
This one-pan garlic Parmesan chicken and potatoes makes the ideal weeknight meal by mixing simplicity with amazing taste. I've tried so many quick dinner ideas, but this one stands out as my family's top pick, giving you restaurant-worthy food with hardly any dishes to wash.
The smell of garlic and herbs roasting spreads through my kitchen whenever I cook this, and my family shows up at the table before I even tell them dinner's ready. It's now the meal they ask for most when we're rushing on weeknights.
Complete Ingredient Breakdown
- Chicken breasts: Look for ones that are the same size so they cook evenly. Make sure to dry them well for better browning
- Baby potatoes: Try to find ones that are roughly the same size for even cooking. Yukon Golds have a nice buttery taste
- Fresh garlic: Chop it right before you use it to get the strongest flavor
- Parmesan cheese: Grate it yourself for better melting and taste
- Italian seasoning: Go with fresh herbs when you can for brighter flavor
Mastering Your Meal
- Choosing Your Pan:
- Go for a big sheet pan with edges that gives everything enough room. Put down parchment paper to make cleanup easy and stop food from sticking. Put the rack in the middle of your oven so everything cooks the same.
- Getting Chicken Ready:
- Wipe chicken completely dry with paper towels for proper browning. Mix all your spices in a small dish first to make sure they spread evenly. First coat the meat with olive oil, then add your seasoning mix, pressing it in gently.
- Prepping Potatoes:
- Cut them into same-sized pieces so they cook evenly. Toss them in a big bowl with olive oil first so the seasonings stick better. Then mix in your minced garlic and Parmesan, making sure every piece gets coated.
- Arranging Everything:
- Leave enough space between each piece of food. Don't crowd the pan or your food will steam instead of roast. Put the bigger chicken pieces toward the outside of the pan where it's hotter.
- Getting the Right Texture:
- Keep a close eye when broiling during the last few minutes to get that perfect golden top. Take the chicken out when it hits exactly 165°F for the juiciest result.

My grandma always told me that good roasted potatoes need plenty of space on the pan. This helps them get that delicious golden crust instead of just getting steamy and soft.
Tasty Side Suggestions
Add some roasted broccoli or a fresh green salad on the side. Grab some crusty bread to soak up all those tasty juices from the pan. For special nights, start with a light soup or finish with a simple sweet treat.
Fun Twists to Try
- Switch things up by using different herb mixes like rosemary with thyme
- Swap in sweet potatoes for something different and nutritious
- Throw in some cherry tomatoes or asparagus for the last 10 minutes to add more veggies
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
Put any extras in a sealed container and they'll last up to 3 days. Warm them up in a 350°F oven to keep everything crispy. Don't use the microwave for the potatoes or they'll turn mushy.

This all-in-one meal has gotten me through so many hectic evenings without giving up on taste. When you mix well-seasoned chicken with crispy potatoes, you see that basic ingredients, done right, make the most satisfying dinners. I now use this dish to show cooking beginners that tasty food doesn't need to be complicated.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Is it okay to swap thighs for breasts?
- Absolutely! Thighs are juicier and work well here. Just make sure to cook until the inside hits 165°F.
- → How can I make the potatoes crunchy?
- Keep potato pieces the same size, spread them out on the pan, and turn them halfway while baking. The Parm helps with crisping too!
- → Can this dish be prepped ahead?
- Yep! You can season the chicken and prep the potato mix a day early. Keep them stored separately in the fridge until it’s time to bake.
- → What veggies work as add-ons?
- Try tossing in broccoli, carrots, green beans, or Brussels sprouts. Just add them in the last 15 minutes so they don’t overcook.
- → How should leftovers be handled?
- Put leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat and keep things crisp, pop them in the oven at 350°F for 10 to 15 minutes.