Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for a dish that’s bursting with flavor, simple to prepare, and perfect for any night, look no further than Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes. This dish combines juicy chicken breasts with crispy, golden potatoes all coated in a luscious, cheesy garlic sauce that’s both comforting and exciting. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cook, this recipe promises a hassle-free way to treat your taste buds to something memorable and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless comfort food: The Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes recipe comes together quickly with minimal prep time, making weeknight dinners a breeze.
- Perfect balance of flavors: The garlic and parmesan create a savory, rich coating that complements the tender chicken and crispy potatoes beautifully.
- One-pan wonder: Everything cooks together, which means fewer dishes and easy cleanup.
- Customizable to your taste: You can easily add herbs or spices to adapt this dish to your favorite flavor profiles.
- Great for leftovers: It reheats well, making it a fantastic recipe to prepare in advance for busy days.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient plays a vital role in crafting the perfect Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes, combining simplicity with those indulgent flavors we crave. The secret lies in quality basics like fresh garlic, real parmesan, and juicy chicken that knit the dish together with harmony.
- Chicken breasts: Choose boneless, skinless for even cooking and easy slicing.
- Baby Yukon gold potatoes: These roast beautifully and become tender inside with a crisp skin outside.
- Garlic cloves: Freshly minced for that punch of aroma and flavor that garlic lovers adore.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated parmesan adds a salty, nutty richness that melts into every bite.
- Olive oil: For roasting and giving everything a subtle fruity flavor and crisp texture.
- Dried Italian herbs: A blend of oregano, basil, and thyme to complement the cheese and garlic.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for enhancing all the flavors naturally.
- Fresh parsley: Optional, for a burst of color and light freshness on top.
Variations for Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes
One of the joys of Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes is how easy it is to tweak the recipe to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Feel free to experiment with these variations to make it your own culinary signature.
- Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes or Cajun seasoning to the parmesan mixture for a fiery twist.
- Herb swap: Replace Italian herbs with rosemary or sage for a more earthy, aromatic vibe.
- Different potatoes: Use sweet potatoes for a sweeter, colorful variation.
- Low-carb option: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower florets for a healthier, keto-friendly dish.
- Cheese alternatives: Try Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese to deepen the cheese flavor profile.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash and halve your baby potatoes for even roasting. Mince the garlic finely, and grate your parmesan cheese. Pat the chicken breasts dry to help them brown nicely.
Step 2: Season the Potatoes
In a large mixing bowl, toss the halved potatoes with olive oil, half of the minced garlic, half of the parmesan, and a generous pinch of salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. This ensures the potatoes soak up that delicious flavor before roasting.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a touch of olive oil. Sear the chicken breasts 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown but not fully cooked through, as they will finish in the oven alongside the potatoes.
Step 4: Assemble the Dish
Transfer the potatoes to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil. Place the seared chicken breasts on top of the potatoes, then sprinkle the remaining garlic and parmesan cheese evenly over the chicken and potatoes for that signature cheesy crust.
Step 5: Roast to Perfection
Place the baking sheet in the oven and roast for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the potatoes are tender with a golden crust.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish for a pop of vibrant color and fresh flavor before serving hot.
Pro Tips for Making Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes
- Even-sized potatoes: Cut potatoes uniformly to ensure they cook at the same rate.
- Don’t skip the sear: Browning the chicken first locks in moisture and adds depth to the flavor.
- Use fresh parmesan: Grated fresh parmesan melts better and tastes richer than pre-grated varieties.
- Rest after roasting: Let the chicken rest a few minutes before slicing to keep it juicy.
- Check doneness with a thermometer: Avoid guessing—use a meat thermometer to ensure perfectly cooked chicken every time.
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes
Garnishes
Fresh parsley or chives brighten the dish both visually and in flavor, while a light drizzle of good-quality olive oil can add a lovely sheen and richness at the end.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside a crisp green salad or steamed veggies like broccoli or asparagus for some added freshness and crunch. Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls are also fantastic companions for soaking up any extra sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family-style presentation, serve the chicken and potatoes on a large platter garnished with lemon wedges for a subtle citrus burst. Alternatively, divide into individual cast iron skillets for a rustic, charming look that keeps food warm longer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the chicken and potatoes tightly sealed to maintain moisture and flavor.
Freezing
This dish freezes well. Place cooled leftovers in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air. Label with the date and freeze for up to 2 months for convenient future meals.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a 350°F (175°C) oven to maintain crispiness, around 15-20 minutes, or microwave on medium heat covered with a damp paper towel until warmed through. Avoid overheating to keep the chicken tender and the potatoes crisp.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are more forgiving and remain juicy during cooking, offering a richer flavor that pairs wonderfully with the garlic parmesan coating.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes is naturally gluten-free as long as you check that your parmesan cheese and any other seasonings do not contain additives with gluten.
Can I prepare this recipe without an oven?
While roasting gives the best texture, you can cook the potatoes on the stovetop in a covered pan and then sear and finish the chicken in the same skillet, though roasting is highly recommended for crispiness.
How can I make this dish dairy-free?
Substitute the parmesan cheese with a dairy-free cheese alternative, and use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor boost without dairy.
What sides complement Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes best?
Fresh green salads, sautéed green beans, or roasted Brussels sprouts pair beautifully, balancing the hearty richness of the main dish.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something incredibly satisfying about the blend of garlic, parmesan, tender chicken, and crispy potatoes working together in one dish. The easy-to-follow Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes recipe is truly a crowd-pleaser perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for your family’s weeknight dinner or impressing friends with a simple yet flavorful meal, this recipe is a keeper. Give it a try, and enjoy the comforting taste that keeps everyone coming back for seconds!
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PrintGarlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes
Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes is a flavorful, easy-to-make one-pan dish combining juicy chicken breasts with crispy baby Yukon gold potatoes, coated in a rich, cheesy garlic sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, this comforting recipe balances savory garlic, nutty parmesan, and aromatic herbs, causing minimal cleanup and maximum satisfaction.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Protein
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Vegetables
- 1.5 lbs baby Yukon gold potatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Seasonings & Herbs
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme blend)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Dairy & Oils
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash and halve the baby potatoes for even roasting. Mince the garlic finely and grate the parmesan cheese. Pat the chicken breasts dry to help them brown nicely.
- Season the Potatoes: In a large mixing bowl, toss the halved potatoes with olive oil, half of the minced garlic, half of the parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and the dried Italian herbs. This step ensures the potatoes absorb plenty of flavor before roasting.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a touch of olive oil. Sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown but not fully cooked through, as they will finish cooking in the oven.
- Assemble the Dish: Transfer the seasoned potatoes to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil. Place the seared chicken breasts on top of the potatoes, then evenly sprinkle the remaining garlic and parmesan cheese over both the chicken and potatoes to create a cheesy, flavorful crust.
- Roast to Perfection: Place the baking sheet in the oven and roast for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the potatoes are tender with a golden, crispy exterior.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a burst of color and fresh flavor. Serve hot and enjoy.
Notes
- Cut potatoes into even sizes to ensure uniform cooking.
- Do not skip searing the chicken to lock in moisture and enhance flavor.
- Use freshly grated parmesan cheese for the best melt and taste.
- Allow the chicken to rest a few minutes after roasting to keep it juicy.
- Use a meat thermometer to confirm the chicken’s internal temperature is 165°F (75°C).
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: Garlic Parmesan Chicken, One Pan Chicken and Potatoes, Easy Dinner, Weeknight Meal, Comfort Food, Gluten Free