Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes: A One-Pan Wonder for Easy Weeknight Dinners

Picture this: juicy, tender chicken, perfectly seasoned and pan-seared to golden perfection, nestled amongst roasted potatoes, all bathed in a creamy, garlicky parmesan sauce, and topped with a blanket of melted mozzarella. This isn’t just a meal; it’s a symphony of flavors and textures, a one-pan wonder that makes weeknight dinners a breeze. I remember the first time I made this Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes. I was looking for a quick and easy dinner recipe that was also healthy and delicious. I had some chicken and potatoes on hand, and I decided to experiment with a garlic parmesan sauce. The result was absolutely incredible! The chicken was so flavorful, the potatoes were perfectly roasted, and the sauce was creamy and delicious. It was such a hit with my family, and it quickly became a regular on our dinner rotation.

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This recipe is absolutely perfect for beginner cooks. It’s a true one-pan meal, which means less cleanup! It’s quick, requires minimal prep work (especially if you buy pre-cut chicken and baby potatoes), and is a fantastic way to create a healthy and satisfying dinner without any complicated cooking techniques. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile – you can easily customize it to your liking, swapping out ingredients, adding your favorite vegetables, or adjusting the seasonings to create your own signature version. If you’re looking for an easy, flavorful, and family-friendly meal, this Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes is the answer. It’s a culinary adventure that’s accessible to everyone, regardless of their cooking experience.

Ingredients and Preparation: The Building Blocks of Flavorful Simplicity

This recipe uses simple, readily accessible ingredients, making it a breeze for even the most novice cooks to assemble.

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound chicken tenderloins or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces – Alternative: You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a richer flavor. You can also use pre-cut chicken pieces to save time. For a vegetarian option, try using cubed tofu or halloumi cheese.
• 1 pound baby potatoes, halved – Alternative: You can use other types of potatoes, such as red potatoes, Yukon Gold potatoes, or even sweet potatoes. Cut larger potatoes into smaller pieces so they cook evenly with the chicken.
• 1 ½ teaspoons paprika
• 1 ½ teaspoons poultry seasoning – Alternative: You can use Italian seasoning, or a combination of dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, and oregano.
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced – Alternative: You can use 1 teaspoon of garlic powder if you don’t have fresh garlic.
• ½ cup garlic parmesan wing sauce – Alternative: You can use regular parmesan cheese and add a little more garlic, or make your own garlic parmesan sauce from scratch. You can also use a creamy Italian dressing for a different flavor profile.
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – Alternative: You can use other types of cheese, such as provolone, Monterey Jack, or a combination of cheeses. Parmesan cheese is also a great addition.  

Step-by-Step Instructions: Creating One-Pan Magic

These easy-to-follow instructions will guide you through each step of creating your delicious Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes:

1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Set out a baking sheet. Trim any excess fat off the chicken and cut it into bite-sized pieces if you’re using breasts. Place the cut chicken in a large bowl. Halve the baby potatoes and place them in another large bowl. Beginner Note: Using two bowls makes it easier to season the chicken and potatoes separately.
2. Season Chicken and Potatoes: In a small bowl, mix together the paprika, poultry seasoning, and black pepper. Sprinkle half of the seasoning mixture evenly over the chicken and the other half over the potatoes. Toss to combine, ensuring that both the chicken and potatoes are well coated with the seasonings. Beginner Note: You can use your hands to toss the chicken and potatoes, or use a spoon or spatula.
3. Roast Potatoes: Pour the seasoned potatoes onto the baking sheet and roast them in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Beginner Note: Roasting the potatoes first gives them a head start since they typically take longer to cook than the chicken.
4. Cook Chicken: While the potatoes are roasting, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook for 7-10 minutes, or until it is browned and fully cooked. Beginner Note: Cook the chicken in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the skillet. Overcrowding can cause the chicken to steam instead of sear, which will result in less flavor and less browning.
5. Add Butter and Garlic: Add the butter and minced garlic to the skillet with the cooked chicken and stir to combine. Cook for about 1 minute, until the garlic is fragrant. Beginner Note: Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
6. Combine Chicken and Potatoes: Add the roasted potatoes to the skillet with the chicken, tossing to combine everything. Turn off the heat. Beginner Note: Using a large skillet is important for this recipe, as it needs to hold both the chicken and the potatoes comfortably.
7. Add Sauce and Cheese: Add the garlic parmesan wing sauce to the skillet and toss to combine, ensuring that the chicken and potatoes are evenly coated with the sauce. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the chicken and potatoes. Cover the skillet with a lid to allow the cheese to melt, approximately 5 minutes. Beginner Note: If you don’t have a lid for your skillet, you can use a large plate or a sheet of aluminum foil to cover it.
8. Serve: Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, your Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes are ready to serve.

Beginner Tips and Notes: Your Kitchen Companion

Even simple recipes have a few tricks to make them even better:

• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: The chicken should be cooked through but not overcooked, as this will make it dry. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken; it should reach 165°F (74°C).  
• Use Evenly Sized Potatoes: Cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces so they cook at the same rate.
• Adjust the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can simmer it for a few minutes longer to allow it to reduce. If you prefer a thinner sauce, you can add a little bit of chicken broth or milk.
• Customize the Seasonings: Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your liking. Add more salt, pepper, paprika, or poultry seasoning if you think it needs it. You can also add other herbs and spices, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or red pepper flakes for a little heat.
• Add Vegetables: You can add other vegetables to the dish, such as broccoli florets, carrots, or bell peppers. Add them to the skillet along with the potatoes.  
• Make it a Sheet Pan Dinner: For an even easier cleanup, you can cook the chicken and potatoes on the same baking sheet. Toss the chicken and potatoes with the olive oil and seasonings, then spread them out in a single layer on the baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the potatoes are tender. Then, transfer the chicken and potatoes to a large skillet, add the butter, garlic, and sauce, and continue with the recipe as instructed.

Serving Suggestions: Completing the One-Pan Meal

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes is a complete and satisfying meal on its own, but you can also enhance it with some complementary sides and pairings.

• Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing will add some freshness and balance to the richness of the chicken and potatoes.
• Bread: Serve the chicken and potatoes with crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce.
• Steamed Vegetables: Steamed vegetables, such as broccoli, green beans, or asparagus, will add some nutritional value and color to the meal.  

Storage Tips for Leftovers:

Store leftover Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. You can also freeze leftovers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. When reheating frozen leftovers, you may need to add a splash of chicken broth or milk to restore the desired consistency of the sauce.

Conclusion: A Weeknight Dinner Winner

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes recipe is a quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful meal that’s perfect for any weeknight. It’s a fantastic way to get a healthy and delicious dinner on the table without spending hours in the kitchen. I encourage you to try this recipe and make it your own. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and seasonings to create your perfect one-pan masterpiece. Share your culinary creations and experiences in the comments below – I’d love to see your variations! This easy and versatile recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights. It’s a quick, healthy, and flavorful way to get a delicious and satisfying meal on the table without any fuss. And the best part? It’s so easy to customize! You can add your favorite vegetables, adjust the seasonings to your liking, and pair it with a variety of sides to create a meal that’s perfect for you and your family. So, go ahead, give it a try! You won’t be disappointed.