This simple and tasty dish features juicy chicken baked with tender potatoes, all seasoned with garlic and cheesy parmesan. It’s a cozy dinner that’s quick to make!
The best part? The chicken stays super moist while the potatoes get lovely and crispy. I often make this on busy nights—it never fails to please my family! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs give the best flavor and moisture. You can swap them for chicken breasts for a leaner option, but they may cook faster, so keep an eye on them!
Baby Potatoes: I love using baby potatoes because they cook quickly and have a nice texture. If you can’t find them, feel free to use regular potatoes, just cut them into smaller pieces to match the cooking time.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a lovely punch to this dish. If you don’t have fresh garlic, you can substitute with garlic powder—just use about 1 teaspoon for a milder flavor.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is my favorite for its rich flavor. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast can add a cheesy taste without the dairy.
What’s the Best Way to Ensure the Chicken and Potatoes Cook Evenly?
To get perfectly cooked chicken and potatoes, start by making sure everything is cut to a similar size and seasoned well. Here’s how to do it:
- Preheat your oven to ensure it cooks evenly right from the start.
- Toss the chicken in seasoning just before placing it on the potatoes to maximize flavor absorption.
- Arrange the potatoes in a single layer on the baking sheet for proper heat circulation.
- Check the chicken’s internal temperature to confirm it’s cooked to at least 165°F (74°C) for safety.
- A quick broil at the end gives you that delicious crispy skin!
Following these steps helps ensure you get delicious, tender chicken and crispy potatoes every time!
Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes Dinner
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or breasts)
- 1 lb (450g) baby potatoes, halved
For Seasoning:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme)
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dinner will take about 10 minutes to prepare and 35-40 minutes to bake, making the total time around 50 minutes. Just enough time to whip up a comforting meal 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 your chicken and potatoes cook evenly and come out perfectly crispy!
2. Prepare the Potatoes:
In a large bowl, toss the halved baby potatoes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, half of the minced garlic, half of the Parmesan, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure the potatoes are nicely coated.
3. Arrange the Potatoes:
Spread the seasoned potatoes in a single layer on a large baking sheet or oven-safe dish. Giving them space helps them cook evenly.
4. Season the Chicken:
Using paper towels, pat the chicken thighs dry, which helps achieve crispy skin! Rub the chicken with the remaining olive oil, garlic, Parmesan, salt, and pepper, making sure it’s well-seasoned on all sides.
5. Combine Chicken and Potatoes:
Place the chicken thighs skin-side up on top of the potatoes. It’s okay if they touch a little bit – they’ll still cook nicely!
6. Bake:
Put the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. To check if the chicken is done, use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) and the potatoes should be tender and golden.
7. Crisp it Up (Optional):
If you like your chicken skin extra crispy, you can broil it for 2-3 minutes at the end of the baking time. Just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once cooked, take the pan out of the oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve warm and enjoy your easy, flavorful Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes!
Bon appétit!
FAQ for Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes Dinner
Can I Use Different Cut of Chicken?
Absolutely! While I recommend bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for their flavor and moisture, you can use chicken breasts if you prefer. Just keep in mind that breasts may cook faster, so check for doneness a bit earlier.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven or microwave until heated through. You might want to add a splash of broth or water to keep the potatoes from drying out!
What if I Don’t Have Baby Potatoes?
No problem! You can substitute with regular potatoes; just cut them into smaller, even-sized pieces to ensure they cook at the same time as the chicken. Other varieties like Yukon Gold or red potatoes work well too!
Can I Add Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in your favorite vegetables, like broccoli, bell peppers, or carrots. Just make sure to cut them to a similar size as the potatoes for even cooking, and consider adjusting the cooking time if more moisture is added!
