If you’re searching for a meal that’s simple to prepare yet full of flavor, garlic parmesan chicken and potatoes is the perfect recipe for you. This one-pan dinner combines succulent chicken with crispy potatoes, all smothered in a garlic parmesan sauce that will leave everyone asking for seconds. It’s a hearty, comforting meal that’s easy enough for a weeknight yet impressive enough for guests.
The best part? You don’t need to be a gourmet chef to whip up this dish! Let’s dive into how to make this delicious meal, step by step.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are countless reasons why garlic parmesan chicken and potatoes is sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation. For one, it’s incredibly easy to prepare. You only need a few ingredients and a single baking dish, making cleanup a breeze. This dish also satisfies that craving for something crispy, savory, and a little indulgent, all without spending hours in the kitchen.
On top of that, the combination of garlic and parmesan is a match made in heaven. The garlic brings bold, aromatic flavors, while the parmesan adds a savory richness that pairs perfectly with both the chicken and the potatoes. The result? A meal that feels both familiar and exciting every time you make it.
Ingredients for Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You don’t need a long list of ingredients to make a great dish. Here’s what you’ll need:
Main Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (you can also use boneless thighs or breasts)
- 1 ½ pounds of baby potatoes, halved
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Ingredient Breakdown:
Chicken Thighs: For this dish, chicken thighs are ideal. They’re juicy and flavorful, and the skin crisps up beautifully in the oven. If you prefer, you can use boneless, skinless thighs or even chicken breasts. Just be aware that boneless cuts may cook a bit faster.
Baby Potatoes: These potatoes roast up crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. You can use any small potatoes, like fingerling or red potatoes, but make sure to cut them in half so they roast evenly.
Garlic: Garlic is essential in this recipe, providing the signature bold flavor that brings the whole dish together. Fresh garlic works best here, but you can use pre-minced garlic if needed.
Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan adds a salty, nutty flavor and helps create that crispy coating on both the chicken and the potatoes. Freshly grated parmesan is recommended, as it melts more evenly than the pre-shredded kind.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that you have your ingredients ready, it’s time to get cooking. Follow these steps to make the perfect garlic parmesan chicken and potatoes.
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). A hot oven will help crisp the chicken skin and roast the potatoes to golden perfection.
Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes
In a large bowl, toss the halved baby potatoes with one tablespoon of olive oil, salt, pepper, and half of the minced garlic. Make sure the potatoes are evenly coated with the oil and seasonings. This will help them become crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Step 3: Season the Chicken
Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure the skin becomes crispy as it bakes. Rub the chicken with the remaining olive oil, then season generously with salt, pepper, thyme, and oregano. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
Step 4: Make the Garlic Parmesan Coating
In a small bowl, mix the remaining minced garlic with the grated parmesan cheese. This mixture will go on top of both the chicken and potatoes, giving them that crispy, cheesy finish that makes this dish so irresistible.
Step 5: Arrange Everything in a Baking Dish
Take a large baking dish or sheet pan and arrange the seasoned chicken thighs in the center, skin side up. Surround the chicken with the seasoned potatoes, cut side down, so they roast evenly.
Step 6: Add the Garlic Parmesan Mixture
Now, sprinkle the garlic parmesan mixture over both the chicken and the potatoes. Be generous—this is where all the flavor comes from! The parmesan will melt and turn golden brown as it bakes, creating a delicious crust.
Step 7: Bake in the Oven
Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C), and the potatoes should be crispy on the outside and fork-tender inside. Halfway through baking, give the potatoes a stir to ensure even cooking.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Once everything is golden and delicious, remove the dish from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley if you like, and then serve your garlic parmesan chicken and potatoes hot. This meal is best enjoyed fresh from the oven when the potatoes are crispy and the chicken skin is perfectly crunchy.
Tips for Success
To ensure your garlic parmesan chicken and potatoes turns out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.
Choose the Right Potatoes
Small, waxy potatoes like baby Yukon Golds or fingerlings work best for this recipe. They roast up nice and crispy without becoming too dry inside. Be sure to cut them in half for even cooking.
Pat the Chicken Dry
One of the secrets to getting crispy chicken skin is starting with dry chicken. Patting the chicken dry with paper towels before seasoning helps remove excess moisture, which allows the skin to crisp up in the oven.
Use Freshly Grated Parmesan
Pre-shredded parmesan might seem convenient, but it doesn’t melt as well as freshly grated cheese. Fresh parmesan creates a much better texture and flavor, so it’s worth the extra effort to grate it yourself.
Try Adding Vegetables
To make this a more balanced meal, you can add vegetables to the baking dish. Broccoli, green beans, or Brussels sprouts roast beautifully alongside the chicken and potatoes. Just toss them in olive oil and season them like the potatoes, adding them to the pan during the last 20 minutes of cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Garlic parmesan chicken and potatoes is a filling meal on its own, but you can pair it with a few simple sides to elevate the meal. A fresh salad with a tangy vinaigrette, some roasted vegetables, or even a loaf of crusty bread would complement this dish beautifully. For something a little lighter, steamed asparagus or sautéed spinach would add a nice contrast to the rich chicken and potatoes.
If you’re serving this meal to guests, you can offer a light dessert to finish things off, like a lemon tart or fruit salad. This will help balance the richness of the garlic and parmesan.
Variations on Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes
One of the great things about this dish is how adaptable it is. Here are a few variations you can try if you want to mix things up:
Use Different Cuts of Chicken
While chicken thighs are ideal for this recipe, you can easily use chicken breasts or drumsticks instead. Just keep in mind that boneless cuts of chicken will cook faster, so adjust the cooking time accordingly. For example, boneless chicken breasts may only need 25-30 minutes in the oven.
Add Fresh Herbs
If you have fresh herbs on hand, feel free to swap out the dried thyme and oregano for fresh rosemary, thyme, or basil. Fresh herbs will add a burst of color and flavor to the dish.
Try Sweet Potatoes
For a slightly sweeter twist, try using sweet potatoes instead of baby potatoes. Sweet potatoes add a nice contrast to the savory garlic and parmesan, and they’ll give the dish a vibrant pop of color.
FAQs About Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken and potatoes a few hours ahead and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. When it’s time to cook, simply pop the dish in the oven and follow the recipe as usual.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, use an oven or air fryer to help the potatoes regain their crispy texture. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the potatoes soggy.
Can I freeze this dish?
While you can freeze the chicken, potatoes don’t always freeze and reheat well. If you want to freeze the chicken, store it in an airtight container and freeze for up to three months. When reheating, bake the chicken in the oven until warmed through and make fresh potatoes.
What sides go well with this dish?
A light, refreshing salad with a citrus vinaigrette pairs beautifully with the richness of the chicken and potatoes. You could also serve roasted vegetables or steamed green beans for a well-rounded meal.
Can I use other types of cheese instead of parmesan?
Yes, you can use other hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano or Asiago as substitutes for parmesan. These cheeses have a similar texture and flavor profile, adding a savory, salty element to the dish. However, the distinct nutty flavor of parmesan may be slightly different with substitutes.
How do I keep the potatoes from becoming soggy?
To keep the potatoes crispy, make sure they are spaced out on the baking sheet and not overcrowded. Also, place the cut side down on the pan to ensure maximum contact with the heat. Tossing the potatoes halfway through baking helps them cook evenly.
Can I make this dish in an air fryer?
Yes! You can cook garlic parmesan chicken and potatoes in an air fryer for a faster, crispier result. Cook the chicken first at 375°F for about 25-30 minutes, then add the potatoes halfway through. Be sure to shake the basket occasionally for even cooking.
Conclusion
Garlic parmesan chicken and potatoes is the perfect meal when you want something flavorful, hearty, and easy to make. This one-pan dish delivers crispy potatoes and juicy chicken, all infused with the savory combination of garlic and parmesan. Whether you’re cooking a weeknight dinner or hosting a gathering, this recipe offers both simplicity and bold flavors. With minimal preparation and ingredients that are likely already in your pantry, it’s a recipe that even beginner cooks can tackle with confidence.
Not only does this dish taste incredible, but it also saves time on cleanup since everything cooks together in one pan. You can easily customize it by adding vegetables, experimenting with different herbs, or swapping out regular potatoes for sweet potatoes. The possibilities are endless, but the result is always a satisfying meal.
Leftovers can be stored and reheated with ease, making it a great choice for meal prep as well. The next time you need a go-to recipe that everyone will love, try garlic parmesan chicken and potatoes. It’s a dish that promises comfort, flavor, and convenience all in one, making it a meal you’ll turn to time and time again.