One of my favorite childhood memories is the aroma of roasted garlic and herbs wafting through our home on Sunday evenings. This Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Roasted Potatoes recipe brings those cozy memories to life – a perfect one-pan meal that combines crispy-skinned chicken with golden potatoes, all enveloped in a blanket of garlic, herbs, and Parmesan cheese.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 4-6
Calories: 460 per serving
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This one-pan wonder delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. The chicken turns out perfectly juicy with crispy skin, while the potatoes soak up all the wonderful flavors as they roast. It’s an excellent choice for both weeknight dinners and special occasions, requiring just a handful of ingredients but delivering maximum flavor.
Ingredients & Equipment
For the Chicken:
- 4-6 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
For the Potatoes:
- 2 pounds baby potatoes, halved
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Equipment Needed:
- Large rimmed baking sheet
- Parchment paper or aluminum foil
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring spoons
- Garlic press (optional)
- Meat thermometer
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare for Baking
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C)
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper
- Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels
Season the Chicken
- In a bowl, combine:
- Olive oil
- Minced garlic
- Half the Parmesan cheese
- Italian seasoning
- Paprika
- Salt and pepper
- Rub mixture all over chicken thighs, including under the skin
Prepare the Potatoes
- In a large bowl, toss potatoes with:
- Olive oil
- Minced garlic
- Rosemary
- Thyme
- Salt and pepper
- Arrange potatoes cut-side down around chicken on baking sheet
Roast to Perfection
- Place baking sheet in preheated oven
- Roast for 25 minutes
- Remove from oven, flip potatoes
- Sprinkle remaining Parmesan over chicken and potatoes
- Return to oven for 15-20 minutes until:
- Chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature
- Potatoes are golden and crispy
- Cheese is melted and slightly browned
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving
Expert Tips for Success
- Room Temperature Chicken: Let chicken sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before cooking for more even cooking.
- Perfect Potatoes: Cut potatoes to similar sizes for even cooking, and place them cut-side down initially for maximum crispiness.
- Don’t Rush the Roast: Resist the urge to increase the temperature. Lower and slower cooking ensures juicy chicken and perfectly cooked potatoes.
Variations and Substitutions
- Chicken Options: Use chicken breasts or drumsticks (adjust cooking time accordingly)
- Potato Varieties: Sweet potatoes or fingerling potatoes work well
- Cheese Alternatives: Try Romano or Asiago cheese
- Herb Variations:
- Fresh herbs instead of dried (double the amount)
- Add sage or oregano
- Use herbs de Provence
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store in airtight container for up to 4 days
- Freezer: Not recommended (affects potato texture)
- Reheating:
- Oven: 350°F for 15-20 minutes
- Microwave: Use 50% power to prevent drying
Troubleshooting Guide
Problem: Chicken skin not crispy
Solution:
- Ensure chicken is very dry before seasoning
- Position rack in upper third of oven
- Broil for final 2-3 minutes if needed
Problem: Potatoes not crispy enough
Solution:
- Cut smaller pieces for more surface area
- Use less oil
- Ensure potatoes aren’t overcrowded
Problem: Garlic burning
Solution:
- Mix garlic with oil before applying
- Add half the garlic halfway through cooking
FAQs
Q: Can I prep this ahead of time?
A: Yes! Season chicken and potatoes up to 8 hours ahead. Keep refrigerated and bring to room temperature before cooking.
Q: Why bone-in, skin-on chicken?
A: This cut provides more flavor and moisture. The bones help conduct heat evenly, while the skin protects the meat and gets deliciously crispy.
Q: How do I know when the chicken is done?
A: Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F at the thickest part, not touching bone.
Q: Can I make this with less garlic?
A: Yes, adjust garlic to taste. The current amount provides a rich, but not overwhelming, garlic flavor.
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Roasted Potatoes recipe is comfort food at its finest – simple ingredients transformed into a memorable meal. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining guests, this dish delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal fuss. The key to success lies in taking your time with the preparation and letting the oven work its magic.