Garlic Parmesan Chicken Potatoes

This garlic Parmesan chicken and potatoes recipe has become my ultimate weeknight solution when I crave comfort food without spending hours in the kitchen. The rich creamy sauce brings together tender chicken and perfectly cooked potatoes for a meal that feels indulgent yet comes together easily in one pan.

I discovered this recipe when hosting impromptu dinner guests and had limited ingredients on hand. What started as a panic meal has turned into my most requested dish when friends come over.

Ingredients

• Boneless chicken thighs or breasts: Ensure juicy results every time. Thighs provide more flavor but breasts work beautifully if preferred
• Baby potatoes: Hold their shape while absorbing the garlic Parmesan flavor. Look for uniform sizes so they cook evenly
• Olive oil: Creates the perfect searing base. Use a good quality oil for best flavor
• Fresh garlic cloves: Add essential aromatic depth. Always use fresh rather than pre-minced for maximum impact
• Chicken broth: Deglazes the pan and creates steam to cook the potatoes
• Heavy cream: Forms the luxurious base of the sauce. Full fat works best for proper thickening
• Parmesan cheese: Adds nutty saltiness. Use freshly grated rather than pre-packaged for proper melting
• Italian seasoning: Provides herbal complexity without needing multiple spice jars
• Paprika: Brings subtle warmth and beautiful color to the chicken
• Fresh parsley: Brightens the rich dish with color and fresh flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sear Chicken:

Season chicken pieces generously with salt pepper and paprika making sure all sides are coated. Heat olive oil in a large skillet until shimmering but not smoking. Place chicken in a single layer giving each piece room to brown properly. Let it develop a deep golden crust before flipping about 4 to 5 minutes per side. The chicken will not be fully cooked at this stage which is perfectly fine. Remove to a plate and marvel at those flavorful browned bits left in the pan.

Cook Potatoes:

Add halved potatoes and minced garlic to the same skillet with all those delicious chicken bits. Stir continuously for 2 to 3 minutes allowing the garlic to become fragrant without burning. Pour in chicken broth and watch it sizzle as it deglazes the pan scraping up all the flavorful fond. Cover with a tight fitting lid and reduce heat to medium low. Let potatoes simmer until they yield easily to a fork about 10 to 12 minutes checking occasionally.

Make Sauce:

Once potatoes are tender pour in the heavy cream giving the mixture a gentle stir to incorporate. Add Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Let everything simmer uncovered for 3 to 4 minutes stirring occasionally as the sauce thickens. Watch how the sauce transforms into a silky consistency that coats the back of a spoon. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Combine:

Return the chicken pieces and any accumulated juices to the skillet nestling them among the potatoes. Spoon some of the creamy sauce over the chicken ensuring everything gets coated. Allow everything to simmer together for 5 more minutes until chicken is fully cooked through and has absorbed some of the sauce flavors. The sauce will continue to thicken slightly during this time.

Serve:

Remove from heat and let rest for 2 minutes. Sprinkle generously with freshly chopped parsley just before bringing to the table. The bright green against the creamy sauce creates a beautiful presentation worthy of any dinner party.

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I particularly love using thyme instead of Italian seasoning when I have fresh herbs on hand. The aroma fills my kitchen and reminds me of Sunday dinners at my grandmothers house where she would cook similar one pan meals that brought everyone to the table.

Making Ahead and Storage

This dish reheats beautifully making it perfect for busy weeknights. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating add a splash of chicken broth or cream to revive the sauce which tends to thicken when chilled. I often make a double batch specifically for leftovers because the flavors continue to develop overnight.

Easy Substitutions

This recipe welcomes adaptations based on what you have available. Bone in chicken pieces work wonderfully but require about 5 more minutes of cooking time. Cream cheese can replace heavy cream in a pinch though the sauce will have a tangier profile. Red potatoes or even sweet potatoes create interesting variations that my family enjoys for different occasions. For an extra dimension of flavor try adding a tablespoon of Dijon mustard to the sauce.

Pairing Suggestions

The rich and creamy nature of this dish pairs beautifully with simple sides that provide contrast. A bright arugula salad dressed with lemon juice cuts through the richness perfectly. Roasted asparagus or broccoli complement the flavors while adding nutritional balance. For wine enthusiasts a crisp Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio enhances the creamy garlic notes without overwhelming the dish.

One Pan Wonder

The beauty of this recipe lies in its efficient use of a single pan. The progressive layering of flavors creates depth that tastes like you spent hours cooking. Start with a heavy bottomed skillet preferably cast iron or stainless steel to create the best fond when searing the chicken. This technique known as building flavor creates the foundation for the entire dish resulting in a restaurant quality meal with minimal effort.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I ensure the chicken stays juicy?

Make sure to sear the chicken on medium-high heat until golden brown and avoid overcooking it during the simmering step.

→ Can I substitute baby potatoes?

Yes, you can use diced russet or Yukon gold potatoes. Just ensure they are cut evenly for even cooking.

→ What can I use instead of heavy cream?

You can substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half for a lighter version of the dish.

→ Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, you can swap the chicken with mushrooms or a plant-based protein, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

→ How can I add extra flavor to this dish?

You can add a splash of white wine while cooking the sauce or include fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for added depth.