Weeknight dinners often come with a sense of urgency, as we juggle work, errands, and the challenge of preparing something both nutritious and satisfying. In such moments, it’s tempting to turn to quick fixes like takeout or frozen meals, but there’s a better way. Enter Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes—an easy-to-make one-pan dinner that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes: A One-Pan Dinner Wonder
Weeknight dinners often come with a sense of urgency, as we juggle work, errands, and the challenge of preparing something both nutritious and satisfying. In such moments, it’s tempting to turn to quick fixes like takeout or frozen meals, but there’s a better way. Enter Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes—an easy-to-make one-pan dinner that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
For the 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
The chicken is the star of the dish, and it’s incredibly versatile. You can use either boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Chicken breasts are leaner and cook up nice and tender, while chicken thighs are slightly juicier and tend to have more flavor. The choice between the two is purely personal preference, but both options work wonderfully in this recipe.
To season the chicken, we’ll use a combination of Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Italian seasoning brings a classic herbaceous flavor to the dish, while smoked paprika adds a subtle smokiness that enhances the savory taste of the chicken. The salt and pepper balance out the seasoning, ensuring that the chicken is flavorful but not overpowering. Olive oil is used to coat the chicken before seasoning, helping the spices adhere and promoting even cooking in the oven.
For the Potatoes:
- 1.5 pounds baby Yukon Gold or red potatoes, halved
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the potatoes, we recommend baby Yukon Gold or red potatoes. These varieties have a naturally creamy texture that complements the crispiness achieved when roasted. Their size also makes them perfect for halving, ensuring that each piece cooks evenly. The potatoes are tossed in olive oil, which helps them crisp up in the oven, while garlic adds an aromatic punch. A generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese not only adds flavor but helps create a crispy, golden crust on the potatoes as they roast.
These potatoes are the perfect counterpart to the chicken, offering a satisfying balance of textures—crisp on the outside and soft on the inside. You can also experiment with different types of potatoes if you prefer a different flavor or texture, but Yukon Gold and red potatoes are an excellent choice for this recipe.
Optional Garnish:
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
While the dish itself is already packed with flavor, a garnish of fresh chopped parsley adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness. It also brings a touch of brightness to the dish, which can help balance out the richness of the roasted chicken and potatoes.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature ensures that the chicken and potatoes cook quickly and evenly. Preheating the oven also helps achieve that crispiness on the potatoes and ensures the chicken cooks through without drying out.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Next, pat your chicken breasts or thighs dry with paper towels. This helps the seasonings adhere better and ensures the chicken cooks evenly. In a small bowl, mix together the Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub the chicken with olive oil to coat it evenly, then sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the chicken. Massage the seasonings into the meat, ensuring every surface is covered. This simple yet flavorful seasoning will infuse the chicken with savory goodness while it roasts.
Step 3: Prepare the Potatoes
In a large bowl, combine the halved baby potatoes with olive oil, minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Toss the potatoes thoroughly so that they are evenly coated with the olive oil and seasoning. The Parmesan will help create a crispy, golden crust on the potatoes as they roast, while the garlic adds depth and aroma to every bite.
Step 4: Assemble on the Baking Sheet
Once the chicken and potatoes are seasoned, it’s time to assemble the dish on a baking sheet. Place the seasoned chicken on one side of the sheet, leaving enough space for the potatoes. Spread the potatoes out in a single layer on the other side of the sheet. This ensures that the potatoes will roast evenly and crisp up properly. The key here is to avoid overcrowding the baking sheet, as this will result in uneven cooking.
Step 5: Bake and Roast
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 25-30 minutes. Be sure to flip the potatoes halfway through the cooking time to ensure they cook evenly on all sides. The chicken will cook alongside the potatoes, absorbing all the wonderful flavors from the seasonings. Check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
As the chicken and potatoes cook, the aroma of roasted garlic, smoky paprika, and Parmesan will start to fill your kitchen, creating an inviting atmosphere that will have everyone eagerly waiting for dinner.
Step 6: Optional Finishing Touch
If you want to add an extra layer of flavor and achieve a beautiful golden crust on the chicken and potatoes, sprinkle some additional Parmesan cheese over the dish during the last 5 minutes of cooking. You can also switch your oven to broil for 1-2 minutes to get a nice, crispy finish. Just be sure to watch the dish closely to prevent burning.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once everything is cooked to perfection, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Garnish the chicken and potatoes with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and a hint of freshness. Serve the dish immediately while it’s still hot, and enjoy the satisfying combination of flavors and textures. The juicy, well-seasoned chicken pairs wonderfully with the crispy, cheesy potatoes, creating a meal that’s both comforting and delicious.
Notes
1. Use Different Potatoes:
While baby Yukon Gold or red potatoes are the recommended choice, feel free to swap them for any other type of potato you prefer. Russet potatoes will work just as well, offering a fluffier interior and a crispier exterior when roasted. For a twist, try sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter flavor.
2. Add Vegetables:
This recipe is a great base for adding more vegetables to the meal. You can toss in carrots, bell peppers, zucchini, or even Brussels sprouts with the potatoes. These veggies will roast alongside the chicken, soaking up all the flavors from the seasoning mixture. Just be sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
3. Make it Spicy:
If you like a bit of heat, consider adding red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or even a dash of hot sauce to the seasoning mix. This will give the dish a spicy kick that contrasts beautifully with the rich, savory flavors of the chicken and Parmesan-coated potatoes.
4. Try Different Proteins:
While chicken is the star of this recipe, you can easily swap it for other proteins like pork chops or beef steak. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the meat. For example, thicker cuts of pork may require a bit longer in the oven.
5. Make it a One-Pan Meal:
To make this dish even more complete, consider adding a side of cooked rice or quinoa. You can add pre-cooked rice to the baking sheet during the last 10 minutes of cooking. The rice will absorb the flavors from the chicken and potatoes, creating a flavorful side dish without any extra effort.
6. Leftovers:
This recipe stores well as leftovers. Simply refrigerate the chicken and potatoes in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat in the microwave or oven for a quick and delicious meal. You can even repurpose leftovers into a chicken and potato salad for lunch the next day.
This dish combines the tender juiciness of seasoned chicken with the crispy richness of roasted potatoes, all flavored with the aromatic kick of garlic, a sprinkle of Italian seasoning, and a touch of Parmesan cheese. The beauty of this recipe is not only in its comforting flavors but also in its simplicity. With just a few ingredients and one pan, you can create a complete, delicious meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual weekend dinners. Plus, the prep time is minimal, and cleanup couldn’t be easier!
Whether you’re an experienced home cook or a beginner looking to try something new, this Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes recipe promises to become one of your go-to dishes. It’s family-friendly, customizable to your taste preferences, and full of hearty goodness that satisfies everyone at the table.
Ingredients Breakdown
Before we dive into the step-by-step instructions, let’s take a closer look at the key ingredients that bring this dish to life. Each component is essential for achieving the perfect balance of flavors.
For the 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
The chicken is the star of the dish, and it’s incredibly versatile. You can use either boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Chicken breasts are leaner and cook up nice and tender, while chicken thighs are slightly juicier and tend to have more flavor. The choice between the two is purely personal preference, but both options work wonderfully in this recipe.
To season the chicken, we’ll use a combination of Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Italian seasoning brings a classic herbaceous flavor to the dish, while smoked paprika adds a subtle smokiness that enhances the savory taste of the chicken. The salt and pepper balance out the seasoning, ensuring that the chicken is flavorful but not overpowering. Olive oil is used to coat the chicken before seasoning, helping the spices adhere and promoting even cooking in the oven.
For the Potatoes:
- 1.5 pounds baby Yukon Gold or red potatoes, halved
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the potatoes, we recommend baby Yukon Gold or red potatoes. These varieties have a naturally creamy texture that complements the crispiness achieved when roasted. Their size also makes them perfect for halving, ensuring that each piece cooks evenly. The potatoes are tossed in olive oil, which helps them crisp up in the oven, while garlic adds an aromatic punch. A generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese not only adds flavor but helps create a crispy, golden crust on the potatoes as they roast.
These potatoes are the perfect counterpart to the chicken, offering a satisfying balance of textures—crisp on the outside and soft on the inside. You can also experiment with different types of potatoes if you prefer a different flavor or texture, but Yukon Gold and red potatoes are an excellent choice for this recipe.
Optional Garnish:
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
While the dish itself is already packed with flavor, a garnish of fresh chopped parsley adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness. It also brings a touch of brightness to the dish, which can help balance out the richness of the roasted chicken and potatoes.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that we’ve covered the ingredients, let’s walk through the step-by-step instructions. This recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require advanced cooking skills, making it perfect for both novice and seasoned cooks alike.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature ensures that the chicken and potatoes cook quickly and evenly. Preheating the oven also helps achieve that crispiness on the potatoes and ensures the chicken cooks through without drying out.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Next, pat your chicken breasts or thighs dry with paper towels. This helps the seasonings adhere better and ensures the chicken cooks evenly. In a small bowl, mix together the Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub the chicken with olive oil to coat it evenly, then sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the chicken. Massage the seasonings into the meat, ensuring every surface is covered. This simple yet flavorful seasoning will infuse the chicken with savory goodness while it roasts.
Step 3: Prepare the Potatoes
In a large bowl, combine the halved baby potatoes with olive oil, minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Toss the potatoes thoroughly so that they are evenly coated with the olive oil and seasoning. The Parmesan will help create a crispy, golden crust on the potatoes as they roast, while the garlic adds depth and aroma to every bite.
Step 4: Assemble on the Baking Sheet
Once the chicken and potatoes are seasoned, it’s time to assemble the dish on a baking sheet. Place the seasoned chicken on one side of the sheet, leaving enough space for the potatoes. Spread the potatoes out in a single layer on the other side of the sheet. This ensures that the potatoes will roast evenly and crisp up properly. The key here is to avoid overcrowding the baking sheet, as this will result in uneven cooking.
Step 5: Bake and Roast
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 25-30 minutes. Be sure to flip the potatoes halfway through the cooking time to ensure they cook evenly on all sides. The chicken will cook alongside the potatoes, absorbing all the wonderful flavors from the seasonings. Check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
As the chicken and potatoes cook, the aroma of roasted garlic, smoky paprika, and Parmesan will start to fill your kitchen, creating an inviting atmosphere that will have everyone eagerly waiting for dinner.
Step 6: Optional Finishing Touch
If you want to add an extra layer of flavor and achieve a beautiful golden crust on the chicken and potatoes, sprinkle some additional Parmesan cheese over the dish during the last 5 minutes of cooking. You can also switch your oven to broil for 1-2 minutes to get a nice, crispy finish. Just be sure to watch the dish closely to prevent burning.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once everything is cooked to perfection, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Garnish the chicken and potatoes with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and a hint of freshness. Serve the dish immediately while it’s still hot, and enjoy the satisfying combination of flavors and textures. The juicy, well-seasoned chicken pairs wonderfully with the crispy, cheesy potatoes, creating a meal that’s both comforting and delicious.
Tips and Variations
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes recipe is incredibly versatile and can be customized to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few tips and variations to help you make this dish your own:
1. Use Different Potatoes:
While baby Yukon Gold or red potatoes are the recommended choice, feel free to swap them for any other type of potato you prefer. Russet potatoes will work just as well, offering a fluffier interior and a crispier exterior when roasted. For a twist, try sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter flavor.
2. Add Vegetables:
This recipe is a great base for adding more vegetables to the meal. You can toss in carrots, bell peppers, zucchini, or even Brussels sprouts with the potatoes. These veggies will roast alongside the chicken, soaking up all the flavors from the seasoning mixture. Just be sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
3. Make it Spicy:
If you like a bit of heat, consider adding red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or even a dash of hot sauce to the seasoning mix. This will give the dish a spicy kick that contrasts beautifully with the rich, savory flavors of the chicken and Parmesan-coated potatoes.
4. Try Different Proteins:
While chicken is the star of this recipe, you can easily swap it for other proteins like pork chops or beef steak. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the meat. For example, thicker cuts of pork may require a bit longer in the oven.
5. Make it a One-Pan Meal:
To make this dish even more complete, consider adding a side of cooked rice or quinoa. You can add pre-cooked rice to the baking sheet during the last 10 minutes of cooking. The rice will absorb the flavors from the chicken and potatoes, creating a flavorful side dish without any extra effort.
6. Leftovers:
This recipe stores well as leftovers. Simply refrigerate the chicken and potatoes in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat in the microwave or oven for a quick and delicious meal. You can even repurpose leftovers into a chicken and potato salad for lunch the next day.
Final Thoughts
Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes is the kind of meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for your family after a long day of work or preparing a casual dinner for friends, this dish is sure to impress. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and requires minimal cleanup. The combination of tender chicken and crispy, cheesy potatoes makes for a meal that’s both comforting and indulgent, yet simple enough for a weeknight dinner.
By following the step-by-step instructions and adding your own personal touch with the suggested variations, you’ll have a go-to recipe that everyone will love. So the next time you’re in need of a delicious, hassle-free dinner, reach for this Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes recipe and enjoy the satisfying flavors that come together effortlessly in just one pan!
