Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Potatoes – The Ultimate One-Pan Comfort Meal

Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Potatoes is one of those meals that feels comforting, hearty, and incredibly satisfying—yet surprisingly easy to make. With juicy chicken seasoned to perfection, golden roasted potatoes, and a rich garlic-parmesan butter sauce, this dish brings together simple ingredients to create a flavor-packed dinner that tastes like it came from a restaurant.

Whether you’re cooking for family, meal prepping for the week, or looking for a reliable one-pan meal that always impresses, this recipe is a guaranteed winner. In this guide, we’ll cover how to make Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Potatoes step by step, plus variations, tips, storage guidelines, and serving ideas. Let’s dive in!


What Is Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Potatoes?

Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Potatoes is a classic comfort dish that pairs tender chicken—often thighs or breasts—with seasoned roasted potatoes. Everything is tossed in a buttery blend of:

  • Fresh garlic
  • Grated or shredded Parmesan
  • Herbs
  • Olive oil
  • Sometimes a touch of paprika or lemon

The result is bold flavor, crispy textures, and juicy meat, all cooked together for convenience.

This dish is beloved because:

  • It uses everyday ingredients
  • It’s budget-friendly
  • Everything goes into one pan
  • The aroma of roasting garlic and parmesan is irresistible
  • It works for weeknights or special occasions

No fancy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients—just delicious, home-style cooking.


Ingredients for Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Potatoes

This comforting recipe uses simple pantry staples you may already have. Here’s what you need:

Chicken

  • 4–6 chicken thighs or 2 large chicken breasts (cut into chunks)
  • Salt and pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning

Potatoes

  • 3–4 medium Yukon gold or red potatoes, diced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder

Garlic Parmesan Sauce

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

This combination creates a beautiful balance of savory, buttery, herby, and cheesy flavors that coat both the chicken and potatoes.


How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Potatoes (Step-by-Step)

This recipe is designed for convenience. Everything bakes in one pan, making cleanup incredibly easy.

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Line a baking sheet or casserole dish with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

In a bowl, combine:

  • Chicken pieces
  • Paprika
  • Salt and pepper
  • Italian seasoning

Mix well to evenly coat the chicken.

Step 3: Season the Potatoes

In another bowl, toss the diced potatoes with:

  • Olive oil
  • Salt and pepper
  • Garlic powder

Stir to ensure each piece is coated.

Step 4: Make the Garlic Parmesan Butter

In a small bowl, whisk together:

  • Melted butter
  • Fresh minced garlic
  • Italian seasoning
  • Red pepper flakes (optional)

You’ll add the Parmesan later so it doesn’t melt too early.

Step 5: Arrange in the Pan

Place seasoned chicken on one side of the baking sheet.
Place potatoes on the other side.

Drizzle half of the garlic butter over both the chicken and potatoes.

Step 6: Bake

Bake for 25 minutes, then remove the pan from the oven.

Step 7: Add Parmesan

Sprinkle shredded Parmesan generously over the chicken and potatoes.

Drizzle remaining garlic butter on top.

Step 8: Bake Again

Return to the oven for another 15–20 minutes, or until:

  • Chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature
  • Potatoes are golden and tender
  • Parmesan forms a crispy, savory crust

Step 9: Garnish

Sprinkle with fresh parsley for color and freshness.

Serve immediately and enjoy the buttery, cheesy goodness!


Why This Recipe Works So Well

Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Potatoes stands out because of three key elements:

1. The Flavors Complement Each Other

Garlic and Parmesan are a classic pairing—rich, salty, aromatic, and deeply satisfying. Potatoes soak up these flavors beautifully, just like the chicken.

2. One-Pan Convenience

No fuss. No multiple pots and pans. The oven does the hard work for you.

3. Perfect Texture Combination

  • The chicken becomes juicy inside with a golden outside
  • The potatoes turn crispy on the edges
  • The Parmesan adds a crunchy, cheesy layer

It’s a restaurant-quality meal made with minimal effort.


Recipe Tips for Success

Here are some helpful tips to take your Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Potatoes to the next level:

1. Cut Potatoes Evenly

This ensures they cook at the same rate.

2. Use Fresh Garlic

Pre-minced garlic works, but nothing beats the flavor of freshly minced cloves.

3. Choose the Right Potatoes

Yukon Golds or baby red potatoes hold their shape best during roasting.

4. Don’t Add Parmesan Too Early

Doing so can cause burning. Adding it midway creates a crispy crust.

5. Want Extra Crispiness?

Broil for 2–3 minutes at the end.


Variations of Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Potatoes

This recipe is flexible. Try any of these variations to switch things up:

1. Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Add ½ cup heavy cream during the last 10 minutes of baking for a rich sauce.

2. Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Add:

  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

This brightens the flavor beautifully.

3. Spicy Version

Increase red pepper flakes to 1 teaspoon
OR
Add 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning.

4. Air Fryer Version

Cook at 375°F (190°C):

  • Chicken: 16–18 minutes
  • Potatoes: 12–15 minutes

Add Parmesan in the last few minutes.

5. Use Chicken Breasts

Cut into 1½-inch chunks for faster cooking.

6. Add Vegetables

Roast with:

  • Broccoli
  • Green beans
  • Carrots
  • Brussels sprouts

Just toss them with olive oil and seasoning before adding to the pan.


Serving Ideas

This dish is satisfying on its own, but you can elevate it with sides like:

Fresh Sides

  • Garden salad
  • Cucumber tomato salad
  • Caesar salad

Green Vegetables

  • Roasted asparagus
  • Steamed broccoli
  • Sautéed spinach with garlic

Bread

  • Garlic bread
  • Dinner rolls
  • Buttered baguette

Sauces

  • Ranch
  • Garlic aioli
  • Creamy parmesan dip

The savory flavors pair with just about anything.


Make-Ahead and Meal Prep Tips

Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Potatoes is perfect for meal prep. Here’s how to do it right:

Meal Prep Instructions

  • Store in airtight containers
  • Refrigerate up to 4 days
  • Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best crispiness

Microwaving is fine, but the potatoes won’t be as crisp.

To Freeze

  • Freeze the cooked chicken (up to 3 months)
  • Freeze potatoes separately to avoid a mushy texture

How to Store Leftovers

To keep leftovers fresh:

Refrigerate

Store in an airtight container up to 4 days.

Reheat

  • Oven: 350°F for 10–12 minutes
  • Air Fryer: 375°F for 5–7 minutes
  • Microwave: 1–2 minutes (least recommended for texture)

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use bone-in chicken?

Yes! Increase cooking time by 10–15 minutes.

2. Can I use grated Parmesan from a shaker?

Freshly shredded melts better, but grated works in a pinch.

3. Can I add vegetables?

Absolutely—just choose ones that roast well.

4. Do I need to marinate the chicken?

No. The garlic butter sauce provides plenty of flavor.

5. Can I make this dairy-free?

Use dairy-free Parmesan and vegan butter—flavor stays rich.


Why You’ll Love Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Potatoes

This dish checks every box:

  • Simple ingredients
  • One-pan convenience
  • Big, bold flavors
  • Family-friendly
  • Extremely customizable
  • Perfect for weeknights

It’s the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again because it’s comforting, delicious, and effortlessly satisfying.

Print
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Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Potatoes – The Ultimate One-Pan Comfort Meal


  • Author: WAFA LI

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for extra juiciness)
• 1.5 lbs baby potatoes, halved (or Yukon Gold, 1.5″ chunks)
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• ⅓ cup grated Parmesan (plus extra for topping)
• 1 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tbsp fresh, chopped)
• 1 tsp dried rosemary (or 1 tbsp fresh)
• ½ tsp paprika
• Salt & black pepper to taste
• Optional: 1 lemon, sliced (for brightness & presentation)


Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment.
  2. In a bowl, toss potatoes with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp melted butter, half the garlic, 1 tbsp Parmesan, thyme, rosemary, paprika, salt, and pepper. Spread on one side of the sheet.
  3. Rub chicken with remaining olive oil, salt, and pepper. Place on the other side of the sheet.
  4. Roast 15 mins.
  5. Meanwhile, mix remaining melted butter, garlic, and 2 tbsp Parmesan. After 15 mins, remove pan, brush mixture over chicken and potatoes. Flip potatoes. Scatter lemon slices over top (if using).
  6. Return to oven 15–20 mins, until chicken reaches 165°F and potatoes are crisp-tender.
  7. Sprinkle with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs. Rest 5 mins before serving.

PREP TIME & NUTRITION :
Prep Time: 15 mins, Cook Time: 35 mins, Total Time: 50 mins, Servings: 4
Calories: 580, Net Carbs: 32g, Fats: 28g, Protein: 48g
(Lower-carb option: Swap potatoes for radishes or turnips—net carbs drop to ~10g/serving!)

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