One Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes

Introduction: Why This Dish Wins Every Time

In the realm of family dinners and effortless cooking, one-pan meals are true game changers. They’re quick, flavorful, and best of all—minimal cleanup. But not all one-pan recipes are created equal. That’s where this One Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes recipe truly shines.

Imagine juicy, golden chicken thighs nestled among crisp-tender baby potatoes, all infused with garlicky butter and a toasty parmesan crust. This isn’t just another baked chicken dish—it’s a restaurant-worthy dinner that you can pull off with pantry staples and minimal prep.

Whether you’re cooking for your kids on a busy weeknight, impressing friends at a weekend dinner party, or just craving something comforting and savory, this meal checks every box.

What Makes This Recipe So Special?

✅ One-pan convenience (less mess, more time for you)
✅ Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing
✅ Customizable with endless variations
✅ Crispy skin, creamy potatoes, rich garlic-parmesan flavor
✅ Budget-friendly yet fancy enough for guests

Ingredient Breakdown: Simplicity Meets Flavor

Each component in this recipe is chosen to maximize taste, texture, and convenience. Let’s break them down:

🐔 Chicken Thighs (Bone-In, Skin-On)

Juicier and more flavorful than chicken breasts
Skin crisps beautifully in the oven
More forgiving for new cooks (harder to overcook)

Tip: If you only have boneless, skinless thighs or breasts, you can use them. Just reduce the baking time by about 10 minutes and monitor carefully.

🥔 Baby Potatoes

Waxy, small, and ideal for roasting
Absorb all those garlicky juices
Crispy outside, creamy inside

Substitutes:

Yukon gold potatoes
Red potatoes
Even sweet potatoes (for a sweeter twist)

🧄 Fresh Garlic

Adds depth, aroma, and intensity
Combine with butter for a rustic flavor base

Pro Tip: Use garlic paste or pre-minced garlic to save time, but fresh cloves give the best result.

🧈 Butter (Melted)

Helps with caramelization
Binds the garlic and herbs to both the chicken and potatoes

Substitute Options:

Ghee (for a nuttier flavor)
Olive oil (if avoiding dairy)

🧀 Grated Parmesan Cheese

Adds saltiness, crunch, and a nutty finish
Toasts on top of the dish for texture

Substitutes:

Grana Padano
Pecorino Romano
Vegan parmesan (for dairy-free option)

🌿 Italian Seasoning

A blend of herbs like oregano, thyme, basil, and rosemary
Balances the richness of garlic and cheese

Make Your Own: Mix equal parts dried oregano, basil, thyme, and a pinch of rosemary.

🧂 Salt and Pepper

Simple but essential. Brings out every flavor.

🌱 Fresh Parsley (for Garnish)

Adds a burst of freshness and color at the end
Optional, but recommended for visual appeal

🧑‍🍳 How to Make One Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes

Here’s the complete process from start to finish—no guesswork.

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Use a large baking dish or rimmed sheet pan.
Lightly grease with oil or non-stick spray.

Step 2: Create the Flavor Base

In a mixing bowl, whisk together:
- Melted butter
- Minced garlic
- Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper

Optional Add-ins:

A splash of lemon juice
Crushed red pepper for spice
Paprika for color

Step 3: Coat the Chicken and Potatoes

Add chicken thighs and halved baby potatoes to the bowl.
Toss to coat them evenly with the garlic-butter mixture.

Step 4: Arrange and Top with Parmesan

Spread the chicken and potatoes in a single layer, skin-side up for the chicken.
Sprinkle grated parmesan generously on top.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Roast in the oven for 40–45 minutes.
Optional: Broil for 2–3 minutes at the end for extra browning.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley.
Serve straight from the pan for a rustic, beautiful presentation.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

This dish is flavorful and filling on its own, but you can serve it with:

A fresh green salad with lemon vinaigrette
Steamed green beans or broccoli
A side of garlic bread or dinner rolls
White wine or sparkling lemonade

🧊 Storing & Reheating Tips

Storage:

Let leftovers cool completely.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Reheat:

Best in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes.
For faster reheating, microwave, but the skin won’t stay crispy.

🧠 Pro Tips for Success

Tip #	What to Do
1	Don’t overcrowd the pan—space equals crispiness.
2	Place chicken skin-side up for maximum crunch.
3	Use foil under the pan for easier cleanup.
4	Rotate the pan halfway through for even cooking.
5	Want even crispier skin? Dry chicken skin with a paper towel before seasoning.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use chicken breasts instead?

Yes, but reduce the baking time to 30–35 minutes and check for doneness with a meat thermometer (internal temp: 165°F).

Can I make it dairy-free?

Absolutely! Use olive oil or dairy-free butter and vegan parmesan or skip the cheese entirely.

Can I prep this in advance?

Yes. You can marinate everything the night before and bake the next day.

Can I use other vegetables?

Totally! Try:

Carrots
Brussels sprouts
Cauliflower
Bell peppers

Just cut them to similar size as the potatoes for even cooking.

🔁 Variations to Try Next

🔸 Lemon Herb Chicken & Potatoes

Add lemon juice and zest to the butter-garlic mixture for a fresh zing.

🔸 Cajun Garlic Chicken

Swap Italian seasoning with Cajun or Creole spices for a Southern twist.

🔸 Sweet Potato Swap

Replace baby potatoes with sweet potatoes for a slightly sweet, tender bite.

🔸 Honey Mustard Parmesan

Mix 1 tbsp of Dijon mustard and 1 tsp of honey into the butter mixture.

📌 Save, Share, and Cook Again

Love this dish? Don’t forget to:

Pin it on Pinterest to your “One Pan Meals” board
Print the recipe and stick it on your fridge
Share with a friend who needs a foolproof dinner idea
Leave a comment with your own twist—we love seeing your kitchen creativity!

🖨️ Printable Recipe Card