garlic parmesan chicken and potatoes

Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes is a hearty, comforting dish that blends tender chicken with perfectly roasted potatoes, all coated in a rich, buttery garlic-parmesan sauce. This dish is beloved for its satisfying flavors and simple preparation, making it a favorite for family dinners and special occasions alike.

The History of Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes

While the exact origins of this dish are unclear, it draws inspiration from rustic, home-style European cooking where garlic, butter, and parmesan are often used to enhance the flavors of meats and vegetables. Garlic parmesan dishes have been popular in Italian-American cuisine for decades, stemming from the love of traditional Italian flavors combined with creamy, indulgent ingredients. The combination of chicken and potatoes, both staples of comfort food, makes this dish universally appealing.

Ingredients Breakdown

1. Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts work well. Thighs offer more flavor and juiciness, while breasts provide a leaner option.
2. Potatoes: Baby potatoes or Yukon gold potatoes are ideal for their buttery texture and ability to crisp up nicely.
3. Garlic: Fresh minced garlic infuses the dish with robust, aromatic flavor.
4. Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan provides a rich, nutty taste that complements the garlic.
5. Butter: Unsalted butter adds richness and helps meld the flavors together.
6. Olive Oil: Helps the potatoes crisp up and prevents the chicken from sticking.
7. Seasonings: A blend of salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning adds depth and warmth.
8. Parsley (optional): Fresh parsley as a garnish provides a bright, fresh contrast.

Step-by-Step Recipe

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the potatoes into bite-sized pieces and mince the garlic. Grate the parmesan cheese.
2. Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels, then season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika.
3. Cook the Potatoes: In a large bowl, toss the potatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, and half of the minced garlic. Spread them out on a large baking sheet.
4. Add the Chicken: Arrange the seasoned chicken pieces on top of the potatoes.
5. Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the remaining garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat and stir in half of the grated parmesan.
6. Coat the Chicken and Potatoes: Drizzle the garlic butter sauce evenly over the chicken and potatoes.
7. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (165°F internal temperature) and the potatoes are tender and golden brown.
8. Add More Parmesan: Sprinkle the remaining parmesan cheese over the chicken and potatoes, then broil for 2-3 minutes to create a crispy, golden crust.
9. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve warm.

Tips for the Perfect Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes

1. Choose the Right Chicken Cut: Thighs stay juicy and flavorful, while breasts can dry out if overcooked. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
2. Parboil the Potatoes: For extra-crispy potatoes, parboil them for 5-7 minutes before roasting.
3. Fresh Garlic Matters: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor. Avoid using garlic powder unless absolutely necessary.
4. Use Fresh Parmesan: Pre-grated parmesan often contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting well.
5. Don’t Skip the Broil: Broiling at the end adds a crispy finish to the parmesan topping.

Variations and Customizations

1. Add Vegetables: Include broccoli, carrots, or green beans for added color and nutrition.
2. Swap the Cheese: Try Asiago or Romano cheese for a different flavor profile.
3. Spice it Up: Add red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
4. Herb Substitutions: Use rosemary, thyme, or oregano instead of Italian seasoning.
5. Low-Carb Option: Replace potatoes with cauliflower florets.

Health Considerations and Nutritional Value

Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes offers a balanced mix of protein, carbohydrates, and fats. Using skinless chicken breasts lowers the fat content, while swapping butter with olive oil can further reduce saturated fat. Parmesan cheese provides calcium, but it is also high in sodium—use sparingly if watching salt intake. Adding extra vegetables increases fiber and micronutrients, boosting the overall healthfulness of the dish. Portion control is key for managing caloric intake.

FAQ

1. Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs? Yes, chicken thighs are a great choice for this recipe as they remain moist and flavorful.

2. How do I store leftovers? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

3. Can I freeze this dish? While freezing is possible, the potatoes may lose some texture. For best results, freeze only the chicken and prepare fresh potatoes when reheating.

4. What side dishes pair well with this? A crisp green salad, steamed vegetables, or garlic bread complement this dish nicely.

5. Can I make this dairy-free? Substitute dairy-free butter and a plant-based parmesan alternative to make it dairy-free.

garlic parmesan chicken and potatoes

Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes combines tender chicken, golden potatoes, and a rich, garlicky parmesan sauce into a crowd-pleasing meal. Easy to prepare and packed with flavor, it’s perfect for any occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings 6

Ingredients

  

Ingredients

• 6 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter divided
• 3 cups baby spinach roughly chopped
• 16 ounces baby Dutch potatoes halved*
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped

For the Garlic Parmesan Cream Sauce

• ¼ cup unsalted butter
• 4 garlic cloves minced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup chicken broth more if needed
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon dried basil
• ½ cup half-and-half*
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

 

• Preheat the oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or coat it with nonstick spray.
• Season the chicken thighs with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.
• In a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Place the chicken skin-side down and sear both sides until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
• Melt the remaining tablespoon of butter in the same skillet. Add the spinach and cook, stirring occasionally, until it begins to wilt, about 2 minutes. Set aside.
• Arrange the seared chicken in a single layer in the prepared baking dish. Top with the halved potatoes, wilted spinach, and prepared garlic Parmesan cream sauce.
• Transfer to the oven and roast until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, about 25-30 minutes.
• Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
• For the Garlic Parmesan Cream Sauce
• In the skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
• Whisk in the flour and cook until lightly browned, about 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, thyme, and basil, continuing to whisk until smooth and incorporated, about 1-2 minutes.
• Stir in the half-and-half and Parmesan, cooking until slightly thickened, about 1-2 minutes. If the sauce becomes too thick, add additional half-and-half as needed. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Notes

 

*For faster cooking, potatoes can be cut into thirds or quarters.
*Half-and-half is a blend of equal parts whole milk and cream. To substitute 1 cup of half-and-half, use ¾ cup whole milk combined with ¼ cup heavy cream, or mix ⅔ cup skim or low-fat milk with ⅓ cup heavy cream.