If you’re searching for a meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you’re going to love this Skillet Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Crispy Potatoes Recipe. It’s all about juicy, tender chicken thighs or breasts paired with golden, crispy baby potatoes, all infused with fragrant garlic and the nutty, savory goodness of Parmesan cheese. This one-skillet wonder combines comfort and elegance effortlessly, making it perfect for a family dinner or a casual get-together with friends. Ready in under an hour, it’s a meal that brings hearty flavors and satisfying textures together in the best way.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Skillet Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Crispy Potatoes Recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtfully selected ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in turning everyday pantry staples into a vibrant and crave-worthy dish.
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts: Choose thighs for extra juiciness or breasts for a leaner option; both soak up flavors beautifully.
- 1 1/2 pounds baby potatoes (halved): Baby potatoes crisp up wonderfully and offer a creamy inside that contrasts perfectly with the crunchy exterior.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (divided): Essential for browning and roasting, it adds richness and helps create that irresistible crispness.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): Garlic is the soul of this recipe—infusing the chicken and potatoes with a heady, aromatic punch.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Provides a savory, slightly salty crust on both the chicken and potatoes for an extra layer of flavor.
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that brightens the dish with subtle earthiness and depth.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds a gentle smoky note and beautiful color to the potatoes.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Crucial for seasoning and balancing all the rich flavors.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish): Brings a fresh, vibrant touch and color contrast.
- Optional: lemon wedges for serving: A splash of citrus juice brightens and lifts the whole dish just before eating.
How to Make Skillet Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Crispy Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Season the Potatoes
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the halved baby potatoes in a large bowl with 1 1/2 tablespoons of olive oil, half the minced garlic, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, dried Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. This step ensures each potato is coated with herbs and cheese before roasting, setting the stage for that irresistible crispy crust and flavor.
Step 2: Brown the Potatoes
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place the potatoes cut side down in the skillet and cook for 5 to 6 minutes until they develop a golden, crispy base. This quick sear locks in their flavor and the perfect texture you want before finishing in the oven.
Step 3: Prepare and Sear the Chicken
Push the potatoes gently to one side of the skillet, creating space for the chicken. Season your chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet along with the remaining minced garlic and 1/2 tablespoon olive oil. Sear the chicken for about 2 to 3 minutes per side until it has a lovely golden color. This initial browning adds flavor and helps seal in juiciness.
Step 4: Add Parmesan and Roast in the Oven
Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese evenly over the chicken and potatoes. Transfer the entire skillet to the preheated oven and roast for 20 to 25 minutes. The chicken will cook through while the potatoes finish crisping up to perfection. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the potatoes are tender inside with a crisp exterior.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle the skillet garlic parmesan chicken with chopped fresh parsley for a splash of color and freshness. Serving with lemon wedges on the side allows everyone to add a bright citrus note that complements the rich, cheesy garlic flavors.
How to Serve Skillet Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Crispy Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is not only beautiful but adds a hint of herbal brightness, cutting through the richness. Lemon wedges are a fantastic optional garnish that adds zing and balances the savoriness. You can also sprinkle a little more Parmesan cheese on top just before serving for an extra cheesy finish.
Side Dishes
This dish shines on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, consider a simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette to keep things light and fresh. Steamed or roasted green beans or a medley of seasonal vegetables also pair beautifully, bringing color, crunch, and freshness to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the chicken and potatoes directly in the skillet for a rustic, farmhouse feel that keeps the dish warm longer at the table. For a more formal presentation, arrange slices of chicken fanned out next to a neat pile of crispy potatoes on warm plates, garnished with parsley sprigs and lemon wedges. Either way, this dish’s vibrant colors and textures will delight every guest.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool leftovers to room temperature, then transfer them to an airtight container. Stored properly, they’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The chicken remains tender and the potatoes maintain most of their crispness when reheated carefully.
Freezing
While you can freeze leftovers, the texture of the crispy potatoes may soften slightly. If you choose to freeze, cool completely and place portions in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2 months. Label them with the date for best results.
Reheating
For the best texture, reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. This helps re-crisp the potatoes and keeps the chicken juicy, avoiding the sogginess that microwave reheating can cause.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Both chicken breasts and thighs work well in the Skillet Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Crispy Potatoes Recipe. Just keep in mind breasts tend to cook faster and can dry out if overcooked, so watch the timing closely.
How do I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can skip the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative to keep the cheesy essence while making the dish suitable for dairy-free diets. Nutritional yeast also adds a nice savory note as a Parmesan replacement.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free, using simple ingredients without any hidden gluten. Just double-check your Parmesan cheese to ensure it’s gluten-free certified if that’s a concern.
Can I swap baby potatoes for another type?
Sweet potatoes or fingerling potatoes make excellent alternatives, providing different flavors and textures. Just be sure to adjust roasting times slightly, as sweet potatoes might cook faster and become softer.
What’s the best way to get really crispy potatoes?
Make sure to dry the potatoes thoroughly after washing, use enough olive oil, and give them space in the skillet without overcrowding. Searing cut side down first helps create that crispy golden crust before roasting.
Final Thoughts
This Skillet Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Crispy Potatoes Recipe has become one of my ultimate go-tos when I want an effortless meal that feels special. The blend of savory Parmesan, garlicky aroma, and crispy textures makes every bite a delight. I encourage you to give it a try—you’ll find it quickly earns a spot in your weekly dinner rotation!
Print
Skillet Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Crispy Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Skillet Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Crispy Potatoes is a delicious one-pan dinner featuring tender seared chicken thighs or breasts, perfectly seasoned and roasted with golden, crispy baby potatoes. Infused with garlic, Parmesan cheese, and Italian herbs, this dish offers a flavorful and comforting meal ideal for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Chicken and Potatoes
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 1/2 pounds baby potatoes, halved
Seasoning and Flavorings
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
- Optional: lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large mixing bowl, toss the halved baby potatoes with 1 1/2 tablespoons of olive oil, half of the minced garlic, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, dried Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
- Sear Potatoes: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned potatoes cut side down and cook for 5–6 minutes until they develop a golden brown crust. Then, push the potatoes to one side of the skillet to make space for the chicken.
- Prepare and Sear Chicken: Season the chicken thighs or breasts with salt and black pepper. Add the remaining 1/2 tablespoon olive oil and the rest of the minced garlic to the skillet. Place the chicken in the skillet and sear for 2–3 minutes per side until they are lightly browned but not fully cooked.
- Add Parmesan and Roast: Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese evenly over the chicken and potatoes. Transfer the entire skillet to the preheated oven and roast for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature 165°F) and the potatoes are tender and crispy.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve hot. Optionally, add lemon wedges on the side for a burst of brightness.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in olive oil, garlic, and herbs for 30 minutes before cooking.
- You can substitute baby potatoes with sweet potatoes; adjust cooking times accordingly.
- Bone-in chicken can be used, but increase the roasting time to ensure it cooks through.
