high or increase the oven temperature to 500°F. Broil or bake until the zucchini topping is golden and lightly crisp, about 2 minutes.
7. While the chicken bakes, place the potatoes in a medium pot with a pinch of salt and enough water to cover by 2 inches. Bring to a boil and cook until the potatoes are easily pierced with a fork, 10 to 12 minutes total. About 3 minutes before the potatoes are done, add the green beans to the same pot and cook until tender.
8. Use a slotted spoon to remove the green beans from the pot and set them aside. Drain the potatoes, then return them to the pot. Add the butter and milk, then mash with a potato masher or fork until very smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Add a little more milk if the potatoes seem too stiff.
9. Cut the lemon into wedges. Divide the mashed potatoes, zucchini-crusted chicken and green beans between plates. Serve with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the chicken and vegetables.

Recipe Tips

FAQ

How do I keep the zucchini topping from getting soggy?

After grating the zucchini, wrap it in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much liquid as possible. Removing that moisture helps the Parmesan-zucchini topping brown in the oven.

Can I make this recipe for four servings?

Yes. Use 2 zucchini, 24 ounces chicken breasts, 1/2 cup Parmesan, 24 ounces Yukon Gold potatoes, 12 ounces green beans, 1 lemon, 4 teaspoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons butter and season with salt and pepper.

What temperature should the oven be for the chicken?

Bake the chicken at 400°F, then finish under a high broiler or at 500°F for about 2 minutes to brown the topping.

When should I add the green beans to the pot?

Add the green beans during the last 3 minutes of the potato cooking time so they become tender around the same time the potatoes finish.

What should I do if the mashed potatoes are too thick?

Mash in a little more milk until the potatoes loosen to your preferred consistency.