If you’re on the hunt for a weeknight winner that feels like a cozy hug on a plate, the Skillet Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Crispy Potatoes Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish brings together juicy, perfectly seared chicken and golden, crispy potato rounds tossed in a luscious garlic Parmesan butter that will keep you coming back for more. The blend of simple ingredients creates layers of flavor and textures that are irresistible, making dinner effortless yet spectacular.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a starring role, coming together to create a harmony of tastes and textures that’s comforting and flavorful. From the creamy Parmesan that adds richness to the crispiness of the potatoes and the juicy, seasoned chicken, simplicity meets perfection in every bite.
- 1 pound Boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Pounds evenly for uniform cooking and tender results.
- 1 pound Small waxy potatoes: Baby gold or red potatoes sliced into half-inch rounds to crisp beautifully in the skillet.
- 4 cloves Fresh garlic: Finely minced to infuse the butter with aromatic, savory depth.
- 1 cup Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty richness that clings to the chicken and potatoes.
- 2 tablespoons Butter: For searing and creating that delicious garlic butter sauce.
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil: Helps achieve the perfect crisp on both chicken and potatoes.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing every flavor.
- Black pepper: Adds a complementary, gentle heat.
- 1 teaspoon Paprika: Brings subtle smoky warmth to the chicken seasoning.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Sprinkled into the garlic butter for a fragrant herbaceous note.
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped: For a fresh, colorful garnish that brightens the dish.
- 1 lemon: Cut into wedges for a bright, zesty finish on the plate.
How to Make Skillet Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Crispy Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Chicken and Potatoes
Begin by pounding your chicken breasts or thighs to an even thickness, ensuring they cook through evenly and stay juicy. Season generously with salt, pepper, and paprika and let it rest for 10 minutes to absorb all those lovely flavors. Meanwhile, slice your waxy potatoes into half-inch rounds, being mindful not to overcrowd the pan later to get that perfect crisp.
Step 2: Crisp the Potatoes
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil along with butter. Lay the potatoes in a single layer without crowding, and resist the urge to stir for the first 4 to 5 minutes. This patience pays off with golden, crispy bottoms. Flip and cook for an additional 4 minutes before transferring the potatoes to a plate and seasoning them with salt.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken to Golden Perfection
Add a touch more oil to your skillet if needed, then nestle the seasoned chicken in. Cook each side for about 4 to 6 minutes until a beautiful golden crust develops. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature reaches 165 F, and then remove the chicken, letting it rest while you prepare the irresistible garlic Parmesan sauce.
Step 4: Build the Garlic Parmesan Butter Sauce
Reduce the heat to low and add butter with the finely minced garlic. Stir the mixture gently for about 30 seconds—watch carefully so the garlic doesn’t brown but releases its fragrant aroma. Toss the potatoes back in, add most of the Parmesan, and sprinkle a pinch of Italian seasoning for extra herbaceous warmth. Stir gently to combine every delicious element.
Step 5: Bring It All Together and Finish
Slice the rested chicken into strips and add it back to the skillet with the garlicky potatoes. Toss everything lightly, allowing the Parmesan to cling and the flavors to meld. Finish with a generous sprinkle of fresh herbs and a little more Parmesan on top. Serve with lemon wedges that bring an uplifting brightness, cutting through the richness perfectly.
How to Serve Skillet Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Crispy Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped parsley or chives are my go-to for adding a pop of green and mild onion flavor. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan at the end gives that irresistible cheesiness that pulls the whole dish together beautifully. Don’t forget the lemon wedges—they add a bright, zesty spark that perfectly balances the richness.
Side Dishes
This dish stands wonderfully on its own, but if you want to round things out, a simple leafy green salad or some roasted seasonal vegetables pairs nicely without overshadowing the main event. A crusty loaf of bread is also a fantastic companion to soak up any leftover garlic Parmesan butter on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more elegant touch, arrange the sliced chicken over a bed of the crispy potatoes on a warm platter and drizzle any leftover garlic Parmesan butter on top. Garnish liberally with herbs and lemon wedges around the edges for a fresh, inviting look that’s perfect for guests or a cozy family dinner.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Skillet Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Crispy Potatoes Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop further, making meals later in the week just as satisfying.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers but keep in mind that potatoes may lose some crispness upon thawing. To preserve texture, freeze the chicken and potatoes separately in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat to restore some crispiness to the potatoes and warm the chicken evenly. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that glorious, garlicky crust intact.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this recipe?
Absolutely! Both boneless skinless chicken breasts and thighs work wonderfully. Thighs offer a bit more fat, which can add extra juiciness and flavor.
What type of potatoes work best for crispy results?
Small waxy potatoes such as baby gold or red potatoes are ideal because they hold their shape and crisp up nicely when cooked in a skillet.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
You can prep the chicken and potatoes ahead of time, seasoning and slicing them. Cooking is best done fresh for optimal crispness and flavor, but leftovers store well as mentioned.
How do I prevent the garlic from burning in the butter sauce?
Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and stir the garlic constantly in the butter for just about 30 seconds. Burnt garlic turns bitter, so watching closely is key.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, naturally! All ingredients are gluten-free, but be sure to check your Parmesan cheese label for any added fillers if you have sensitivities.
Final Thoughts
This Skillet Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Crispy Potatoes Recipe is a shining example of how simple ingredients and a little technique come together to create a meal that feels special every time. Whether for a busy weeknight or a casual weekend dinner, it’s a dependable crowd-pleaser that fills your kitchen with inviting aromas and your heart with joy. Give it a try—you’re going to love it!
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Skillet Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Crispy Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Skillet Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Crispy Potatoes is a comforting one-pan meal featuring tender, golden chicken breasts or thighs paired with perfectly crisped waxy potatoes. The dish is enhanced with a savory garlic butter sauce, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and Italian herbs, delivering a rich and flavorful dinner that’s easy to prepare and sure to please the whole family.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 pound Boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, patted dry (pounded to even thickness)
- Salt, to taste (for seasoning chicken)
- Black pepper, to taste (for seasoning chicken)
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
Potatoes
- 1 pound Small waxy potatoes (baby gold or red), sliced into half-inch rounds
- Salt, to taste (for seasoning potatoes)
Garlic Butter and Seasoning
- 4 cloves Fresh garlic, finely minced
- 1 cup Grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for finishing)
- 2 tablespoons Butter (for flavor and searing)
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil (for searing chicken and potatoes, plus extra if needed)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Garnish and Serving
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped, to taste
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges for serving
Instructions
- Preparation: Pound the chicken breasts or thighs to an even thickness to ensure uniform cooking. Season both sides of the chicken with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Heat the Skillet: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil and butter. Allow the butter to melt and the mixture to heat until shimmering.
- Cook the Potatoes: Add the sliced potatoes in a single layer to avoid overcrowding, which helps achieve crispiness. Cook them without stirring for 4 to 5 minutes until the bottoms are golden and crisp. Flip the potatoes and cook for another 4 minutes until golden on the other side.
- Remove and Season Potatoes: Take the potatoes out of the skillet and place them on a plate. Season with salt to taste while they’re still hot.
- Cook the Chicken: Add more olive oil to the skillet if needed. Lay the seasoned chicken pieces in the skillet and cook on medium-high heat until golden brown, about 4 to 6 minutes per side. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest.
- Make Garlic Butter: Reduce the heat to low and add butter and the finely minced garlic to the skillet. Stir continuously for about 30 seconds to infuse the butter without letting the garlic brown.
- Combine Potatoes and Cheese: Return the potatoes to the skillet and toss gently with the garlic butter. Sprinkle in most of the grated Parmesan and a pinch of Italian seasoning. Stir gently to coat the potatoes evenly with the sauce and cheese.
- Finish the Dish: Slice the rested chicken into strips and add it back to the skillet. Toss lightly with the potatoes and garlic butter to combine the flavors. Top with the remaining Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley or chives for garnish.
- Serve: Plate the chicken and potatoes, and serve immediately with lemon wedges to add a fresh, bright finish to the dish.
Notes
- For best crispiness, do not overcrowd the skillet when cooking potatoes; cook in batches if necessary.
- Pounding the chicken ensures even cooking and tenderness.
- Use a meat thermometer to guarantee the chicken is cooked safely to 165°F.
- Freshly grated Parmesan gives better melt and flavor than pre-grated cheese.
- Lemon wedges add a fresh acidity that balances the richness of the garlic butter and cheese.
- Waxy potatoes such as baby gold or red potatoes hold their shape well when cooked and crisp nicely.
