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Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes is a comforting one-pan dinner perfect for busy nights. It combines tender chicken breasts with crispy roasted potatoes, all infused with savory garlic and Parmesan flavors. This meal offers both ease and flavor, saving time on cleanup while satisfying your taste buds.
I first tried this recipe on a hectic weeknight and loved how effortlessly it came together. Now it’s a go-to whenever I want something hearty without the fuss.
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts or thighs: thighs add more juiciness if you prefer
- Baby Yukon Gold or red potatoes: roast beautifully with crispy edges and fluffy centers
- Garlic: freshly minced for bold aroma and flavor
- Italian seasoning: adds herbs that complement the Parmesan nicely
- Smoked paprika: brings subtle smokiness and warms the dish
- Salt and pepper: essential for proper seasoning
- Grated Parmesan cheese: melts to create a delicious, golden crust
- Olive oil: helps everything crisp up and adds a fruity richness
- Fresh parsley: brightens the plate and adds a touch of freshness
- Optional cherry tomatoes or green beans: boost nutrition and color
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat Your Oven:
- Set your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it so nothing sticks and cleanup is easy.
- Season the Chicken:
- Coat the chicken breasts with one tablespoon of olive oil. Sprinkle over the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub everything evenly to build flavor beneath the skin and inside the meat.
- Prepare the Potatoes:
- In a separate bowl, toss halved potatoes with the remaining olive oil, minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This coating ensures the potatoes roast crispy and flavorful.
- Arrange on the Pan:
- Place the seasoned chicken on one side of the pan. Spread the potatoes evenly on the other side in a single layer to encourage even roasting.
- Bake to Perfection:
- Roast the pan in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes. Flip the potatoes halfway through to make them extra crisp. Check chicken doneness with a meat thermometer aiming for 165 degrees Fahrenheit internal temperature.
- Optional Step:
- In the last five minutes, sprinkle extra Parmesan over the entire dish for a lovely melted crust that adds extra richness.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Finish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for color and freshness. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
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This recipe reminds me of weeknights as a kid when my family gathered around tasty dinners that didn’t take forever to make. Parmesan is my favorite ingredient here because it adds a distinctive nutty sharpness that ties the whole dish together perfectly.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in a sealed container inside the fridge for three days. Reheat in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes to keep potatoes crispy. The chicken can also be frozen alone for up to two months but potatoes are best fresh or refrigerated.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap chicken breasts for thighs if you want juicier meat. Nutritional yeast works as a dairy-free alternative to Parmesan, and carrots or Brussels sprouts make great vegetable swaps for the potatoes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a crisp green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette to balance richness. Garlic bread or soft dinner rolls complement the flavors well. A glass of buttery Chardonnay or light Pinot Noir pairs nicely too.
Cultural Context
Garlic and Parmesan are staples in Italian cooking and bring traditional Mediterranean flavors here. Roasting everything on one pan is a modern convenience that keeps things simple without losing the heartiness of classic family meals.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I use bone-in chicken for this dish?
Yes, bone-in thighs or drumsticks can be used. Just extend the baking time to ensure thorough cooking and tender results.
- → What type of potatoes are best?
Baby Yukon Gold or red potatoes roast evenly and develop a crisp exterior. Russet or fingerlings work too if cut into uniform pieces.
- → Can I add other vegetables to the pan?
Absolutely! Green beans, cherry tomatoes, carrots, or Brussels sprouts can be added. Adjust seasoning to balance flavors.
- → How do I get crispy potatoes without drying out the chicken?
Toss potatoes with oil, garlic, and Parmesan to ensure crispness, and place chicken separately on the pan so juices don’t soak the potatoes.
- → What’s a good way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to keep potatoes crispy and chicken moist, or microwave briefly if short on time.