Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes Recipe
If you’re craving a quick, comforting dinner that’s bursting with cheesy, garlicky flavors, this Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes recipe is exactly what you need. It combines tender chicken thighs and crispy potatoes all coated in a rich mixture of Parmesan cheese, garlic, and herbs to create a dish that’s both simple and incredibly satisfying. Perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you want a delicious meal without fuss, this recipe brings together bright flavors and hearty textures to guarantee smiles around the dinner table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless prep: Minimal ingredients and steps make this recipe perfect for busy cooks.
- One-pan magic: Chicken and potatoes cook together, saving time and cleanup.
- Flavor-packed: A perfect blend of garlic, Parmesan, and herbs ensures every bite is delicious.
- Versatile meal: Pairs well with a variety of sides to suit your taste or dietary needs.
- Family-friendly: Comfort food everyone from kids to adults will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple but essential ingredients come together harmoniously to deliver texture, flavor, and a beautiful presentation. Each element enhances the dish in its own way—from savory Parmesan coating the crispy potatoes to the garlic-infused marinade that keeps the chicken juicy and aromatic.
- Chicken thighs: Bone-in, skin-on for maximum flavor and crispiness.
- Baby potatoes: Small, tender potatoes roast evenly and soak up all the seasoning.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated for a nutty, cheesy crust.
- Garlic cloves: Minced finely to infuse that unmistakable savory aroma.
- Olive oil: Helps everything crisp up while adding richness.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of dried herbs to boost depth and fragrance.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for balancing and highlighting the flavors.
- Fresh parsley: Adds a fresh, herby note and a pop of color at the end.
Variations for Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes
This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, making it easy to tailor based on what you have in your pantry, dietary preferences, or craving for boldness. Feel free to switch up ingredients or add your favorites to create a version that feels like your own kitchen creation.
- Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes or smoked paprika for a touch of heat.
- Herb swap: Use fresh rosemary or thyme instead of Italian seasoning for a fragrant twist.
- Cheese variation: Swap Parmesan for Pecorino Romano or Asiago for different flavor profiles.
- Vegetable boost: Toss in green beans or asparagus about halfway through cooking for extra veggies.
- Healthy swap: Use skinless chicken breasts and sweet potatoes for a lighter version.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes
Step 1: Prepare the marinade
In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and grated Parmesan cheese. This mixture will coat the chicken and potatoes, infusing them with flavor and helping create a crispy, golden crust.
Step 2: Toss the potatoes
Add halved baby potatoes to the bowl and toss to fully coat them in the Parmesan-garlic mixture. This ensures the potatoes absorb the seasoning before roasting.
Step 3: Season the chicken
Pat the chicken thighs dry to help them crisp up. Then, add them to the bowl and mix well so each piece is generously coated in the marinade.
Step 4: Arrange in the baking dish
Place the potatoes cut-side down in a single layer on a baking sheet or oven-safe dish. Nestle the chicken thighs skin-side up among the potatoes to allow even cooking.
Step 5: Roast to perfection
Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 35-40 minutes until the chicken skin is crispy, the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), and the potatoes are tender with golden edges.
Step 6: Garnish and serve
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the finished dish for a burst of color and fresh flavor before serving piping hot.
Pro Tips for Making Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes
- Dry chicken skin: Patting the chicken dry before marinating helps achieve extra crispy skin.
- Uniform potatoes: Cut potatoes into similar sizes for even roasting.
- Use fresh Parmesan: Freshly grated cheese melts better and has richer flavor than pre-grated variants.
- High heat roasting: Roasting at a high temperature helps caramelize the cheese and crisp up the potatoes perfectly.
- Rest the dish: Let the chicken rest a few minutes after baking to keep juices locked in.
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is classic, but you can also sprinkle some lemon zest for brightness or add shaved Parmesan right before serving for an extra cheese boost.
Side Dishes
Serve with a light green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness. Garlic bread or crusty rolls work well to soak up any leftover juices on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family-style meal, place everything on a large platter with extra herbs sprinkled on top. Alternatively, serve the chicken sliced with potatoes arranged alongside on individual plates for an elegant touch.
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. Reheat gently to avoid drying out the chicken.
Freezing
This dish can be frozen cooked or uncooked. To freeze cooked, let it cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. For uncooked prep, freeze after marinating and thaw overnight before baking.
Reheating
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes to restore crispiness, or microwave covered for quicker warming but softer texture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but they cook faster and may dry out more easily, so keep an eye on baking times and consider marinating a bit longer for moisture.
Do I need to peel the potatoes?
No, baby potatoes are tender-skinned and delicious when roasted with the skin on, adding extra texture and nutrients.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the Parmesan with a dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast to keep the cheesy flavor without dairy.
Is it possible to cook this on the stovetop?
While roasting is best for crispy results, you can pan-sear the chicken and parboil potatoes, then finish both in the oven or under a broiler for browning.
How do I ensure the chicken cooks evenly with the potatoes?
Choose potatoes that are uniform in size and cut larger pieces smaller if needed. Arrange chicken and potatoes so heat can circulate freely around each piece.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about a meal that’s easy to prepare and full of rich, delicious flavors, and Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes hits that mark perfectly. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, this recipe’s guaranteed to become a favorite for its simplicity and mouthwatering taste. Give it a try and enjoy every bite of that garlicky, cheesy goodness!
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Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes
Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes is a quick and comforting one-pan meal combining tender, juicy chicken thighs with crispy roasted baby potatoes, all coated in a rich garlic, Parmesan, and herb marinade. Perfect for busy weeknights, this flavorful dish offers an effortless prep and cleanup, delivering cheesy, garlicky goodness with every bite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 50-55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Chicken and Potatoes
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1.5 lbs baby potatoes, halved
Marinade and Seasoning
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and grated Parmesan cheese. This mixture will coat the chicken and potatoes, infusing them with flavor and helping create a crispy, golden crust.
- Toss the potatoes: Add halved baby potatoes to the bowl and toss to fully coat them in the Parmesan-garlic mixture. This ensures the potatoes absorb the seasoning before roasting.
- Season the chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to help them crisp up. Then, add them to the bowl and mix well so each piece is generously coated in the marinade.
- Arrange in the baking dish: Place the potatoes cut-side down in a single layer on a baking sheet or oven-safe dish. Nestle the chicken thighs skin-side up among the potatoes to allow even cooking.
- Roast to perfection: Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 35-40 minutes until the chicken skin is crispy, the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), and the potatoes are tender with golden edges.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the finished dish for a burst of color and fresh flavor before serving piping hot.
Notes
- Patting the chicken dry before marinating helps achieve extra crispy skin.
- Cut potatoes into similar sizes for even roasting.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for better melting and richer flavor.
- Roast at high temperature to caramelize cheese and crisp potatoes perfectly.
- Let chicken rest a few minutes after baking to keep juices locked in.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 630 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
Keywords: garlic parmesan chicken, roasted potatoes, one pan meal, easy dinner, cheesy chicken, weeknight recipe, comforting dinner