The Ultimate Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes Recipe: Your Easy One-Pan Dinner Dream!
Hello, WiseRecipes readers and fellow lovers of hearty, flavorful, and wonderfully easy weeknight meals! Are you searching for a dish that combines tender chicken, crispy-edged potatoes, and the irresistible duo of garlic and Parmesan, all cooked together in (mostly) one pan? Then you are going to absolutely adore my Ultimate Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes recipe!
Imagine succulent pieces of chicken and perfectly roasted potatoes, both generously seasoned and infused with aromatic garlic, then topped with a melty blanket of Parmesan cheese. This easy one pan garlic parmesan chicken and potatoes dish is the epitome of comfort food made simple. It’s a homemade garlic butter chicken and potato skillet recipe (or bake!) that delivers big on flavor without a mountain of dishes. This is truly the best crispy roasted chicken and potatoes with parmesan you’ll make.
My inspiration for this Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes recipe came from wanting a complete, satisfying meal that was both incredibly delicious and didn’t require a ton of cleanup. We’ll cover how to make flavorful baked chicken and potatoes that will have your family asking for it again and again. It’s the perfect quick weeknight dinner chicken potato bake.
So, if you’re ready for a meal that’s packed with flavor, comforting to the core, and wonderfully straightforward, let’s get cooking this amazing Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes recipe!
Why This Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes is a Weeknight Superstar
If “one-pan” and “garlic parmesan” haven’t already won you over, here’s why this Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes recipe is a must-try:
- Incredible Flavor Combination: Savory chicken, earthy potatoes, pungent garlic, and salty Parmesan cheese – a match made in culinary heaven. This is the heart of our Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes recipe.
- Perfectly Cooked Components: We aim for crispy-edged, tender potatoes and juicy, flavorful chicken every time.
- One-Pan (or Skillet) Simplicity: Minimizes cleanup by cooking everything together, making it an ideal easy one pan garlic parmesan chicken and potatoes meal.
- Hearty & Satisfying: This is a complete, filling meal that will leave everyone happy and content.
- Quick Enough for Weeknights: Despite its impressive flavor, it comes together with relatively minimal active prep time.
- Customizable: Easily adjust seasonings or add other quick-cooking veggies.
- Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: The familiar, beloved flavors make this a guaranteed hit with the whole family.
Gather Your Flavorful Essentials: Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s get our simple yet powerful ingredients ready for this comforting Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes recipe.
Key Ingredients (Serves 4):
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs (or Breasts): 1.5 lbs, cut into 1.5 to 2-inch pieces. Thighs stay juicier, but breasts work too.
- Potatoes (Yukon Gold or Red Potatoes recommended): 2 lbs, scrubbed and cut into 1 to 1.5-inch chunks. No need to peel if using thin-skinned potatoes.
- Olive Oil: 3 tablespoons, divided.
- Unsalted Butter: 2 tablespoons, melted (optional, for extra richness).
- Garlic: 4-6 cloves, minced.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: ¾ cup, freshly grated for best results, divided.
- Dried Italian Herb Seasoning (or a mix of oregano, basil, thyme): 1 ½ teaspoons.
- Garlic Powder: ½ teaspoon.
- Onion Powder: ½ teaspoon.
- Salt: 1 teaspoon, or to taste, divided.
- Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon, freshly ground, or to taste, divided.
- Fresh Parsley: ¼ cup, chopped, for garnish.
- Optional: Red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
Crafting Your One-Pan Wonder: Step-by-Step Guide
Let’s create this delicious Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes recipe!
Step 1: Prepare Potatoes & Chicken
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prep Potatoes: In a large bowl, toss the cut potato chunks with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, ½ teaspoon of the Italian herb seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder until evenly coated.
- Start Roasting Potatoes (Partial Cook): Spread the seasoned potatoes in a single layer on a large, rimmed baking sheet (or a large oven-safe skillet like cast iron). Roast for 15-20 minutes, giving them a head start to get tender and slightly crispy. This is crucial for the best crispy roasted chicken and potatoes with parmesan.
- Prep Chicken: While potatoes are roasting, pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. In a medium bowl, toss the chicken with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, the remaining 1 teaspoon Italian herb seasoning, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper (and optional red pepper flakes).
Step 2: Combine, Add Garlic & Parmesan, and Finish Roasting
- Add Chicken to Pan: After the potatoes have roasted for 15-20 minutes, carefully remove the baking sheet/skillet from the oven. Push the potatoes to one side (or make space) and add the seasoned chicken pieces to the pan in a single layer amongst or alongside the potatoes.
- Add Garlic & Butter: Drizzle the optional 2 tablespoons of melted butter over the chicken and potatoes. Sprinkle the 4-6 cloves of minced garlic evenly over everything. Toss gently to combine, ensuring the garlic is distributed. This is key for a flavorful Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes recipe.
- Roast Together: Return the baking sheet/skillet to the oven. Roast for another 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C for breasts, 175°F/79°C for thighs) and the potatoes are fully tender and nicely browned.
- Add Parmesan & Melt: Carefully remove the pan from the oven. Sprinkle ½ cup of the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the chicken and potatoes.
- Final Melt/Broil (Optional): Return the pan to the oven for another 2-3 minutes just to melt the Parmesan until bubbly and slightly golden. If you want it extra browned, you can switch to the broiler for the last 1-2 minutes, watching VERY carefully to prevent burning. This creates that beautiful cheesy crust for your Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes recipe.
Step 3: Garnish and Serve Your Hearty Meal
- Rest Briefly: Let the Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes recipe rest for a few minutes after removing from the oven.
- Garnish: Sprinkle generously with fresh chopped parsley and the remaining ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
- Serve Hot: Serve immediately directly from the baking sheet/skillet or transfer to a serving platter. Enjoy this incredibly satisfying easy one pan garlic parmesan chicken and potatoes!
Wise Tips for the Best Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Potatoes
Make your Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes recipe truly exceptional with these hints:
- Give Potatoes a Head Start: Roasting the potatoes for 15-20 minutes before adding the chicken ensures they become tender and slightly crispy without the chicken overcooking.
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: For the best browning and crisping, ensure the chicken and potatoes are in a relatively single layer. Use two pans if necessary.
- Cut Ingredients Uniformly: Cut potatoes and chicken into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Freshly Grate Parmesan: It melts better and has a much more robust flavor than pre-grated. This elevates your Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes recipe.
- Pat Chicken Dry: This helps it brown nicely rather than steam.
- High Heat Roasting: Roasting at 400°F (200°C) helps get everything nicely golden and slightly crispy.
- Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Don’t be afraid to add more salt, pepper, or herbs if you feel it needs it.
Delicious Variations & Flavor Twists
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes recipe is wonderfully adaptable:
- Add Veggies: Toss in some broccoli florets, asparagus spears, sliced bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes during the last 15-20 minutes of roasting with the chicken.
- Different Herbs: Use fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs instead of or in addition to the dried Italian seasoning.
- Spicy Kick: Add ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix.
- Lemon Brightness: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the finished dish or add lemon zest to the seasoning for a fresh, zesty note.
- Creamy Sauce Drizzle (For a different vibe): While this is a roasted dish, a light drizzle of a simple garlic cream sauce or a basil pesto after it comes out of the oven could be a delicious, though different, twist. This would lean more towards a homemade garlic butter chicken and potato skillet recipe with sauce.
- Different Potatoes: While Yukon Golds or reds are great, you could try diced sweet potatoes for a different flavor profile (they may cook a bit faster).
Storing & Reheating Your One-Pan Wonder
Enjoying leftovers from your Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes recipe:
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating:
- Oven/Toaster Oven (Best): Preheat to 375°F (190°C). Spread leftovers on a baking sheet and reheat for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through and slightly re-crisped.
- Skillet: Reheat in a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Microwave: Possible for quick reheating, but potatoes and chicken may lose some crispness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes Recipe
Your common questions about this hearty and easy meal:
- Can I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs for this Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes recipe?
Yes, you can. Cut them into similar-sized pieces. Chicken breasts cook faster and can dry out more easily, so start checking their internal temperature after about 10-12 minutes of roasting with the potatoes. - Do I need to peel the potatoes?
It’s optional! If using thin-skinned potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes, scrubbing them well is often sufficient, and the skin adds nice texture and nutrients. For Russets, you might prefer to peel them. - How do I get my potatoes extra crispy?
Ensure they are well-dried before tossing with oil. Don’t overcrowd the pan. Roasting at a higher heat (400°F) helps. Giving them that head start in the oven is also key. Some people soak cut potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes then dry thoroughly to remove excess starch, which can aid crisping. - Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prep components: chop potatoes and chicken, mix seasonings. Store them separately. It’s best baked fresh for optimal texture. However, leftovers reheat well, as noted above. This makes it a good option for a quick weeknight dinner chicken potato bake if you prep ahead. - What other vegetables would work well in this Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes recipe?
Broccoli florets, Brussels sprouts (halved), green beans, asparagus spears, sliced bell peppers (any color), or even cherry tomatoes (added in the last 10 minutes) would all be delicious. Adjust roasting time based on the vegetable.
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes recipe is a true celebration of simple, robust flavors coming together in one incredibly satisfying and easy dish. It’s an easy one pan garlic parmesan chicken and potatoes meal that will quickly become a family favorite for its comforting taste and minimal cleanup. Learning how to make flavorful baked chicken and potatoes like this will make your weeknight dinners so much better!
I am so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the joy of a perfectly cooked, flavor-packed one-pan meal. If you make this Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes recipe, please come back and share your delicious success in the comments below! What are your favorite herbs to add? Happy cooking!