If you’ve ever wanted a dish that’s ridiculously comforting yet surprisingly simple to whip up, then this Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine juicy, tender chicken breasts perfectly seasoned with Italian herbs and smoked paprika, roasted alongside crispy golden baby potatoes all coated in a luscious buttery garlic and Parmesan bath. The flavor combo is a knockout: savory, garlicky, cheesy, with a little fresh parsley brightness to finish it off. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is half the fun and makes all the difference in this Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes Recipe. Each item is chosen to build layers of flavor and create that delightful balance between tender chicken and crispy, cheesy potatoes.
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Pick whichever you prefer; thighs tend to be juicier while breasts give you a leaner option.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds an earthy, aromatic base to the chicken.
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smoky warmth that elevates the dish without overpowering it.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Crucial for seasoning and bringing out natural flavors.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: The perfect hint of spice to balance richness.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps sear the chicken and keeps everything moist.
- 1.5 pounds baby Yukon Gold or red potatoes, halved: Their creamy texture crisps up beautifully when roasted.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil: Used to coat the potatoes so they roast to golden perfection.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: The star of the show, delivering punchy, fragrant flavor.
- â…“ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Melted and crispy, it forms an irresistible crust on the potatoes.
- ½ teaspoon salt: For seasoning the potatoes perfectly.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right kick to the potatoes.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional): A fresh, vibrant finish to brighten the dish.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
Start by patting your chicken dry to ensure it crisps up nicely in the oven. Sprinkle the chicken evenly with Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper—this seasoning mix is what gives the chicken that irresistible depth of flavor. Drizzle the tablespoon of olive oil over the chicken and rub it all around so every piece is nicely coated and ready to bake.
Step 2: Season the Potatoes
While the chicken marinates in its spices, toss the halved baby potatoes in a bowl with 3 tablespoons of olive oil, minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Make sure each potato half is coated evenly in this flavorful mixture, as it’s going to roast into a crispy, cheesy delight that pairs perfectly with the chicken.
Step 3: Arrange and Roast
On a large baking sheet or roasting pan, place the seasoned chicken pieces spaced out to allow even cooking. Nestle the Parmesan-garlic potatoes around the chicken, making sure nothing is crowded so everything crisps up beautifully. Roast in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the potatoes are golden and tender.
Step 4: Add Finishing Touches
Once out of the oven, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the chicken and potatoes to add a punch of color and a fresh herbal note. Let the dish rest for a few minutes so the juices settle, making every bite juicy and flavorful.
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley is the classic garnish here, adding a vibrant green hue and a hint of freshness that perfectly balances the rich garlic and Parmesan flavors. You can also add a wedge of lemon for a subtle citrus zing if you love a bright finish.
Side Dishes
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes Recipe is a hearty one-pot wonder but pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad dressed simply with lemon vinaigrette. Roasted or steamed green beans or asparagus also make fantastic sides, providing a nice crisp contrast to the creamy potatoes and tender chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, consider plating the chicken breast sliced over a bed of the roasted potatoes with a drizzle of any pan juices leftover. You can also sprinkle some extra Parmesan or even a bit of chili flakes for guests who crave a little heat. Serving family-style in the baking dish right on the table creates a cozy, casual vibe that’s perfect for sharing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover chicken and potatoes in an airtight container and refrigerate. This dish stays delicious for up to 3 days, giving you easy lunches or dinners with leftovers that taste almost as good as fresh.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freezing is an option. Separate the chicken and potatoes into a freezer-safe container, ideally without fresh parsley (add that fresh after thawing). They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Be sure to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
The best way to reheat this Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes Recipe is in the oven or a toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through—this helps keep the potatoes crispy and the chicken juicy. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the crisp texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe and tend to stay a bit juicier, but chicken breasts are great if you prefer leaner meat.
What type of potatoes work best?
Baby Yukon Gold or red potatoes are ideal because they hold their shape when roasted and get wonderfully crispy on the outside while staying creamy inside.
Is Parmesan cheese necessary?
Yes, Parmesan is key for that salty, nutty crust that makes this dish stand out. Don’t substitute it with milder cheeses, as it won’t have the same punch.
Can I make the recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Since the recipe doesn’t call for any wheat ingredients, it’s naturally gluten-free, just be sure your Parmesan is labeled gluten-free.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the chicken seasoning or sprinkle some cayenne pepper into the potato mixture for a subtle heat that complements the garlic and Parmesan perfectly.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes Recipe is one of those kitchen treasures that delivers big on flavor with minimal fuss and ingredients you probably already have. It’s comforting, crowd-pleasing, and has just enough elegance to make every meal feel special. I can’t wait for you to try it—you’re going to love how the garlicky, cheesy goodness brings everyone running to the table!
Print
Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts or thighs roasted alongside flavorful baby potatoes, all coated in a garlic, Parmesan, and herb mixture. It’s a simple, comforting one-pan meal with a crispy, cheesy crust and a hint of smoky paprika, perfect for a weeknight dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
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
Potatoes
- 1.5 pounds baby Yukon Gold or red potatoes, halved
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- â…“ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s ready for roasting the chicken and potatoes.
- Prepare the Chicken: In a bowl, mix together the chicken breasts or thighs with 1 tablespoon olive oil, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated with the seasoning for maximum flavor.
- Prepare the Potatoes: In a separate large bowl, toss the halved baby potatoes with 3 tablespoons olive oil, minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Combine well so the potatoes are fully coated.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Arrange the seasoned chicken pieces on a large baking sheet or a roasting pan. Surround them with the Parmesan-coated potatoes in a single layer to ensure even cooking and browning.
- Roast: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for about 30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the potatoes are tender and golden brown. Halfway through cooking, you may stir the potatoes gently to prevent sticking and promote even roasting.
- Garnish and Serve: Once cooked, remove from the oven, sprinkle the fresh chopped parsley over the chicken and potatoes if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
- You can use either chicken breasts or thighs depending on your preference; thighs may take slightly longer to cook but provide more juicy meat.
- For crispier potatoes, spread them out evenly and avoid overcrowding the pan.
- If you prefer a stronger garlic flavor, you can add an additional clove or two of minced garlic.
- This recipe can be prepared in advance by seasoning the chicken and potatoes early and refrigerating them until ready to roast.
- To make this dish gluten-free, ensure that the Parmesan cheese you use is free from additives containing gluten.
