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This garlic Parmesan chicken and potatoes sheet pan dinner combines succulent chicken with crispy, cheesy potatoes for a complete meal that cooks on one pan. The Italian-inspired flavors meld beautifully as everything roasts together, creating a dinner that's both impressive and effortless.
I first made this recipe when I needed something quick but impressive for unexpected dinner guests. The combination of aromas filled my kitchen, and now it's requested whenever friends come over for a casual dinner party.
Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs: provide a lean protein that stays juicy when roasted properly. Choose pieces of similar size for even cooking
- Italian seasoning: adds an herb blend that eliminates the need for multiple spice bottles
- Smoked paprika: brings a subtle smoky depth that elevates the entire dish
- Baby Yukon Gold or red potatoes: hold their shape well during roasting and develop a wonderfully crispy exterior. Look for potatoes around the same size
- Fresh garlic cloves: provide aromatic flavor that permeates both the chicken and potatoes. Always use fresh rather than pre-minced
- Grated Parmesan cheese: creates a nutty crust that crisps beautifully in the oven. Choose freshly grated for best melting properties
- Olive oil: helps everything roast properly and carries the flavors throughout the dish
- Fresh parsley: adds a bright finish that cuts through the richness
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to 400°F. This temperature is the sweet spot for roasting chicken and potatoes together. The heat is high enough to create a golden exterior on both components without drying out the chicken. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup or lightly grease if you prefer more direct heat contact.
- Season the Chicken:
- Pat the chicken completely dry with paper towels first. This crucial step ensures a better spice adhesion and promotes browning. Combine your Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt and pepper in a small bowl before applying. This creates an even distribution of spices rather than sprinkling each one separately. The olive oil helps the seasonings stick while promoting that beautiful golden exterior.
- Prepare the Potatoes:
- Cut potatoes into even halves to ensure they cook at the same rate. The coating of olive oil helps them crisp up while the garlic and Parmesan create a savory crust. Toss everything thoroughly in a bowl until each piece is fully coated. The salt draws out moisture during cooking which helps achieve that perfect crispy exterior.
- Arrange for Perfect Cooking:
- Position the chicken and potatoes with enough space between them for hot air to circulate. Crowding the pan will cause steaming rather than roasting. Place chicken on one side and potatoes on the other to make it easy to manage each component separately during cooking.
- Monitor Cooking Progress:
- The 25-30 minute cooking time is a guideline. Always verify chicken doneness with a meat thermometer reading 165°F. If your chicken pieces are particularly thick they may need additional time. Flipping the potatoes halfway ensures even browning on all sides.
- Create the Perfect Finish:
- The optional broiling step transforms this from good to great. Those extra few minutes create a beautifully browned, crispy Parmesan crust that adds texture and visual appeal. Watch carefully during broiling to prevent burning.
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My absolute favorite part of this dish is how the garlic infuses everything with flavor as it roasts. When my children were younger, they would actually pick out the roasted garlic cloves from among the potatoes and eat them first! Now those same children request this meal when they come home from college.
Make-Ahead Options
You can prepare the chicken and potatoes up to 24 hours ahead. Season everything as directed, but keep components separate in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Allow them to come to room temperature for about 20 minutes before roasting for more even cooking.
Substitution Ideas
This recipe welcomes many variations while keeping the same cooking method. Try using boneless pork chops instead of chicken for a different flavor profile. Sweet potatoes can replace the baby potatoes for a colorful twist with added nutrition. If you prefer a different herb profile, rosemary and thyme make excellent alternatives to Italian seasoning.
Serving Suggestions
This complete meal pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For a more elegant presentation, serve with roasted asparagus or broccolini that can cook alongside on the same pan during the last 10 minutes of roasting. A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complements the flavors perfectly.
Perfect Pairing
The garlic Parmesan flavor profile works wonderfully with a side of simple steamed green vegetables. The slight bitterness of broccoli or brussels sprouts balances the richness of the chicken and potatoes. For a more complete meal experience, consider starting with a light soup like tomato basil which prepares the palate for the main course.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work wonderfully as they stay moist and flavorful. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure they reach 165°F.
- → What type of potatoes work best for this dish?
Baby Yukon Gold or red potatoes are ideal as they roast evenly and have a creamy texture. Other small, waxy potatoes will also work well.
- → Do I need to peel the potatoes?
No, there's no need to peel baby potatoes. The skin adds texture and helps hold the shape during roasting.
- → Can this be made ahead of time?
You can prepare the chicken and potatoes in advance by seasoning them and storing them separately in the fridge. Roast when ready to serve for the best taste and texture.
- → What can I serve alongside this dish?
A simple green salad or steamed vegetables complement this meal beautifully, adding balance to the rich flavors.