Few dinners deliver such comfort, flavor, and weeknight ease as Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes. The chicken bakes up juicy under a golden blanket of Parmesan, while baby potatoes soak up all those garlicky, herby pan juices until they’re irresistibly crisp-tender. Not only is it a complete meal in one pan, but it’s the kind of dish that feels special and fuss-free at the same time. With humble, crowd-pleasing ingredients and reliably amazing results, this is the sort of recipe you’ll keep coming back to whenever you crave hearty, cozy, flavor-packed food.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes lies in simple staples that, when combined, transform into something undeniably crave-worthy. Each component plays a role in creating those classic flavors, golden crusts, and aromatic bursts that make this dish unforgettable.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts provide a lean, protein-rich base that stays juicy under the Parmesan crust.
- Baby potatoes: Halved baby potatoes cook quickly, soak up delicious juices, and give bite-sized, tender texture with golden, crisped edges.
- Olive oil: Adds richness, helps everything crisp up in the oven, and acts as the carrier for all those vibrant flavors.
- Garlic: Minced fresh garlic infuses the entire dish with its unmistakable aroma and depth—don’t skimp on it!
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasoning duo that amplifies both the chicken and potatoes’ natural flavors.
- Italian seasoning: A dash of this herb blend adds savory, earthy, classic Mediterranean notes that pair perfectly with Parmesan.
- Paprika: Lends subtle warmth and color to both the chicken and potatoes, enhancing visual appeal and flavor.
- Parmesan cheese: Grated Parmesan turns nutty and crisp in the oven, blanketing the whole dish in a savory, golden layer.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped parsley provides a final hit of freshness and color—optional, but highly recommended for that finishing touch.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C), which is the sweet spot for achieving juicy chicken and perfectly crispy potatoes every time. Lightly grease a large baking dish or sheet pan so nothing sticks and all those tasty juices are easy to scoop up at the end.
Step 2: Dress the Chicken and Potatoes
In a big mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika. This aromatic mixture becomes the flavor backbone of your Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes. Add the chicken breasts and the halved baby potatoes, tossing everything together until each piece is slicked with those savory, herby flavors.
Step 3: Arrange and Top with Parmesan
Lay out the coated chicken and potatoes in a single, even layer on your prepared dish or pan. This single-layer trick ensures even cooking and lots of golden-brown edges. Now, generously sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over both the chicken and potatoes—this is what creates that melt-in-your-mouth, crispy top everyone will fight over.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Slide the pan into your preheated oven and let the heat work its magic. Bake for 35–40 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the potatoes are fork-tender with crispy edges. For extra crunch and color, broil everything for the last 2–3 minutes, but keep a close eye so nothing burns.
Step 5: Rest and Garnish
Once golden and bubbling, take the pan out and let it rest for five minutes. This gives the flavors a chance to settle and keeps the chicken extra juicy. Just before serving, shower the top with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of green and a fresh finish.
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes
Garnishes
A big handful of fresh chopped parsley adds brightness to the savory richness, while a sprinkle of extra Parmesan right before serving is never a bad idea. For a little zing, thin lemon slices or a squeeze of juice over the top will add a light, tangy twist that complements the Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish is almost a complete meal on its own, but it absolutely shines when paired with crisp green beans, a fresh garden salad, or even some roasted broccoli. A chunk of crusty bread is perfect for mopping up all that garlicky, cheesy pan sauce left behind.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more elegant presentation, slice the chicken breasts on the bias and fan them out over the potatoes. Or, serve everything family-style straight from the roasting pan for a cozy, communal feel. You can even spoon leftover Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes onto toasted sandwich rolls for a hearty lunch the next day!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of your Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes are just as delicious the next day. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors meld together even more after a night in the fridge, making tomorrow’s lunch or dinner extra flavorful.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully! Allow everything to cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. It will keep for up to 2 months. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating so the chicken and potatoes reheat evenly.
Reheating
To reheat, place the Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes in a baking dish, cover loosely with foil, and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15–20 minutes or until hot. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, but the oven will help keep the potatoes crisp and the chicken juicy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes, staying moist and flavorful during baking. Just adjust the baking time slightly, as thighs may need a few extra minutes to cook through.
What can I substitute for baby potatoes?
Feel free to use red potatoes, Yukon Golds, or even regular russet potatoes cut into bite-sized chunks. The key is to keep the pieces uniform, so everything cooks at the same rate and gets deliciously crisp edges.
Is it necessary to marinate the chicken?
Marinating the chicken isn’t strictly required, but if you have 30 minutes to spare, letting the chicken sit in the oil and spice mixture will infuse it with even more flavor. It’s an easy way to add a little extra oomph!
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
You’re in luck—Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes is naturally gluten-free, as long as you double-check that your spices and cheese are free from any additives containing gluten.
How do I tell when the chicken is finished baking?
The chicken is done when it registers 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part. If you don’t have a thermometer, check that the juices run clear and the meat is no longer pink in the center.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something undeniably comforting about a big pan of Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes, bubbling and golden from the oven. This is the kind of meal that brings people to the table, sharing stories and second helpings. If you haven’t tried it yet, I hope you’ll give it a spot on your dinner rotation—you might just fall in love with it as much as I have!
PrintGarlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes Recipe
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes recipe is a simple yet flavorful sheet pan dinner that’s perfect for a busy weeknight. Tender chicken breasts and baby potatoes are coated in a savory garlic and Parmesan mixture, baked to perfection, and garnished with fresh parsley for a delightful touch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Potatoes:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1.5 pounds baby potatoes (halved)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Optional Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish or sheet pan.
- Prepare Chicken and Potatoes: In a large bowl, combine olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Add chicken and potatoes, toss to coat. Arrange in a single layer in the prepared dish.
- Add Parmesan: Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the chicken and potatoes.
- Bake: Bake for 35–40 minutes until chicken is cooked through and potatoes are golden. Broil for 2–3 minutes for extra crispiness if desired.
- Rest and Serve: Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after baking. Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the oil and spice mixture for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Thighs and red potatoes can be substituted based on preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with potatoes
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 110mg