Let’s be honest—some dinners just hit different. Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes is one of those meals that makes you want to throw on sweatpants, cancel plans, and eat straight from the pan. It’s got everything: crispy, golden potatoes, juicy, seasoned chicken, and a creamy, garlicky parmesan sauce that practically demands to be mopped up with bread.
This isn’t your average 30-minute, throw-it-together dinner. Nope, this one requires a little extra time and love. But trust me—it’s worth every second. Plus, it’s a one-pan meal, so you won’t be standing at the sink for hours scrubbing dishes. Let’s dive into the good stuff—because once you make this, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.
Why You’ll Fall in Love With This Recipe
It’s Comfort Food at Its Finest
Imagine taking a forkful of creamy, cheesy, garlicky goodness with crispy, buttery potatoes and tender chicken. Yeah, it’s that kind of good. This dish is like the food version of a weighted blanket.
One Pan = Fewer Dishes (You’re Welcome)
If you’re anything like me, you’d rather do just about anything than spend an hour cleaning up after dinner. Good news—everything bakes together in one dish. Less cleanup, more time to actually enjoy your food.
Super Customizable
Not feeling broccoli? Swap it for green beans, spinach, or asparagus. Want a little spice? Throw in some red pepper flakes. No white wine on hand? Chicken broth + lemon juice works just as well. This dish is all about making it yours.
The Magic Behind the Ingredients
Chicken: The Star of the Show
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work great here, but if you love extra juicy chicken, go with thighs. Want an even deeper flavor? Let the chicken marinate in olive oil, garlic, and a splash of lemon juice before cooking. It’s a game-changer.
Potatoes: The Crispy, Carby Goodness
Smashed baby potatoes are the way to go here. They get boiled, smashed, and roasted until the edges are crispy and golden brown. Shortcut: If you’re in a rush, frozen diced potatoes can work, but fresh will always win.
Garlic Parmesan Sauce: The Real MVP
This sauce is so good, you’ll want to drink it. It’s creamy, garlicky, and packed with parmesan and butter. White wine adds depth, but if you’d rather keep it alcohol-free, chicken broth + lemon juice does the trick.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes
Step 1: Crispy, Golden Potatoes
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Boil baby potatoes in salted water until fork-tender. Drain and let them cool slightly before smashing them with the bottom of a glass. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with seasoning, and bake for 40 minutes until crispy. (Resist the urge to eat them straight off the pan.)
Step 2: Juicy, Flavor-Packed Chicken
Season chicken with Cajun seasoning (or whatever spice mix you love). Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear the chicken until golden brown. Lower the heat, add butter, onions, and garlic, and let that aroma fill your kitchen. Cook until the chicken is done, then transfer to a baking dish.
Step 3: The Dreamy, Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce
In the same pan, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until your kitchen smells like a fancy Italian restaurant. Pour in white wine (or broth) and let it reduce. Stir in heavy cream and let it simmer until thickened. Finally, whisk in parmesan and black pepper. Taste it. Try not to cry tears of joy.
Step 4: The Grand Assembly
Throw the crispy potatoes and some steamed broccoli into the baking dish with the chicken. Pour that luxurious, creamy sauce over everything and top with shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
Step 5: Bake Until Perfection
Pop the dish into the oven for 15 minutes, uncovered, until the cheese melts and everything is bubbling. Let it sit for a few minutes before serving. (Yes, I know, waiting is hard.)
Time-Saving Tips (Because We All Need Them)
- Prep Ahead: Boil the potatoes and cook the chicken a day ahead. Store separately and assemble when ready.
- Shortcut Ingredients: Pre-minced garlic? Sure. Frozen diced potatoes? Go for it. Just don’t skimp on fresh parmesan.
- Want to Make It Faster? Air-fry the potatoes instead of baking them. They’ll be just as crispy in less time.
What to Serve With Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes
Bread, Because… Sauce.
Garlic bread, a warm baguette, or even homemade cheddar biscuits will do the trick. You’ll want something to soak up that creamy sauce.
A Fresh, Crunchy Salad
A crisp Caesar salad or arugula with lemon vinaigrette helps balance out the richness of the dish.
Extra Veggies? Always a Good Idea.
Roasted asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or even sautéed mushrooms would be perfect sides.
Leftovers? Here’s How to Store and Reheat
Storing It Right
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze it, separate it into portions and store for up to a month.
Reheating Without Ruining It
- Oven (Best Method): Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes.
- Microwave (If You’re in a Hurry): Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between.
- Pro Tip: Add a splash of cream before reheating to keep the sauce from drying out.
Variations to Try Next Time
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
- Lighter Version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Keto-Friendly: Swap potatoes for cauliflower.
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream and dairy-free cheese.
Mistakes to Avoid (So You Don’t Ruin Dinner)
- Overcooking the Chicken: Dry chicken is a crime. Use a meat thermometer and pull it at 165°F.
- Sauce Too Thin or Thick: If it’s too thin, simmer longer. If it’s too thick, add a splash of broth.
- Not Seasoning Enough: Taste as you go. Bland potatoes = a sad meal.
Looking for More Garlic Parmesan Goodness?
If you’re obsessed with all things garlic parmesan (who isn’t?), here are some must-try recipes that will keep your taste buds happy:
- Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta – If you love the iconic sauce from BWW, this pasta version is a dream come true. Creamy, garlicky, and packed with flavor!
- Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta – Set it, forget it, and come home to a rich and creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta that basically makes itself.
- Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta – If you want a quick, indulgent meal, this creamy pasta dish is the answer. Perfect for busy weeknights!
- Korean Ground Beef and Rice Bowls – Okay, this isn’t garlic parmesan, but trust me—if you love bold flavors, this sweet and savory Korean beef dish needs to be on your menu.
Try them all and let your love for creamy, garlicky goodness continue!
Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes
Ingredients
- For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), cut into chunks
- 1 ½ tsp Cajun seasoning or seasoning of choice
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 small onion diced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- For the Potatoes:
- 1.5 lbs baby potatoes
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 ½ tsp Montreal steak seasoning or salt & pepper
- For the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- ½ cup dry white wine or chicken broth + 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Salt to taste
- For Assembly:
- 2 cups broccoli florets steamed
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Potatoes:
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Boil baby potatoes in salted water until fork-tender (about 10-15 minutes). Drain and let cool slightly.
- Place potatoes on a baking sheet and use the bottom of a glass to smash them. Drizzle with olive oil, season, and bake for 40 minutes until crispy.
- Cook the Chicken:
- While the potatoes bake, season the chicken with Cajun seasoning and salt.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sear the chicken until golden brown (about 4 minutes per side).
- Reduce heat, add butter, onions, and garlic, and cook until fragrant and softened. Transfer to a 9×13 baking dish.
- Make the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Pour in white wine (or broth & lemon juice) and simmer until reduced by half.
- Stir in heavy cream and let simmer for 5 minutes until thickened.
- Whisk in parmesan cheese, black pepper, and salt to taste. Remove from heat.
- Assemble & Bake:
- Add the crispy potatoes and steamed broccoli to the baking dish with the chicken.
- Pour the creamy garlic parmesan sauce over everything.
- Sprinkle shredded Monterey Jack cheese on top.
- Bake uncovered for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let Rest & Serve:
- Remove from oven and let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Enjoy with garlic bread or a crisp salad on the side!
Notes
- Make Ahead: You can boil the potatoes and cook the chicken a day ahead to save time.
- Shortcuts: Swap fresh potatoes for frozen diced potatoes and use pre-minced garlic.
- Substitutions: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.
- Storage: Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to a month.
- Reheating Tip: Add a splash of cream before reheating to keep the sauce creamy.
If you love creamy, cheesy, garlicky comfort food, Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes is about to become your new favorite meal. It’s indulgent, packed with flavor, and the perfect excuse to cancel plans and eat in your pajamas. Make it, customize it, and enjoy every single bite. You deserve this level of deliciousness.
