GARLIC PARMESAN CHICKEN AND POTATOES

 

If there’s one thing I love more than a delicious meal, it’s a delicious and EASY meal—especially one that doesn’t leave me with a pile of dishes at the end. That’s why this Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes recipe is a total lifesaver! It’s the perfect one-pan dinner that delivers juicy, seasoned chicken alongside crispy, garlicky potatoes, all roasted to perfection. Bonus? It’s packed with flavorful Parmesan cheese and just the right amount of seasoning.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One Pan, Zero Hassle – Fewer dishes to wash? Yes, please!
• Juicy Chicken, Crispy Potatoes – The perfect texture combo.
• Packed with Flavor – Garlic, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning make every bite pop.
• Family-Friendly – Even picky eaters will devour this meal.

Now, let’s dive into making this incredible dinner. I promise—it’s as easy as it is delicious.

What You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Potatoes:

• 1.5 pounds baby Yukon Gold or red potatoes, halved
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Optional Garnish:

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Before we get started, let’s make sure our oven is good to go.

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. (Trust me, this makes cleanup a breeze!)

Step 2: Prep the Chicken

Now, let’s get that chicken seasoned and ready to go.

1. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. This helps it crisp up beautifully in the oven.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
3. Rub the chicken with olive oil, then coat it evenly with the seasoning mix. Make sure every inch is covered for maximum flavor.

Pro Tip: Smoked paprika adds a delicious depth of flavor, but if you don’t have it, regular paprika works too!

Step 3: Season the Potatoes

Next up, the crispy, garlicky potatoes. These are so good, you might want to make extra!

1. In a large bowl, toss the halved potatoes with:
   • Olive oil
   • Minced garlic
   • Grated Parmesan cheese
   • Salt and black pepper
2. Mix well to make sure the potatoes are evenly coated with all that garlicky, cheesy goodness.

Pro Tip: Yukon Gold potatoes are perfect for this dish because they crisp up beautifully while staying creamy inside. But red potatoes work great too!

Step 4: Assemble Everything on the Baking Sheet

The beauty of this one-pan meal is that everything roasts together, so the flavors mingle in the most delicious way.

1. Place the seasoned chicken on one side of the baking sheet.
2. Spread the potatoes out evenly on the other side. Try to keep them in a single layer so they crisp up nicely. No one wants soggy potatoes!

Pro Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan! If the potatoes are piled on top of each other, they’ll steam instead of roast. If needed, use two baking sheets for maximum crispiness.

Step 5: Bake Everything Together

Time to pop everything into the oven!

• Roast in the preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes.
• Flip the potatoes halfway through for even crisping.
• Check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer.

Pro Tip: Want extra crispy potatoes? Place them cut-side down on the baking sheet before roasting.

Step 6: Add a Golden, Cheesy Finish

Because everything is better with a little extra Parmesan, right?

1. In the last 5 minutes of cooking, sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese over the chicken and potatoes.
2. Turn your oven to broil and let it cook for 1-2 minutes until the cheese gets golden and crispy.

Pro Tip: Keep an eye on it while broiling! Parmesan can go from golden brown to burnt in seconds.

Step 7: Garnish & Serve

Now that everything is beautifully roasted and crispy, it’s time to add the finishing touch.

• Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
• Serve hot and straight from the pan—because let’s be honest, it’s too delicious to wait!

Variations & Substitutions

Want to mix things up? Here are a few fun variations to try:

• Switch up the protein: Use boneless skinless thighs for juicier chicken, or swap in salmon fillets (just reduce cooking time to 15-18 minutes).
• Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or drizzle with hot honey before serving.
• Different cheeses: Swap Parmesan for Pecorino Romano or cheddar for a different flavor profile.
• Extra crispy potatoes: Toss them with panko breadcrumbs for added crunch before roasting.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use bone-in chicken instead of boneless?

Absolutely! Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks work great in this recipe. Just keep in mind that they take longer to cook (about 35-40 minutes), so adjust your cooking time accordingly. Use a meat thermometer to make sure they hit 165°F (74°C) before serving.

2. How do I make sure my potatoes get extra crispy?

The key to crispy potatoes is two things:

• Spread them out in a single layer so they don’t steam.
• Place them cut-side down on the baking sheet to maximize surface contact for that golden crust.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can season the chicken and toss the potatoes in their seasoning mix a few hours ahead and store them in the fridge. When ready to cook, just arrange everything on the sheet pan and bake as directed.

4. What other seasonings can I use?

Want to switch things up? Try these flavor twists:

• Lemon Herb: Add lemon zest and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving.
• Spicy Cajun: Swap Italian seasoning for Cajun seasoning for a smoky, spicy kick.
• Garlic Butter: Melt some butter and garlic and drizzle it over the chicken before serving for extra richness.

5. Can I make this in an air fryer?

Yes! If you’re using an air fryer, cook at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Depending on your air fryer size, you may need to cook in batches.

6. How should I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

7. What’s the best way to reheat this meal?

• Oven: Place leftovers on a baking sheet and reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes.
• Air Fryer: Reheat at 375°F for 5-7 minutes for best crispiness.
• Microwave: While convenient, the microwave can make the potatoes soft instead of crispy. If using, reheat in short 30-second bursts.

What to Serve with Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes

While this dish is a complete meal on its own, here are a few simple side dishes that pair perfectly:

• A Fresh Salad: A light side like a Caesar salad or a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette adds freshness.
• Roasted Veggies: If you want even more veggies, roast some broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts alongside the potatoes.
• Garlic Bread: Because extra garlic and Parmesan is always a good idea!
• A Glass of Wine: A Chardonnay or light red wine (like Pinot Noir) complements this dish beautifully.

Final Thoughts: Try It & Make It Your Own!

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes recipe is one of those simple yet flavorful meals that you’ll find yourself making again and again. It’s:

• Easy to make
• Packed with bold flavors
• Perfect for busy weeknights

The best part? It’s totally customizable, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings or proteins to make it your own! If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Drop a comment below, let me know your favorite variations, or tag me on social media with your masterpiece!

Happy cooking!

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