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This easy weeknight meal brings amazing taste and simplicity together in a single-pan garlic Parmesan chicken and potatoes dish. I've tried countless ways to make dinner less stressful, and this creation has become what my family asks for most, giving you restaurant-quality food with barely any dishes to wash.
Whenever I cook this meal, you can smell the roasted garlic and herbs throughout the house, and my family shows up at the table before I can even tell them dinner's ready. It's now the meal they beg for when schedules get crazy.
Key Ingredients Breakdown
- Chicken breasts: Look for similar-sized pieces for even cooking. Make sure they're completely dry for better browning
- Baby potatoes: Try to find ones that are roughly the same size so they cook evenly. Yukon Golds give you a more buttery taste
- Fresh garlic: Chop it right before you use it to get the strongest flavor
- Parmesan cheese: Grate it yourself for much better melting and taste
- Italian seasoning: When you can, go with fresh herbs for brighter flavors
Making It Turn Out Great
- Choosing Your Pan:
- Go for a big baking sheet with edges that gives your ingredients room to breathe. Use parchment paper to make cleanup quick and stop food from sticking. Put your oven rack in the middle so heat hits everything evenly.
- Getting Chicken Ready:
- Wipe chicken completely dry with paper towels for proper browning. Mix all your seasonings in a little bowl first to make sure they spread evenly. Coat the meat with olive oil first, then sprinkle your seasoning mix on top, pressing it in gently.
- Making Potatoes Tasty:
- Cut them all the same size so they finish cooking together. Toss them in a big bowl with olive oil first so the seasonings stick better. Then add your chopped garlic and Parmesan, mixing thoroughly until every piece gets coated.
- Arranging Everything:
- Leave enough room between your chicken and potatoes. Don't pack them too close or they'll steam instead of roast. Put the bigger chicken pieces around the edges where it's hotter.
- Getting the Right Texture:
- In the final cooking minutes, watch carefully when using the broiler to get that perfect golden top. Take everything out when chicken reaches exactly 165°F for the juiciest results.
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My grandma always told me that the secret to crispy roasted potatoes is giving them plenty of space on the pan. This helps them get that golden crust everyone loves instead of turning soft and steamy.
Great Side Dishes
Enjoy with some roasted broccoli or a fresh green salad. Grab some crusty bread to soak up all those tasty pan juices. For fancy nights, start with a light soup or finish with a simple sweet treat.
Fun Twists to Try
- Switch up the flavor by using different herbs like rosemary with thyme
- Swap in sweet potatoes for something different and nutritious
- Throw in some cherry tomatoes or asparagus during the last 10 minutes for extra veggies
Keeping Leftovers
Keep any extras in a sealed container up to 3 days. Warm them back up in a 350°F oven until heated through to keep everything crispy. Don't use the microwave for the potatoes as they'll get mushy.
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This single-pan meal has made so many busy nights easier at my house without ever cutting corners on taste. The mix of well-seasoned chicken and crunchy potatoes shows that basic ingredients, handled the right way, make the most satisfying dinners. It's now my favorite way to show new cooks that tasty doesn't have to mean complicated.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I substitute chicken breasts with thighs?
- Absolutely! Thighs tend to stay juicier. Just keep an eye on the internal temperature – it should hit 165°F.
- → How do I get the potatoes crispy?
- Make sure they’re cut evenly and have some space on the pan. Flip them halfway, and Parmesan will add that extra crunch.
- → Can I prep this dish ahead of time?
- Sure can. Season the chicken and get the potatoes ready up to a day ahead. Store in the fridge separately until you're ready to cook.
- → Any veggie options to toss in?
- Broccoli, green beans, carrots, or Brussels sprouts can be added. Just include them during the last 15 minutes of cooking to keep them from overcooking.
- → Best way to store and reheat leftovers?
- Keep leftovers in a sealed container for three days. To reheat, pop them in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes to retain the crispiness.