Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes

Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken with crispy potatoes, all enveloped in a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. It’s a comforting meal that feels both rustic and gourmet, perfect for family dinners or when you want to impress guests. This flavorful combination hails from the hearty dining traditions, where garlic and cheese bring warmth and satisfaction to any meal. The ingredients play a crucial role; their quality enhances the overall flavor, making each bite a treat you won’t forget.
Recipe Overview
Cooking Time
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Servings
- Serves 4 people
Level of Difficulty
- Medium: A bit of skill is required, but nothing too complex for an enthusiastic home chef.
Essential Ingredients
For the Chicken
List of ingredients with US measurements
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Potatoes
List of ingredients with US measurements
- 1.5 lbs baby potatoes or Yukon gold potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary or thyme (optional, for added flavor)
For the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
List of ingredients with US measurements
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 4-5 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Detailed Step-by-step Procedure
Preparing the Chicken
Specific steps on handling and preparations
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is ideal for achieving a crispy skin on the chicken.
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Removing moisture is key to getting crispy skin.
- Season the chicken: Sprinkle salt, black pepper, and paprika evenly over both sides of the chicken thighs.
- In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the chicken thighs skin-side down.
- Sear the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Flip the chicken and sear the other side for another 3-4 minutes.
- Once seared, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside while you prepare the potatoes and sauce.
Preparing the Potatoes
Specific steps on peeling, slicing, and boiling
- Wash the potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt. If you’re using baby potatoes, you can leave the skins on for a rustic finish.
- If you have larger potatoes, peel them and cut them into halves or quarters so that they cook evenly.
- Boil the potatoes: In a large pot, add the potatoes and cover them with water. Add a teaspoon of salt and bring it to a boil.
- Cook the potatoes for about 15 minutes or until they’re fork-tender. You want them soft but not falling apart.
- Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add olive oil, salt, pepper, and optional fresh herbs. Toss gently to coat.
Making the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
Specific steps on making the sauce
- In the same skillet used to sear the chicken, reduce the heat to medium. Add the unsalted butter and let it melt.
- Once melted, add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant; do not let it burn.
- Pour in the heavy cream and stir continuously. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 3-5 minutes.
- Add the Parmesan cheese gradually, stirring until fully melted and the sauce thickens.
- Add Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper according to your taste. The sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Combining all components
Instructions on how to put together the dish
- Once the sauce is ready, return the chicken thighs to the skillet, skin-side up. Pour the garlic Parmesan sauce over the chicken, allowing it to seep underneath.
- Arrange the boiled potatoes around the chicken in the skillet. Ensure that they are evenly distributed.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the sauce is bubbly.
- When done, remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist.
Serving Suggestions
Plating the dish
- Carefully plate the chicken and potatoes, arranging them neatly on a large serving platter. Drizzle some of the remaining sauce over the top to enhance the visual appeal.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color.
Accompaniments
- This dish pairs beautifully with a simple side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette.
- Divulging into a freshly baked loaf of bread can help mop up the rich sauce.
Wine pairings
- A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light-bodied Chardonnay works wonderfully to balance the richness of the dish.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes
Recommendations for choosing chicken
- Opt for bone-in, skin-on thighs for maximum flavor and juiciness. If you prefer white meat, chicken breasts can also work but may require adjustments in cooking time.
Tips for crispy potatoes
- Ensure the potatoes are patted dry after boiling before adding oil. This step is crucial to achieving crispness during the final bake.
Tweaking the sauce as per preference
- Want more flavor? Incorporate additional herbs like thyme or oregano into the sauce for added depth. For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Proper storage methods
- Store leftover Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
How to reheat without losing flavor and texture
- Reheat in a microwave for about 2-3 minutes, or for optimal results, warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. This method helps maintain the crispiness of the chicken and potatoes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use another cut of chicken for this dish?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts or drumsticks. Just remember different cuts may require different cooking times.
Can I omit the potatoes?
Certainly, if you prefer a lighter meal, you can make just the chicken in the garlic Parmesan sauce, perhaps serving it with steamed vegetables.
What type of potatoes works best for this dish?
Yukon Golds are excellent for their creamy texture and flavor, but feel free to use red potatoes or baby potatoes as well.
Conclusion
Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes stands out for its rich flavors and comforting essence, making it a perfect choice for any dinner setting. With easy steps and a few quality ingredients, you can impress yourself and others with a dish that feels like a gourmet experience. I encourage you to try this recipe, share it with your loved ones, and relish in the joy that a good home-cooked meal can bring. Happy cooking!
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Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A delightful dish that combines tender chicken with crispy potatoes, all enveloped in a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce.
Ingredients
4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs), 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1.5 lbs baby potatoes or Yukon gold potatoes, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary or thyme (optional, for added flavor), 1/2 cup unsalted butter, 4–5 cloves of garlic, minced, 1 cup heavy cream, 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning, Salt and pepper to taste, Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C)., Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels., Season the chicken with salt, black pepper, and paprika evenly over both sides., In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat and add the chicken thighs skin-side down., Sear the chicken for about 5-7 minutes until the skin is golden brown, then flip and sear the other side for another 3-4 minutes., Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside., Wash the potatoes thoroughly and leave the skins on if using baby potatoes., If using larger potatoes, peel and cut them into halves or quarters., Boil the potatoes in a large pot covered with water and a teaspoon of salt until fork-tender, about 15 minutes., Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot, adding olive oil, salt, pepper, and optional herbs. Toss gently to coat., In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the unsalted butter until melted., Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant., Pour in the heavy cream and stir continuously, allowing it to simmer for about 3-5 minutes., Gradually add the Parmesan cheese, stirring until fully melted and the sauce thickens., Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, skin-side up, and pour the garlic Parmesan sauce over the chicken., Arrange the boiled potatoes around the chicken in the skillet., Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C)., Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Opt for bone-in, skin-on thighs for maximum flavor and juiciness. If you prefer white meat, chicken breasts can also work but may require adjustments in cooking time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cool Time: 0
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh and potatoes
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: chicken, potatoes, garlic, Parmesan, comfort food