Get ready for a delicious dinner with Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes! This dish combines juicy chicken and tender potatoes, all covered in yummy garlic and cheesy goodness.
I love how simple it is to make! Just toss everything together, bake, and enjoy the amazing smell filling your kitchen. Perfect for a cozy family meal or just treating yourself! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are best as they stay juicy while cooking. If you prefer leaner meat, chicken breasts work fine too, but be cautious of overcooking them.
Baby Potatoes: These are perfect because they cook evenly and are easy to prepare. If you don’t have baby potatoes, any small potatoes—like new potatoes or Yukon Gold—can be cut into smaller pieces.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives the best flavor. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can substitute, but use less—about 1/2 teaspoon. Fresh garlic packs a stronger punch!
Parmesan Cheese: I love using freshly grated Parmesan for the best taste. If you have Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano, they can work as substitutes, too.
Butter: Unsalted butter is my go-to for controlling salt, but you can use olive oil if you want a dairy-free version or to keep it lighter.
How Do You Get Crispy Chicken Skin?
To achieve crispy chicken skin, a few steps are crucial. First, pat the chicken dry with paper towels before cooking; moisture is the enemy of crispiness! Season it well, then make sure to place it skin-side up. This allows the skin to get direct heat.
- Start baking at a high temperature, like 400°F (200°C).
- Broil for the last 2-3 minutes if you want an extra crunch!
- Do not cover the chicken while baking; it needs that direct heat for crispiness.
Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken and Potatoes:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or breasts)
- 1.5 pounds baby potatoes, halved or quartered if large
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Garlic Parmesan Mixture:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried oregano, basil, thyme)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 35-45 minutes to bake. So, you’ll be enjoying this delicious meal in about an hour! Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion without too much fuss.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure it’s hot enough when you’re ready to bake the chicken and potatoes, giving them that crispy texture we love.
2. Mix the Garlic Parmesan Mixture:
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well blended. This mixture is packed with flavor and will be brushed on both the chicken and the potatoes!
3. Prepare the Potatoes:
In a large bowl, toss the halved baby potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Make sure they are evenly coated. This step will help them crisp up during baking.
4. Arrange Chicken and Potatoes:
Spread the seasoned potatoes in a single layer on a large baking sheet or in a roasting pan. Next, place the chicken thighs, skin side up, right on top of the potatoes. This will let the delicious juices from the chicken flavor the potatoes as they cook.
5. Apply the Garlic Parmesan Mixture:
Generously brush the garlic Parmesan mixture all over the chicken thighs and potatoes. Get it on there! This will make them tasty and golden brown while baking.
6. Bake:
Place the baking sheet or roasting pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 35-45 minutes. Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the potatoes are golden and tender.
7. Broil for Crispiness (Optional):
If you want an extra crispy skin on the chicken, turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Just keep an eye on it to prevent burning!
8. Rest and Garnish:
Once done, remove the baking sheet from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices settle in the chicken. Before serving, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and flavor!
Now, dig in and enjoy your flavorful and easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with perfectly crispy potatoes! It’s a comforting dish that’s sure to please.
FAQs for Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?
Yes, you can! Chicken breasts will cook faster than thighs, so check their internal temperature at around 25-30 minutes to avoid overcooking. Keep an eye on the potatoes, too—they should have enough time to cook through.
What If I Don’t Have Baby Potatoes?
No problem! You can substitute with other small potatoes like Yukon Gold or Red potatoes. Just cut them into similar-sized pieces to ensure they cook evenly. If you only have larger potatoes, cut them into quarters or eighths to match the size.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or in the microwave if you’re in a hurry. If the skin is no longer crisp, broiling for a minute or two can help revitalize it!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prep the chicken and potatoes up to a day in advance. Store the seasoned chicken and potatoes separately in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to cook, just combine them on the baking sheet and follow the baking instructions as usual.
