Ah, Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes! It’s one of those magical dishes that can turn an ordinary weeknight dinner into something truly special. Let me tell you, when I first made this dish, I was just trying to throw something together with what I had. Little did I know, I was about to stumble upon a recipe that would quickly become a family favorite!
There’s something so comforting about the combination of juicy chicken, tender potatoes, and that oh-so-delicious garlic and Parmesan. It reminds me of chilly evenings spent around the dinner table, laughter filling the air as we pass around this delectable dish. Plus, the smell wafting through the house while it’s baking is enough to make anyone’s mouth water! Alright, enough gushing—let’s get cooking!
What’s in Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes?
– Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the dish! I love using chicken breasts because they’re lean and cook quickly, but you can also use thighs for a juicier option.
– Baby potatoes: These little gems are perfect—no peeling required! Just halved or quartered, they get crispy on the outside while staying fluffy on the inside.
– Olive oil: A must for cooking the potatoes and chicken while adding a lovely depth of flavor. Extra virgin is my go-to for a richer taste.
– Garlic: Because can anything be tasty without garlic? It adds that aromatic punch we all love.
– Paprika: A pinch of smokiness to elevate the flavors. I like to use smoked paprika for an extra kick!
– Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that infuses the dish with Italian flair. You can totally substitute with your favorite dried herbs.
– Salt and black pepper: Basic but important for enhancing all the flavors.
– Parmesan cheese: The pièce de résistance! It melts beautifully and creates a deliciously cheesy crust over everything.
– Fresh parsley: Not just a garnish, but a pop of freshness that brightens up the whole dish!
Is Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes Good for You?
Absolutely! While we all love a good indulgence, this dish does have some wholesome aspects.
– Chicken: A great source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth. Plus, it keeps you feeling full!
– Potatoes: Packed with vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. They make a satisfying and nutritious base for this dish.
– Olive oil: A healthy fat that’s known to be heart-friendly. It helps with the absorption of nutrients, too.
– Garlic: Besides tasting fantastic, it has numerous health benefits, including boosting the immune system.
However, a quick note on the Parmesan cheese: while cheese provides calcium, it can also be high in saturated fats and sodium, so moderation is key if you’re watching your intake.
Ingredients
– 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1.5 lbs baby potatoes, halved or quartered
– 4 tablespoons olive oil
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
*Serves 4*
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes?
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is the perfect temperature for baking the cheese to gooey perfection.
2. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the baby potatoes and season them with salt, pepper, and half of the Italian seasoning. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re golden and tender—just wait until you see that beautiful golden crust!
3. In a separate bowl, toss the chicken pieces with the remaining olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, the rest of the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until they’re all well-coated. No one wants dry chicken, right?
4. Push the cooked potatoes to one side of the skillet and add the seasoned chicken. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the chicken is browned and cooked through. You’ll want to keep an eye on it and give it a stir now and then!
5. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the chicken and potatoes, because more cheese is always better! Then, transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Can you smell that glorious aroma?
6. Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot. Now you’re ready to dig in and enjoy your Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes!
Serving and Storing Tips for Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes
You can serve this dish alongside a light salad for a colorful presentation. Need to feed a crowd? Just double the recipe and use a larger skillet or two.
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, this dish stores well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Just reheat in the oven to bring back that cheesy goodness!
I can’t wait for you to try this recipe! It’s one of those meals that feels special yet is super simple to whip up. I hope it brings you as much joy as it has for me. Please let me know how it turns out—happy cooking!
