This Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes dish is a winner! Juicy chicken thighs are roasted with yummy garlic and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese, all served with tender potatoes.
Trust me, your kitchen will smell amazing as this cooks! I love how simple it is—just toss everything together and let the oven do its magic. Easy, right?
Perfect for busy weeknights, this meal means less time in the kitchen and more time to enjoy with family. Plus, it’s a one-pan wonder that’s easy to clean up!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs give great flavor and juiciness. If you want a leaner option, replace them with chicken breasts, but be mindful they may dry out quicker, so adjust cooking time.
Baby Potatoes: These are perfect as they cook evenly and have a creamy texture. You can swap them for regular potatoes; just cut them into smaller pieces. Sweet potatoes can also add a nice twist!
Garlic: Fresh garlic is amazing in this recipe. If you’re short on fresh garlic, use garlic powder—about 1 teaspoon should do—but fresh will give better flavor.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a rich flavor. Don’t have Parmesan? Pecorino Romano or even nutritional yeast (for a vegan option) can work, but the taste will be slightly different.
How Do I Make Sure the Chicken is Cooked Perfectly?
Getting the chicken cooked right is super important. Here are a few tips:
- First, check the internal temperature using a meat thermometer. You want it to reach 165°F (74°C).
- Also, look for clear juices. If you poke the chicken and the juices run clear, it’s cooked!
- If using chicken breasts, they cook faster than thighs, so start checking them at around 25-30 minutes.
- If you prefer crispy skin, broiling at the end can help, but keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn!
Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken and Potatoes:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 lb (about 500g) baby potatoes, halved or quartered if large
For the Flavor Mix:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (or a mix of dried oregano, basil, and thyme)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This scrumptious recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 35-40 minutes to cook, totaling around 50 minutes to serve a delicious meal for your family. Just enough time to relax while the oven works its magic!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This way, it will be perfect and hot when you’re ready to cook!
2. Make the Flavor Mixture:
In a large bowl, mix together the minced garlic, olive oil, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian herbs, paprika, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir until everything is well combined—this is what makes the dish so flavorful!
3. Toss the Chicken and Potatoes:
Add the chicken thighs and halved baby potatoes to the bowl. Use your hands or a spatula to toss everything together, ensuring that each piece of chicken and potato is coated in that delicious garlic Parmesan mixture.
4. Arrange on a Baking Sheet:
Next, lay the chicken thighs skin-side up on a baking sheet or in an oven-safe dish. Spread the potatoes around the chicken. It’s important they have space to cook evenly!
5. Roast in the Oven:
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 35-40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the potatoes are tender and golden brown.
6. Broil for Extra Crispiness:
If you like crispy skin, switch the oven to broil for 2-3 minutes at the end. Just keep a close eye on it to avoid burning. You want a beautiful golden finish!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once it’s out of the oven, let it rest for a minute. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if you like, and serve your wonderful garlic Parmesan chicken and potatoes warm!
Enjoy your meal—it’s a comforting feast that’s sure to please!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?
Yes, you can! Chicken breasts are a leaner option, but keep in mind they cook faster than thighs. Start checking the internal temperature around 25-30 minutes to avoid drying them out.
What Can I Substitute for Parmesan Cheese?
If you don’t have Parmesan cheese, you can try Pecorino Romano for a similar taste. For a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast will provide a cheesy flavor, although it won’t melt the same way.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or broccoli. Just ensure they are cut to a similar size to the potatoes for even cooking.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the oven or microwave until heated through. If the chicken skin isn’t as crispy, you can pop it under the broiler for a minute to crisp it back up!
