I remember one particularly chaotic Tuesday. My kids were bickering, work emails were piling up, and I was staring into an empty fridge, wondering what on earth I was going to make for dinner. Then I spotted a few potatoes and some chicken breasts. Inspiration struck! I tossed them with garlic, Parmesan, and herbs, baked it all on one pan, and boom – instant sanity. That’s how my love affair with Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes (One-Pan Dinner) began. This recipe has saved countless weeknights ever since. It’s simple, comforting, and unbelievably delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Let’s be honest: life is busy. Who has time for complicated recipes involving a dozen different pots and pans? This recipe solves that problem beautifully.
- One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks together on a single sheet pan. Less mess, less cleanup!
- Big Flavor, Little Effort: The garlic, Parmesan, and herbs create a savory, comforting flavor explosion that’s remarkably easy to achieve.
- Customizable: Want more potatoes? Fewer? Extra veggies? Go for it! This recipe is incredibly flexible.
- Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters tend to love this dish. Chicken and potatoes? A winning combination!
- Quick & Easy: Prep time is minimal, and bake time is reasonable. You’ll be enjoying dinner in under an hour.
The Ingredient List
Here’s what you’ll need to create this amazing one-pan dinner:
- Chicken: 1.5 – 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 4-6 breasts)
- Potatoes: 1.5 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes (or red potatoes), cut into 1-inch chunks
- Garlic: 6-8 cloves, minced (don’t skimp!)
- Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for topping
- Olive Oil: 1/4 cup
- Italian Seasoning: 2 teaspoons
- Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon
- Dried Basil: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: 1.5 teaspoons (or to taste)
- Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon (or to taste)
- Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped (for garnish – optional)
Let’s Cook! Step-by-Step Instructions
Ready to transform a chaotic weeknight into a delicious and stress-free experience? Let’s get baking!
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This makes cleanup a breeze.
- Potato Power: Place the chopped potatoes in a large bowl. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Toss well to coat evenly. Spread the potatoes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Chicken Time: In the same bowl (no need to wash it!), add the chicken breasts. Drizzle with the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, oregano, basil, remaining 1 teaspoon of salt, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Toss thoroughly to ensure the chicken is well coated with the flavorful mixture.
- Arrange & Sprinkle: Arrange the chicken breasts amongst the potatoes on the baking sheet, leaving a little space between each piece. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over both the chicken and the potatoes.
- Bake It Up: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C) and the potatoes are tender. You might want to flip the chicken breasts halfway through baking for even browning.
- Garnish & Serve: Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley (if using). Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips, Variations, and Serving Suggestions
This recipe is a blank canvas for your culinary creativity! Here are a few ideas to spice things up:
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the seasoning mixture for a little heat.
- Veggies Galore: Toss in some broccoli florets, bell pepper strips, or cherry tomatoes along with the potatoes. Aim to add them about halfway through the cooking time as they cook faster.
- Different Potatoes: Russet potatoes work well too, but Yukon Golds give a creamier texture. Sweet potatoes are a delicious alternative, but will require a longer baking time.
- Lemon Zest Boost: Add the zest of one lemon to the seasoning mixture for a bright, citrusy flavor. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice after baking is also fantastic.
- Different Cheese: While Parmesan is classic, you could experiment with Asiago or Pecorino Romano for a different flavor profile.
- Make it Creamy: For an extra decadent touch, stir in 2 tablespoons of heavy cream or sour cream after baking.
- Serving Suggestions: This Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes (One-Pan Dinner) is delicious on its own! However, it also pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or steamed green beans. A side of crusty bread for mopping up the flavorful pan juices is highly recommended.
(Optional) Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving, based on 6 servings)
- Calories: 450-550
- Protein: 35-45g
- Fat: 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: 30-40g
Give It a Try!
I hope this recipe for Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes (One-Pan Dinner) brings a little bit of joy and ease to your weeknight routine. It’s a game-changer! Don’t be intimidated by the list of ingredients – it’s truly a simple recipe to execute. Trust me, you’ll be making this again and again. So, grab your sheet pan, round up the ingredients, and let’s get cooking! Share your creations with me – I love seeing how you put your own spin on this classic! Happy cooking!
