Easy One-Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes Dinner Recipe

Looking for a stress-free, crave-worthy dinner that hits the spot every single time? This Easy One-Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes Dinner is your new weeknight hero. Juicy chicken thighs, crispy baby potatoes, and a golden parmesan crust—what’s not to love? And guess what? You only need one pan and a handful of pantry staples to whip it all up. Let’s dive in and make dinner the easiest (and tastiest) part of your day!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This one-pan garlic parmesan chicken and potatoes recipe is about to become your favorite fallback dinner—and here’s why:

One pan, less mess: Everything cooks on a single baking sheet. That means minimal cleanup!
Flavor-packed: Who can resist crispy, golden chicken with garlicky parmesan coating?
Quick prep: Just 10 minutes to get everything assembled. The oven does the rest.
Customizable: Swap out herbs, adjust spices, or add your favorite veg. It’s flexible!
Comfort food vibes: Feels like a hearty Sunday dinner, even when it’s just a regular Tuesday.

Whether you’re feeding picky eaters, cooking for two, or meal prepping for the week, this recipe fits right into your life—and your baking sheet.

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Essential Tools and Equipment

You don’t need anything fancy to whip this up. Here’s your simple kitchen lineup:

Large baking sheet (preferably rimmed)
Parchment paper or aluminum foil (for easy cleanup)
Mixing bowls (one large, one small)
Tongs or a spatula (to flip the chicken)
Chef’s knife and cutting board
Measuring spoons
Oven mitts (safety first!)

That’s it. If you’ve got these on hand, you’re halfway to dinner.

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Preparation Tips

Want to nail this recipe on your first try? These prep tips will come in handy:

Pat the chicken dry: This helps the seasoning stick and creates a crispier crust.
Cut potatoes evenly: Uniform size ensures everything cooks at the same rate.
Use room temperature ingredients: Let your chicken sit out for 15 minutes before baking.
Line your baking tray: Save yourself a sticky cleanup by using parchment or foil.
Preheat the oven: Starting with a hot oven ensures that crispy texture we love.
Prep ahead: Chop your garlic and potatoes in the morning. Dinner will be a breeze!

Little things make a big difference—especially when it comes to texture and flavor.

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Ingredients List

Here’s everything you need to make this delicious one-pan dinner:

6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2.5 lbs)
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika (smoked or sweet—your choice)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (fresh grated gets you a better crust)
3 garlic cloves, minced
1.5 pounds baby red or Yukon potatoes, halved or quartered
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Ingredient notes:

Skin-on thighs = maximum flavor and juicy meat.
Parmesan tip: Avoid pre-shredded bags—they often contain anti-caking agents.

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Step-by-Step Directions

Ready to cook? Follow these simple steps and dinner will be on the table in no time:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment or foil for easy cleanup.
In a small bowl, mix together the salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
Pat chicken thighs dry, then drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Rub seasoning mixture evenly all over the chicken.
In a separate bowl, toss the halved potatoes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, minced garlic, and ¼ cup Parmesan.
Arrange chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet, skin-side up. Scatter the seasoned potatoes around them in a single layer.
Sprinkle the remaining ¾ cup of Parmesan over both the chicken and potatoes—generously, so everything gets that cheesy crust.
Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the potatoes are golden and crispy.
If needed, broil for an extra 2-3 minutes at the end to get more browning on top—just keep a close eye!
Top with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

You’ll know it’s ready when the house smells like garlicky heaven and the cheese forms golden, crispy edges.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even simple recipes have their pitfalls. Here’s what to watch out for:

Overcrowding the pan: Give each piece of chicken and potato room to roast, not steam.
Using cold chicken: Straight-from-the-fridge meat won’t brown as well. Let it sit out briefly.
Skipping the seasoning: Don’t just rely on cheese for flavor—season those layers!
Not checking doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure tender, juicy chicken.

Avoid these common hiccups, and you’ll be a one-pan pro in no time.

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Best Side Dishes

While this dish is a hearty meal on its own, adding the right side can elevate it to a fuss-free feast.

Steamed or sautéed green beans: Their freshness balances out the savory richness of the chicken and cheese.
Garlic butter broccoli: Keep it in the family with more garlic love.
Caesar salad: Crisp romaine and creamy dressing offer a cool, crunchy contrast.
Soft dinner rolls or crusty baguette: Perfect for soaking up those cheesy drippings!

Mix and match depending on time, taste, and what’s in your fridge.

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Expert Recipe Tips

Here are a few extra tricks and swaps to take this dish to dinner party level:

Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts: Just reduce cooking time to 25–30 minutes.
Add vegetables: Try tossing in some Brussels sprouts or carrots for variety.
Spice it up: Add crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne for a kick.
Fresh is best: If you can, use freshly grated garlic and Parm—it makes a flavor difference.
Lemon zest bonus: For a bright pop, sprinkle a little lemon zest over everything before serving.

Keep adjusting it to your family’s tastes. No two one-pans need to be the same!

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Storage and Reheating Instructions

Planning for leftovers? Here’s how to keep them fresh and tasty:

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Freeze cooked chicken and potatoes for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheat: Bake in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes, or microwave for 2–3 minutes. Add a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out.

Tip: Reheating in the oven helps preserve that crispy potato texture better than the microwave.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Just note that breasts tend to cook faster and can dry out more easily. Reduce baking time to around 30 minutes and keep an eye on internal temperature.

Can I make this dish ahead?

Yes! You can season your chicken and chop your potatoes several hours in advance. Store them covered in the fridge and assemble just before baking.

What kind of potatoes work best?

Baby red or Yukon gold potatoes are ideal—they hold their shape and get beautifully crispy. Avoid russet potatoes, which can get too starchy and break apart.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free! Just double-check your Parmesan and spices to be sure.

Can I double the recipe?

Of course! Use two sheet pans to avoid overcrowding, and rotate them halfway through baking for even roasting.

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Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about a one-pan dinner that’s both easy to make and full of bold flavor. This Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes is everything we love about a comforting meal—crispy, juicy, cheesy, and satisfying. Plus, it saves you time, dishes, and the dinner-time stress.

So the next time you’re wondering what to make with that lonely pack of chicken thighs sitting in your fridge—you know what to do!

Give this recipe a try tonight, and let me know how it turns out in the comments below. Got your own twist on it? Maybe a new spice blend or creative side dish? I’d love to hear it!

And don’t forget to share this with someone who needs an easy dinner win.

Happy cooking!

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