Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes

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There’s something unbeatable about a one-pan dinner that delivers on flavor, comfort, and minimal cleanup—and this Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes hits every note perfectly. I love how the crispy golden potatoes soak up the rich flavors of garlic and Parmesan while the juicy chicken brings everything together in the most delicious way. It’s rustic, hearty, and full of flavor in every bite.

I often turn to this dish when I want something satisfying without spending all evening in the kitchen. The aroma of garlic sizzling with seasoned chicken, paired with the earthy potatoes and melty Parmesan, fills the kitchen and feels like a warm hug after a long day. Whether I’m cooking for my family or having a friend over for a casual dinner, this recipe never disappoints.

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Why You’ll Love This Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes

• One-pan wonder: Less cleanup, more time to enjoy.
• Flavor-packed: Savory garlic, melty Parmesan, juicy chicken, and crispy potatoes.
• Filling and comforting: A real crowd-pleaser that satisfies hunger and hearts.
• Customizable: Easy to switch up with veggies or different seasonings.
• Weeknight-friendly: Done in under an hour, but feels like a Sunday supper.

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What Type of Chicken Works Best for Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are my go-to for this dish—they cook quickly, stay juicy when seasoned well, and pair beautifully with garlic and Parmesan. If you prefer darker meat, boneless chicken thighs are a great substitute; they bring a slightly richer flavor and remain tender even if slightly overcooked. Just make sure the chicken is cut into uniform pieces so everything cooks evenly.

For an extra golden sear, pat the chicken dry before seasoning and adding to the hot pan. This little step helps you get that irresistible, lightly crisped texture on the outside while keeping the inside moist and flavorful.

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Options for Substitutions

If you need to tweak the ingredients, this recipe is super forgiving:

• Potatoes: I love using baby Yukon golds for their buttery texture, but red potatoes or even diced russets will work fine. Sweet potatoes add a nice contrast if you want something slightly sweet.
• Cheese: Parmesan is classic here, but you could also mix in mozzarella for extra melt or even sharp cheddar for a tangy twist.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic is ideal, but garlic powder can work in a pinch. Just reduce the amount a little to avoid bitterness.
• Herbs: Feel free to swap parsley for basil, thyme, or rosemary depending on what you have on hand.
• Oil: Olive oil adds richness, but avocado oil or even melted butter can be used for different flavor profiles.

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Ingredients for This Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes

• Chicken Breasts
  Lean, tender, and quick to cook, chicken breasts are the protein backbone of this dish. They soak up the seasoning and get beautifully golden in the pan.
• Baby Potatoes
  These small potatoes have thin skins and a creamy texture. When roasted, they get crispy on the outside and soft on the inside—perfect for soaking up all the garlic and cheese.
• Fresh Garlic
  The flavor foundation of the dish. Fresh minced garlic infuses both the chicken and potatoes with that irresistible savory aroma.
• Olive Oil
  Used for roasting and sautéing, olive oil adds richness and helps everything get that perfect golden crust.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese
  Melted over the hot chicken and potatoes, Parmesan brings a salty, nutty layer that ties everything together.
• Smoked Paprika
  This adds a subtle smokiness and depth that complements the garlic and cheese beautifully.
• Italian Seasoning
  A mix of herbs like oregano, thyme, and basil brings extra flavor without needing to measure multiple spices.
• Salt and Black Pepper
  Simple seasoning that enhances all the natural flavors in the dish.
• Chopped Fresh Parsley (for garnish)
  It gives a pop of color and a hint of freshness right before serving.

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Step 1: Prep the Chicken and Potatoes

Start by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized chunks and halving the baby potatoes. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels—this helps it sear better in the pan. Toss the chicken and potatoes separately with olive oil, garlic, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

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Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and sear for about 2–3 minutes per side, until they develop a golden crust. You’re not fully cooking them yet—just building flavor. Remove them temporarily from the pan.

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Step 3: Cook the Potatoes

In the same skillet, add the potatoes cut-side down. Let them cook undisturbed for 5–6 minutes to get a crispy, golden base. Stir and continue cooking another 5 minutes, or until they start to soften.

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Step 4: Combine and Bake

Return the chicken to the skillet with the potatoes. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan evenly over the top. Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) and bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the potatoes are fork-tender.

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Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over everything for a fresh finish. Serve hot, straight from the skillet—it’s rustic, cozy, and absolutely delicious.

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How Long to Cook Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes

From start to finish, this dish takes about 40–45 minutes:

• Prep time: 10–15 minutes for cutting and seasoning the chicken and potatoes.
• Stovetop searing: Around 10 minutes (for both chicken and potatoes).
• Oven baking: 15–18 minutes at 400°F (200°C), until the chicken reaches 165°F internally and the potatoes are fork-tender.

You’ll know it’s done when the cheese is melted and slightly golden, the potatoes are soft inside, and the chicken juices run clear.

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Tips for Perfect Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes

• Cut evenly: Keep your chicken and potato pieces uniform in size to ensure even cooking.
• Use a cast iron or oven-safe skillet: It retains heat well and helps achieve that crisp sear on both the chicken and potatoes.
• Don’t overcrowd: Make sure the skillet isn’t overloaded. If needed, cook in batches to keep everything crispy instead of steamed.
• Finish with fresh Parmesan: For extra flavor and texture, grate a little more Parmesan right after baking.
• Let it rest: After pulling the skillet from the oven, give it a couple minutes before serving. This helps the juices settle back into the chicken.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Skipping the sear: Searing the chicken and potatoes before baking builds essential flavor and texture. Don’t rush this step.
• Overcrowding the pan: If the skillet is too full, everything will steam instead of crisp. Use a large pan or cook in two batches if needed.
• Underseasoning: Potatoes especially need a generous hand with salt and seasoning to come alive. Taste and adjust as you go.
• Using pre-shredded cheese: It doesn’t melt as well and can have added fillers. Freshly grated Parmesan gives a better melt and flavor.
• Not using an oven-safe pan: Transferring from pan to baking dish loses the beautiful browned bits stuck to the bottom. A good cast iron or oven-safe skillet is ideal.

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What to Serve With Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes?

Roasted Green Beans

Their crisp, tender texture pairs perfectly with the soft potatoes and adds color to the plate.

Steamed Broccoli with Lemon

A bright, citrusy balance to the richness of the garlic and cheese.

Crisp Caesar Salad

The creamy dressing and crunchy croutons work well as a fresh counterpoint.

Buttery Corn on the Cob

Simple, sweet, and satisfying next to the savory chicken.

Sautéed Spinach with Garlic

Double down on the garlic love while sneaking in some extra greens.

Dinner Rolls or Garlic Bread

To soak up any cheesy, garlicky bits left on the plate—don’t let those go to waste!

Balsamic-Glazed Carrots

Their natural sweetness and tangy glaze add a flavorful contrast.

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Storage Instructions

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, this dish stores beautifully and reheats well:

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes, or microwave individual portions for about 1–2 minutes.
• Freezer: You can freeze leftovers, though the texture of the potatoes might soften. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating tip: Add a splash of broth or a drizzle of olive oil before reheating to keep everything moist and flavorful.

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Estimated Nutrition (per serving, based on 4 servings)

• Calories: 460
• Protein: 38g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 95mg
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 580mg

Note: Nutrition may vary based on the size of chicken breasts and amount of cheese used.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer—chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The juices should run clear, and there should be no pink inside.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep the chicken and potatoes with seasoning the night before. Store them separately in the fridge, then cook everything fresh the next day.

Can I use frozen chicken?

Only if it’s fully thawed first. Cooking with frozen chicken can lead to uneven cooking and watery results. Thaw in the fridge overnight before using.

Can I make this dish without cheese?

Absolutely. While the Parmesan adds flavor and richness, you can omit it for a dairy-free version. Consider adding nutritional yeast or a sprinkle of seasoned breadcrumbs instead.

What if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet?

No problem! Just sear the chicken and potatoes in a regular pan, then transfer everything to a baking dish before putting it in the oven.

How do I make it spicier?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix. You can also drizzle with hot sauce before serving for an extra kick.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes—naturally! Just double-check your Parmesan and seasonings to make sure they’re gluten-free certified if you’re sensitive.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Definitely. Bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms roast well alongside the potatoes. Just cut them into similar sizes for even cooking.

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Conclusion

Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes is the kind of meal that feels like comfort food but comes together without stress. It’s simple to make, deeply flavorful, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight dinner or a dish that feels a little indulgent without being fussy, this one’s a guaranteed winner in any home kitchen. I hope you’ll try it, enjoy every bite, and make it again and again.

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