There's nothing quite like the sizzle of a skillet filled with tender chicken and crispy potatoes infused with the flavors of garlic and Parmesan. This Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes Skillet is a one-pan wonder, perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty, comforting, and packed with flavor.
I stumbled upon this recipe while searching for a way to combine two of my favorite ingredients—chicken and potatoes—into a simple yet satisfying meal. Over time, it has become a staple in our house, loved for its versatility and ease of preparation. Let's dive into why this recipe is a must-try for your family table.
Why You'll Love This Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes Skillet
Get ready to discover your new go-to dinner recipe. This Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes Skillet is a flavor-packed dish that's perfect for any occasion.
First, it’s incredibly easy to make. Everything comes together in just one pan, saving you time on both cooking and cleanup. This is a huge win for busy weeknights or when you just don’t feel like spending hours in the kitchen.
Second, it’s a crowd-pleaser. The combination of juicy chicken, crispy potatoes, and a garlic-Parmesan sauce is universally loved, even by picky eaters. Plus, it’s versatile enough to serve as a casual family dinner or an impressive dish for guests.
Third, this recipe is budget-friendly. Using simple ingredients like chicken thighs, potatoes, garlic, and Parmesan cheese keeps costs low while delivering restaurant-quality flavor.
Finally, the dish is highly adaptable. You can add veggies like broccoli or green beans to make it a complete meal, or switch up the seasonings to suit your taste. The possibilities are endless!
Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this dish lies in its simple ingredients that work together to create a harmonious blend of flavors. Here's what you'll need and why each ingredient is essential.
Chicken: I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for this recipe. They stay juicy and tender while browning beautifully in the skillet. You can also use chicken breasts if you prefer, but keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
Potatoes: Baby or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal because they cook quickly and develop a lovely golden crust. If you don’t have those, red potatoes or even russets (cut into smaller pieces) work just as well.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is the star of the show here. It infuses the chicken and potatoes with a robust, aromatic flavor that’s hard to beat. Don’t skimp on this ingredient!
Parmesan Cheese: Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor. It melts into the dish, creating a rich, savory coating that ties everything together.
Seasonings: A mix of Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper brings depth to the dish. Feel free to adjust the seasonings to suit your preferences.
Olive Oil and Butter: A combination of these two fats ensures the perfect balance of richness and crispiness. The butter adds flavor, while the olive oil helps the chicken and potatoes brown beautifully.
If you have a large, heavy-bottomed skillet, like cast iron, this recipe will turn out even better. The even heat distribution helps achieve that irresistible golden crust.
How To Make This Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes Skillet

Making this dish is as simple as it is delicious. Let’s break it down step by step.
Start by prepping your ingredients. Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and slice the potatoes into even halves or quarters, depending on their size. Mince the garlic and grate the Parmesan cheese to have everything ready to go.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, add the chicken in a single layer. Let it cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes to develop a golden crust before flipping. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until fully cooked, then remove the chicken and set it aside.
In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil and the sliced potatoes. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are golden brown and tender.
Reduce the heat to medium and stir in the minced garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, then add a tablespoon of butter and let it melt into the mixture. Return the chicken to the skillet and toss everything together.
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top and let it melt for a few minutes. Stir to coat the chicken and potatoes evenly. Garnish with chopped parsley for a pop of color, and serve hot.
This entire process takes about 30-35 minutes, making it perfect for weeknights when you need a quick, satisfying meal.
Storage Options
If you have leftovers (though that's unlikely!), this dish stores beautifully for later enjoyment.
Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, use a skillet over medium heat to maintain the crispiness of the potatoes, or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
For longer storage, you can freeze the dish for up to two months. Just let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as mentioned above.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is as flexible as it is delicious, so feel free to get creative with these ideas.
Add veggies: Toss in green beans, bell peppers, or zucchini during the last 5 minutes of cooking for added nutrition and color.
Swap the protein: Use shrimp, sausage, or even tofu for a fun twist. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Change the cheese: While Parmesan is classic, you can experiment with Asiago or Pecorino Romano for a slightly different flavor profile.
Use different seasonings: Try Cajun spices, smoked paprika, or a sprinkle of chili flakes for a bit of heat.
Make it dairy-free by omitting the butter and Parmesan and using a vegan-friendly cheese alternative.
The best part about this recipe is its versatility—don’t be afraid to make it your own. Whatever you choose, you’re in for a delicious meal.
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Garlic Parmesan Chicken And Potatoes Skillet Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes Skillet is a savory one-pan recipe featuring juicy chicken, crispy potatoes, and a rich garlic parmesan sauce.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 lb baby potatoes, halved
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Season chicken breasts with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Sear the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden. Remove from skillet.
- In the same skillet, add potatoes, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until crispy and tender.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Return chicken to the skillet, sprinkle Parmesan cheese over chicken and potatoes, and cover for 5 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use Yukon Gold or red potatoes for best results.
- Substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts if preferred.
- Pair with a side salad or steamed veggies for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with potatoes
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 540mg
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