Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes is a weeknight meal dream: hearty chunks of juicy chicken, buttery baby red potatoes, and a blanket of garlic-scented, golden Parmesan—all roasted to perfection in one pan. This dish brings together bold Italian-inspired flavors with the rustic comfort of good old-fashioned chicken and potatoes. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, you’ll love how the melty cheese, fragrant herbs, and savory garlic turn everyday ingredients into a crave-worthy main course that requires minimal fuss and delivers big satisfaction.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Pulling together Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes couldn’t be simpler, and each ingredient serves a delicious purpose. Every item on this list works together to create that perfect balance of tender, juicy, crispy, and cheesy in every bite.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breast pieces cook up juicy, soak up all the seasoning, and keep prep ultra-easy.
- Baby red potatoes: Halved, these little spuds get perfectly creamy inside with irresistible crisp edges.
- Olive oil: Acts as the flavor carrier, helping everything roast evenly and adding Mediterranean richness.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses the whole dish with depth and a rich, savory aroma.
- Dried thyme: Brings earthiness and warmth, grounding all the other flavors beautifully.
- Dried oregano: Adds a classic Italian note, pairing perfectly with garlic and cheese.
- Dried basil: Gives a subtle sweetness and a hint of color.
- Paprika: Lends a gentle smokiness and that hint of inviting color on the finish.
- Parmesan cheese: Use half in the coating for flavor and half sprinkled on top for bubbly, golden goodness.
- Salt: Essential for brightening up all the other flavors without overpowering.
- Black pepper: Offers just enough bite to balance the richness.
- Fresh parsley (optional): A sprinkle of this at the finish adds freshness and makes each plate pop with color.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Start by heating your oven to 400°F (200°C), giving it plenty of time to get nice and hot. While you’re waiting, lightly grease a big baking dish or a sturdy sheet pan. This step is the secret to extra crispy chicken edges and golden potatoes—plus it helps with easy cleanup later.
Step 2: Make the Flavorful Coating
In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, dried thyme, oregano, basil, paprika, salt, pepper, and half of the Parmesan cheese. This fragrant mix acts as both a marinade and a crust, coating everything with cheesy, herby goodness that tastes like a hug in a bowl.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken and Potatoes
Next, add your chicken chunks and halved potatoes right into the bowl with your seasoning mixture. Roll up your sleeves and toss everything until every piece is absolutely saturated in herbs, oil, and cheese—this is where all the flavor magic happens for the Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes.
Step 4: Arrange and Roast
Spread the coated chicken and potatoes out in a single layer on your baking dish or sheet pan. Give everything some space—we want the heat to circulate so you get those beautiful browned edges! Pop it in the oven and let it bake for 35 to 40 minutes, stirring halfway to ensure even roasting.
Step 5: The Cheesy Finale
During the final 5 minutes, sprinkle on the rest of the Parmesan cheese and slide the pan back into the oven. This step creates that irresistible cheesy crust on top and takes the flavor of your Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes to the next level. If you’re feeling bold, broil for 2 to 3 minutes at the end for even crispier, golden bits.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Pull your bubbling, aromatic pan from the oven, let it rest for a couple of minutes, and then finish with a shower of chopped fresh parsley if you like. Not only does it look beautiful, but the hint of herbaceous brightness perfectly rounds out the bold flavors.
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes
Garnishes
A final sprinkle of extra Parmesan or a handful of fresh chopped parsley goes a long way, adding both taste and a pop of color. For a little zest, a squeeze of fresh lemon or even a tiny grate of lemon zest over the top can really wake up the flavors and make the whole dish sparkle.
Side Dishes
Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes pairs wonderfully with a crisp, green salad or simple roasted vegetables. You could even set out some crusty bread to mop up the extra pan juices—no one will complain! If you love a little contrast, a cool cucumber salad or a spoonful of tangy coleslaw would also balance out the richness nicely.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family-style dinner, bring the baking dish right to the table—it’s rustic and inviting. If you’re hosting, try plating each portion individually with a sprinkle of cheese and fresh herbs for that restaurant touch. Or, spoon the chicken and potatoes into crisp romaine leaves for a fun, “handheld” twist, perfect for casual entertaining or lunchboxes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes keep beautifully. Let everything cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors continue to meld overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch just as tasty as tonight’s dinner!
Freezing
To freeze, portion cooled chicken and potatoes into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Lay them flat to save space and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
For the best texture, reheat the chicken and potatoes in a 350°F oven until everything is hot and the edges re-crisp, about 15 minutes. In a pinch, a quick zap in the microwave works too—just cover the dish to keep moisture in and stop it from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs bring extra juiciness and rich flavor to Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes. Just cut them into large chunks as you would with the breasts and keep a close eye on cooking time, since dark meat might need a few extra minutes.
What’s the best way to make the potatoes extra crispy?
For extra crispy potatoes, make sure they’re well coated in olive oil and give them as much space as possible on the pan. Broil the whole pan for 2 to 3 minutes at the end of baking—just watch closely so nothing burns!
Can I prepare Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes ahead of time?
You can toss the chicken and potatoes in the seasoning mixture and refrigerate for up to 8 hours before baking. Just let everything come to room temperature before spreading on the pan, then bake as usual for a hassle-free weeknight dinner.
Are there gluten-free or dairy-free swaps?
The classic recipe is already gluten-free, but for dairy-free diets, try replacing the Parmesan with your favorite non-dairy, meltable cheese and use olive oil as directed. You’ll still enjoy all the seasoned, garlicky goodness with just a slight flavor twist!
How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
The olive oil and generous coating keep things moist, but for extra assurance, avoid overbaking. Check the chicken for doneness a few minutes before the timer goes off: it should be just cooked through, juicy, and easy to cut.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something about Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes that makes everyone linger at the table for one more scoop. It’s easy, hearty, and guaranteed to win smiles, whether you’re whipping it up for a busy weekday or sharing with guests. I hope you fall in love with this recipe as much as I have—give it a try, and let the comforting aroma fill your kitchen tonight!
