Amazing Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes Dinner

For as long as I can remember, I have found myself asking the same question every day: “What will I cook?” It often takes me longer to decide what to make than it does to actually prepare the meal. That is why I love sharing recipes like this incredibly easy and flavorful Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes. It is perfect for busy weeknights, and I promise it will become a new family favorite.

This delicious dish comes together in under an hour, making it an ideal choice when you need something quick and satisfying. I designed this recipe to make your everyday cooking decisions feel much easier, bringing comfort and joy back to your kitchen. Get ready to cook tonight with confidence.

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Why You’ll Love This Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes

I know you are always looking for meals that make life simpler without sacrificing flavor, and this Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes truly delivers. I think it is the best because:

• Quick Cleanup: This recipe uses an air fryer and a single skillet, which means less time scrubbing pots and pans after dinner. I love anything that reduces my dish duty.
• Incredibly Flavorful: The combination of savory garlic, rich Parmesan, and perfectly seasoned chicken and potatoes creates a taste explosion everyone will adore. It is just so comforting and delicious.
• Highly Customizable: You can easily swap out ingredients or add extra vegetables to suit your family’s preferences or whatever you have on hand. I always encourage making recipes your own, like our amazing one-pan Parmesan chicken pasta which is incredibly versatile.
• A Proven Crowd-Pleaser: Even the pickiest eaters at my table ask for seconds of this dish. It is a hearty and satisfying meal that appeals to all ages.

Gather Your Ingredients for Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes

Gathering your ingredients ahead of time makes the cooking process so much smoother. Here is what you will need for this fantastic Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes dish:

• 1 lb chicken breasts (cut into cubes )
• 4 – 5 small/medium-sized russet potatoes
• olive oil + salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika (for potatoes)
• 2 tbsp of butter
• 1/2 tsp each of salt and pepper
• 1 tsp each of paprika, onion powder, and Italian seasoning
• 1-2 tbsp minced garlic
• Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Ingredient Choices to Consider:

• Potatoes: I have specified russet potatoes for their fluffy interior and crispy exterior, which is perfect for this dish. However, Yukon Gold potatoes also work well, offering a creamier texture. Baby reds or new potatoes can be delicious too, but I often leave the skin on and might adjust the cooking time slightly. Potatoes are also packed with essential nutrients like vitamin C and potassium, contributing to a healthy diet.
• Cheese: Mozzarella provides that classic melty, gooey topping. If you want to experiment, provolone, a blend of Italian cheeses, or even freshly grated Parmesan can add different flavor notes. Cheddar offers a sharper taste if you are looking for something bolder.
• Garlic: I call for minced garlic in the recipe, and fresh is always my top choice for its robust flavor. Jarred minced garlic is a fantastic time-saver, which I often use on busy nights. If you are really in a pinch, a pinch of garlic powder can be used, but I find it does not quite replicate the punch of fresh or jarred minced garlic.
• Sauce Customization: The Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Sauce is ready to go, but you can always adjust its consistency if needed. If it seems too thick, a splash of chicken broth or milk can thin it out. If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can let it simmer in the skillet for a minute or two to reduce slightly before adding the chicken.

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes: Step-by-Step

Making this Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes recipe is incredibly straightforward. Just follow these steps, and you will have a delicious meal ready in no time.

1. Wash your potatoes thoroughly, peel them, and then cut them up into small, even-sized cubes. Uniform pieces will help them cook evenly and crisp up nicely.
2. In a bowl, toss the cubed potatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. I do not use exact measurements for this part, but just be sure they are well coated in oil and seasoning. This helps them get super crispy and flavorful.
3. Cook the potatoes in your air fryer at 400 degrees F for about 25 minutes. To achieve truly crispy potatoes, make sure not to overcrowd your air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary so they can be in a single layer. Shake them around at least a couple of times while they cook to ensure all sides get golden brown.
4. Once the potatoes are about halfway through cooking, cut your chicken breasts into uniform cubes. Aim for similar sizes so they cook evenly.
5. Cook the chicken in a skillet on medium-high heat with 2 tbsp of butter. Ensure your skillet is hot before adding the chicken for a nice sear.
6. Season the chicken with 1/2 tsp each of salt and pepper, 1 tsp each of paprika, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Stir occasionally until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink. Be careful not to overcook it, as that is when it can become dry.
7. Once the chicken is finished cooking, add the minced garlic and just enough of the Parmesan Garlic sauce to coat the chicken beautifully. Stir everything together until the chicken is well covered.
8. Add the crispy cooked potatoes to the skillet with the chicken and stir well to combine all the delicious flavors.
9. Top the entire skillet with shredded mozzarella cheese.
10. Broil in the oven for just a few minutes to melt the cheese and get it bubbly and golden. You could also cover the skillet with a lid and let it sit on the stove until the cheese melts from the residual heat. Top with dried parsley for a fresh touch and a little bit more Parmesan Garlic sauce if you can handle the extra flavor! Enjoy every bite!

Essential Equipment for Your Kitchen

Having the right tools can make all the difference in how smoothly your cooking goes. For this Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes recipe, I recommend a few key pieces of equipment:

• Air Fryer: This is essential for getting those perfectly crispy potatoes with minimal oil. Mine has a 400 degrees F setting, which is what I recommend for this recipe.
• Large Skillet: I prefer using a cast iron skillet for its excellent heat retention and ability to achieve a beautiful sear on the chicken, but a good quality non-stick skillet also works wonderfully for easy cleanup.
• Sharp Knife: A sharp knife is crucial for safely and efficiently cutting your chicken and potatoes into uniform pieces.
• Cutting Board: A sturdy cutting board provides a stable surface for all your chopping and dicing.

Variations & Customizations for Your Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes

I always encourage you to play with recipes and make them your own. Here are some ideas for customizing your Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes:

Ingredient Swap	Alternative Idea	Notes
Potatoes	Yukon Gold, Baby Red Potatoes	Yukon Golds offer a creamier texture; Baby Reds can be left unpeeled.
Chicken Breast	Chicken Thighs, Chicken Tenderloins	Thighs stay juicier; Tenderloins cook faster.
Mozzarella Cheese	Provolone, Parmesan, Cheddar Blend	Different cheeses offer varied melting properties and flavor profiles.
Garlic (minced)	Garlic Powder (for potatoes), Freshly Grated	Powder is fine for potatoes; Fresh offers stronger flavor for sauce.
Olive Oil	Avocado Oil, Grapeseed Oil	Use high smoke point oils for air frying.
Seasonings	Chili Powder, Italian Herbs, Dried Rosemary	Adjust to your spice preference or what you have on hand.

Pairing Perfection: What to Serve with Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes dish is quite hearty on its own, but I always like to offer a few ideas for pairing to make it a complete meal.

• Simple Green Salad: A crisp salad with a light vinaigrette is a classic choice and provides a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors.
• Steamed Green Beans: Lightly steamed green beans with a sprinkle of salt are quick and add vibrant color.
• Roasted Asparagus: Roasting asparagus brings out its natural sweetness and makes for an elegant side.
• Corn on the Cob or Creamed Corn: A sweet and comforting side that complements the savory chicken.
• Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up any extra delicious Garlic Parmesan sauce left in the skillet.
• Fluffy White Rice: If you want to make it even heartier, a bed of rice works wonderfully.
• Simple Pasta: A light pasta like angel hair or penne, perhaps tossed with a little olive oil and fresh herbs, can also be a great accompaniment.

Storing and Reheating Your Leftovers

I am all about efficient cooking, and that includes making the most of leftovers! This Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes recipe reheats beautifully.

For storage, I simply transfer any cooled leftovers to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It’s especially important to properly handle cooked potatoes due to food safety risks if they are not cooled and stored quickly.

When it comes to reheating, I have a few tips to keep everything tasting great:

• Microwave: This is the quickest option for individual portions. Place your leftovers in a microwave-safe dish and heat in 30-60 second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. I sometimes add a tablespoon of chicken broth or water to keep the chicken from drying out.
• Oven: For larger portions or to help the potatoes regain some crispiness, I recommend reheating in the oven. Preheat your oven to 300-325 degrees F. Spread the chicken and potatoes in an even layer on a baking sheet, cover loosely with foil, and heat for 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. Removing the foil for the last few minutes can help crisp up the potatoes again.
• Stovetop: If you have just a small amount, you can reheat it in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of broth or water, cover, and stir occasionally until heated through. This method also helps prevent the chicken from drying out.

FAQ About Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes

I get a lot of questions about recipes, and I love answering them to help you cook with more confidence. Here are some common queries about Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes:

My Potatoes Aren’t Crispy! What Went Wrong?

The most common culprits for non-crispy potatoes are overcrowding the air fryer basket or skillet, not using enough oil, or not shaking/flipping them frequently enough. I always ensure my potatoes are in a single layer in the air fryer so the hot air can circulate properly. A generous coating of olive oil also helps, and those regular shakes are key to even browning and crispiness. Sometimes, par-boiling the potatoes for a few minutes before air frying can also help them crisp up even more.

Why Is My Chicken Dry?

Dry chicken is usually a sign of overcooking. Chicken breasts cook relatively quickly, especially when cut into cubes. I aim for them to be just cooked through, no longer pink, but not left on the heat for too long. Using a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165 degrees F is the best way to ensure juicy chicken every time. Also, cooking on medium-high heat helps to sear the outside while keeping the inside tender.

Can I Make This Ahead of Time?

You can definitely prep some components of this dish in advance! I often wash, peel, and cube my potatoes and store them in cold water in the fridge for up to a day. You can also cube your chicken and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. I do not recommend fully assembling the dish much more than an hour or two before cooking, as the potatoes can start to lose their crispness when mixed with the sauce, and the chicken might get too cold before cooking.

How Can I Adjust the Sauce Thickness?

If you find your Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Sauce is a bit too thick, I recommend stirring in a tablespoon or two of chicken broth or milk until it reaches your desired consistency. If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can let it simmer in the skillet for a few extra minutes before adding the chicken, allowing it to reduce slightly. Alternatively, a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tsp cold water) can be stirred into the simmering sauce to thicken it quickly.

Conclusion

I hope this Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes recipe becomes a cherished staple in your home, just as it has in mine. It truly embodies what I strive for here at whatwillcook.com: simple, quick, and incredibly delicious meals that take the guesswork out of dinner. I designed this dish to be easy enough for any night of the week, yet flavorful enough to feel like a special treat.

So, the next time you are asking yourself, “What will I cook tonight?” I hope you think of this amazing Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes. I would love to hear from you! Please leave a comment below with your favorite modifications, any lingering questions, or share your results on social media using #whatwillcook. Happy cooking!