Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes (One-Pan Dinner)

A crispy, flavorful, and easy one-pan meal that combines juicy garlic Parmesan chicken with golden roasted potatoes. Perfect for a hassle-free dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-pan convenience – Less cleanup, more flavor.
Perfectly seasoned – A blend of garlic, Parmesan, and herbs gives every bite a rich, savory taste.
Customizable – Swap potatoes, add veggies, or adjust seasonings to fit your preference.
Quick and easy – Ready in under 45 minutes with simple ingredients.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Essential Tools and Equipment

Baking sheet – Ensures even roasting.
Parchment paper – Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Mixing bowls – For tossing ingredients evenly.
Measuring spoons and cups – Ensures precise seasoning.
Sharp knife – For cutting potatoes evenly.
Cutting board – Provides a safe surface for prep.
Tongs or spatula – Helps with flipping potatoes and handling chicken.

Preparation Tips

Preheat the oven before starting to ensure even cooking.
Use similar-sized potatoes for even roasting.
Dry the chicken with paper towels to help seasonings stick and prevent excess moisture.
Line the baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Coat everything evenly with oil and seasonings for the best flavor and crispiness.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Potatoes:

1.5 pounds baby Yukon Gold or red potatoes, halved
3 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Optional Garnish:

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Preheat the Oven

Set oven to 400°F (200°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease lightly.

2. Season the Chicken

Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
In a small bowl, mix Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Coat the chicken with olive oil, then rub the seasoning mixture evenly over each piece.

3. Prepare the Potatoes

In a large bowl, toss the halved potatoes with:
- Olive oil
- Minced garlic
- Grated Parmesan
- Salt and black pepper
Mix until potatoes are evenly coated.

4. Arrange on the Baking Sheet

Place the chicken on one side of the baking sheet.
Spread the potatoes in an even layer on the other side.

5. Roast

Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping the potatoes halfway through.
Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

6. Broil for Extra Crispiness (Optional)

In the last 5 minutes, sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top.
Broil until golden and crisp.

7. Serve and Enjoy

Garnish with fresh parsley.
Serve warm.

Serving Suggestions

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes pairs well with a variety of side dishes to create a balanced meal. Here are some great options:

Steamed Broccoli – Adds a fresh, vibrant contrast to the dish.
Caesar Salad – A crisp, refreshing side that complements the rich flavors.
Garlic Bread – Perfect for soaking up the juices from the chicken.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts – Adds a crunchy, caramelized texture.
Sautéed Green Beans – A quick and nutritious side option.
Quinoa or Rice – A great alternative to potatoes for extra heartiness.
Creamy Mashed Potatoes – Adds a buttery, smooth texture to the meal.
Corn on the Cob – A naturally sweet and buttery side that enhances the dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid & How to Perfect the Recipe

1. Skipping the Parchment Paper

Using parchment paper prevents the chicken and potatoes from sticking to the baking sheet and makes cleanup easier.

2. Not Drying the Chicken

Patting the chicken dry ensures that the seasoning sticks properly and helps achieve a crispy exterior.

3. Overcrowding the Pan

Placing the chicken and potatoes too close together can cause them to steam instead of roast. Ensure they have enough space to crisp up properly.

4. Overcooking the Chicken

Using a meat thermometer helps ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) without drying out.

5. Unevenly Cut Potatoes

Cut the potatoes into similar sizes to ensure even roasting. Large pieces may take longer to cook, while smaller ones may burn.

6. Not Flipping the Potatoes

Flipping the potatoes halfway through baking ensures they cook evenly and develop a golden, crispy texture.

7. Skipping the Broil Step

Broiling at the end adds extra crispiness to both the chicken and potatoes. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.

8. Underseasoning

Potatoes absorb a lot of flavor, so make sure to season them well before roasting. Adding extra Parmesan and a pinch of salt before serving enhances the final taste.

Recipe Tips & Variations

Swap the potatoes – Use sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter and nutrient-rich variation.
Make it spicy – Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix for extra heat.
Add more vegetables – Bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus can be roasted alongside the chicken and potatoes.
Use different cheeses – Try Pecorino Romano, Asiago, or cheddar for a unique twist.
Bone-in chicken option – Adjust the cook time by adding 5-10 minutes for bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks.

Storage & Reheating

How to Store Leftovers

Refrigerator – Store in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
Freezer – Place in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Reheat

Oven – Preheat to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 10 minutes to restore crispiness.
Air Fryer – Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes for a crispy finish.
Microwave – Heat in 30-second bursts until warmed through, though the texture may soften.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, but thaw it completely before seasoning and baking for even cooking.

2. What other cheeses work besides Parmesan?

You can use Romano, Asiago, or cheddar for a different flavor.

3. Can I use bone-in chicken?

Yes, but increase the cook time by 5-10 minutes to ensure it cooks through.

4. How do I make this recipe dairy-free?

Omit the Parmesan or use a dairy-free cheese substitute.

5. Can I prepare this meal ahead of time?

Yes, season the chicken and potatoes up to 24 hours in advance and store them in the refrigerator until ready to bake.

6. How do I keep the potatoes crispy?

Make sure to space them out on the baking sheet and avoid overcrowding. Broiling for a few minutes at the end also enhances crispiness.

7. Can I use a different type of potato?

Yes, Russet potatoes or fingerling potatoes work well but may require slight adjustments in cooking time.

8. Can I cook this in a cast-iron skillet instead of a baking sheet?

Yes, a cast-iron skillet works well for roasting and provides even heat distribution.

Conclusion

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes is an easy and flavorful one-pan dinner that delivers crispy textures and bold flavors with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish requires simple ingredients and little cleanup.

With customization options like different seasonings, cheese varieties, and additional vegetables, this meal can be adapted to suit any preference. Follow the expert tips to ensure the best results every time.

Try this recipe today and enjoy a delicious, no-fuss dinner that everyone will love.