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Sheet-Pan "Cheat Code" Mayo-Crusted Cod with Crispy Chickpeas & Tomatoes

Sheet-Pan "Cheat Code" Mayo-Crusted Cod with Crispy Chickpeas & Tomatoes

My ultimate weeknight trick for tender, flaky white fish without the hassle of a traditional three-bowl dipping station. Mayonnaise locks in moisture and browns the Parmesan-panko crust to perfection while chickpeas and cherry tomatoes roast alongside.

Elena Reyes
Elena Reyes
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
4
easy
dinner
cheat-codesheet-pan30-minute-mealseafood+1

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Timeline

29 minutes
0m10m20m29m
Prep Veggies on Pan
5m
Initial Veggie Roast
8m
Prep Cod & Topping
5m
Nestle Fish on Pan
Bake Fish & Veggies
12m
Garnish & Serve

Ingredients

  • 4 6-oz fillets cod fillets(pat dried thoroughly)
  • 1 15-oz can chickpeas(rinsed, drained, and dried thoroughly)
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes(left whole)
  • 3 tbsp olive oil(divided)
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder(divided)
  • 3/4 tsp kosher salt(divided)
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper(divided)
  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise(full-fat works best)
  • 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 lemon(zested and cut into wedges)
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley(chopped)
  • 1 tsp lemon zest(zest from the lemon)

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat oven to 425°F. On a large rimmed sheet pan, toss 1 (15-oz) can chickpeas, 2 cups cherry tomatoes, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp kosher salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until well coated. Spread into a single layer.

    5 min

    Tip: Drying your chickpeas completely with paper towels is the secret to getting them super crispy!

  2. 2

    Transfer the sheet pan to the oven and roast the chickpea and tomato mixture for 8 minutes to start crisping up the chickpeas and soften the tomatoes.

    8 min

    Tip: Giving the chickpeas a head start ensures they finish cooking at the exact same time as the delicate fish.

  3. 3

    While the veggies roast, stir together 1/3 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tsp lemon zest, remaining 1/2 tsp garlic powder, remaining 1/4 tsp kosher salt, and remaining 1/4 tsp black pepper in a bowl. Pat 4 (6-oz) cod fillets completely dry and spread the mayo mixture evenly over top of each fillet.

    5 min

    Tip: Don't skip dry-patting the fish! Mayo acts as both condiment and glue, sealing in moisture so white fish never dries out.

  4. 4

    Carefully pull the sheet pan from the oven. Push the tomatoes and chickpeas outward to clear a space in the center. Nestle the topped 4 (6-oz) cod fillets into the center and drizzle remaining 1 tbsp olive oil over any dry spots.

    2 min

    Tip: Keeping the fish in the center allows heat to circulate evenly around every piece.

  5. 5

    Return the sheet pan to the oven and bake for 12 minutes until the cod is opaque throughout and flakes easily with a fork, and the breadcrumbs are golden crisp.

    12 min

    Tip: Cod is done when it reaches an internal temp of 145°F.

  6. 6

    Squeeze fresh lemon juice from 1 lemon over the entire tray and scatter 2 tbsp fresh parsley over top before serving straight from the sheet pan.

    2 min

    Tip: Serve with warm pita or crusty bread to scoop up those jammy roasted tomatoes!

Chef's Notes

Mayo on fish might sound unconventional if you've never tried it, but it is my absolute favorite trick in the kitchen! It is essentially emulsion of egg and oil, which coats the delicate fish, locks in steam so it stays impossibly tender, and Browns the breadcrumbs into a gorgeous golden crust.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Sheet-Pan "Cheat Code" Mayo-Crusted Cod with Crispy Chickpeas & Tomatoes take to make?

Sheet-Pan "Cheat Code" Mayo-Crusted Cod with Crispy Chickpeas & Tomatoes takes about 30 minutes total. That includes 10 minutes of prep and 20 minutes of cooking.

How many servings does this recipe make?

This recipe makes 4 servings.

What skill level is needed for Sheet-Pan "Cheat Code" Mayo-Crusted Cod with Crispy Chickpeas & Tomatoes?

This recipe is rated easy — it's beginner-friendly and straightforward.

What ingredients do I need for Sheet-Pan "Cheat Code" Mayo-Crusted Cod with Crispy Chickpeas & Tomatoes?

The main ingredients are: cod fillets, chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, black pepper, mayonnaise, panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, lemon, fresh parsley, lemon zest.

What type of meal is Sheet-Pan "Cheat Code" Mayo-Crusted Cod with Crispy Chickpeas & Tomatoes?

Sheet-Pan "Cheat Code" Mayo-Crusted Cod with Crispy Chickpeas & Tomatoes is categorized as: dinner.