There’s something magical about the aroma of garlic and Parmesan melting together in a hot skillet. This Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes Skillet combines juicy, golden-brown chicken with crispy, buttery potatoes, all smothered in a rich, garlicky Parmesan sauce. It’s hearty, satisfying, and made in just one pan—perfect for busy weeknights.
The first time I made this dish, I was looking for a quick way to use up chicken thighs and potatoes, and it instantly became a family favorite. It's the kind of recipe that makes everyone gather around the dinner table, asking for seconds. Ready to fall in love with a new weeknight staple? Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes Skillet
Get ready to savor a dish that’s equal parts delicious and practical. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting guests, this recipe has it all.
First, this skillet meal is incredibly easy to make. With just a handful of pantry staples and minimal prep, you can have a restaurant-quality meal on the table in under 40 minutes. Plus, it all cooks in one pan, which means less cleanup—a win for busy cooks everywhere.
The combination of flavors and textures is irresistible. The tender, juicy chicken pairs beautifully with crispy potatoes and a creamy Parmesan sauce that clings to every bite. A touch of garlic ties it all together, making each forkful utterly satisfying.
This recipe is also budget-friendly. With affordable ingredients like chicken thighs, potatoes, and Parmesan, you can create a meal that feels indulgent without breaking the bank.
Finally, it’s a versatile dish. You can customize it with your favorite vegetables, swap out proteins, or even make it vegetarian. No matter how you tweak it, this skillet dinner always delivers.
Ingredients Notes
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating a harmonious balance of flavors and textures.
- Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are ideal for this recipe. They stay juicy and develop a golden, crispy skin that adds flavor and texture. If you prefer boneless, they work too but might cook a little faster.
- Potatoes: Baby Yukon Gold potatoes are perfect here. Their buttery texture and thin skin mean you don’t even need to peel them. Simply cut them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic is a must. Its robust, savory flavor infuses the chicken, potatoes, and sauce beautifully. Mince it finely for the best distribution.
- Parmesan Cheese: Use freshly grated Parmesan for maximum flavor. Pre-shredded varieties often don’t melt as well, which can affect the texture of the sauce.
- Butter and Olive Oil: The combination of butter and olive oil ensures the chicken browns evenly while adding depth to the sauce.
- Seasonings: A mix of salt, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning enhances the dish's overall flavor. Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking.
You’ll also need a large skillet with a lid for this recipe. A cast-iron skillet works wonderfully, as it retains heat and ensures even cooking.
How To Make This Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes Skillet
Creating this mouthwatering dish is simpler than you might think. Let’s break it down step by step:
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Begin by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a splash of olive oil and let it heat until shimmering. Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and paprika, then place them skin-side down in the skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
Step 2: Cook the Potatoes
In the same skillet, add a tablespoon of butter along with the potatoes. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are crispy and tender. Push them to the side of the skillet.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium and add another tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Stir in the minced garlic, letting it cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in a splash of chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Stir in Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt into a creamy sauce.
Step 4: Combine and Simmer
Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it among the potatoes. Spoon some of the garlic Parmesan sauce over the top. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer for another 10-15 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked and the flavors meld together.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Garnish the dish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Serve it straight from the skillet for a rustic presentation, and watch as everyone digs in.
Storage Options
This skillet dish is just as delicious the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.
- Refrigerator: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: While the potatoes may lose some texture, you can freeze the dish for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
To reheat, simply warm the skillet over medium heat with a splash of chicken broth to prevent the sauce from drying out.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility. Here are some ideas to make it your own:
- Vegetables: Add vegetables like green beans, asparagus, or broccoli to the skillet for a complete meal.
- Protein: Swap the chicken thighs for chicken breasts, pork chops, or even shrimp. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Potatoes: Try sweet potatoes or even cauliflower florets for a low-carb option.
- Spices: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat or experiment with different herb blends like thyme or rosemary.
- Cheese: Mix in some mozzarella or Gruyère for an extra cheesy twist.
Don’t be afraid to experiment—the possibilities are endless!
PrintGarlic Parmesan Chicken And Potatoes Skillet Recipe
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes Skillet is a flavorful one-pan dish made with tender chicken, crispy potatoes, and a savory garlic-parmesan seasoning. Perfect for weeknight dinners, it’s a hearty and delicious meal for the whole family.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 serving 1x
- Category: dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 lb baby potatoes, halved
- 3 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat 2 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Cook chicken for 4-5 minutes per side or until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon olive oil and the halved baby potatoes. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until potatoes are golden and tender.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes until cheese melts.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- For extra flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
- Substitute baby potatoes with diced sweet potatoes if desired.
- Pair with a side of steamed veggies for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with potatoes
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 520 mg
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