Chicken and Potatoes with Garlic Parmesan Cream Sauce: A Flavorful One-Pan Wonder
If you’re searching for a meal that’s delicious, comforting, and easy to prepare, this Chicken and Potatoes with Garlic Parmesan Cream Sauce is exactly what you need. It’s a one-pan dish that combines juicy, seared chicken breasts, tender baby potatoes, and a creamy, garlicky Parmesan sauce that ties everything together beautifully. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a special dinner, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. Best of all, it requires minimal prep and cleanup, making it perfect for those who love great food but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1.5 lbs baby potatoes, halved
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Preparation
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Preheating ensures your oven is ready by the time the chicken and potatoes are prepared, which helps streamline the cooking process.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, dried thyme, and dried oregano. Rub the spices into the chicken evenly, making sure all sides are well-coated. This step imparts flavor to the chicken, ensuring it’s delicious throughout.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot (but not smoking), carefully add the seasoned chicken breasts. Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side until it’s golden brown. This locks in the juices and ensures a tender bite after baking. Once browned, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 4: Sauté the Garlic
In the same skillet (without cleaning it to retain the flavors), add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant and golden. Be cautious not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter if overcooked.
Step 5: Prepare the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
Pour 1 cup of heavy cream into the skillet and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt into the cream. Continue stirring for about 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens. The sauce should be smooth and rich, with the garlic and Parmesan creating a deeply savory base.
Step 6: Add the Potatoes
Add the halved baby potatoes to the skillet, tossing them in the garlic Parmesan cream sauce until they are evenly coated. The potatoes will absorb the flavors of the sauce as they bake, becoming tender and creamy.
Step 7: Combine the Chicken and Potatoes
Place the seared chicken breasts on top of the potatoes in the skillet. Spoon some of the sauce over the chicken, ensuring that every element is covered in the creamy garlic and Parmesan mixture. This step infuses even more flavor into the dish.
Step 8: Bake the Dish
Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Bake until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the potatoes are fork-tender. If you’d like a crispy finish, you can broil the dish for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end of baking to create a golden, caramelized top.
Step 9: Garnish and Serve
Once the dish is out of the oven, garnish it with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of color and freshness. Serve hot, and enjoy the rich, savory flavors.
Cooking Tips
- Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure the chicken is perfectly cooked without being dry, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F.
- Make the Sauce Ahead of Time: You can prepare the garlic Parmesan sauce up to two days in advance. Store it in the fridge, and reheat it when you’re ready to use it. This makes dinner prep even faster!
- Extra Cheese, Extra Flavor: For a cheesier dish, feel free to sprinkle more Parmesan on top before baking. The extra cheese will melt into the sauce and create a rich, gooey layer on top of the chicken and potatoes.
- Swap Potatoes: Don’t have baby potatoes on hand? Yukon gold or red potatoes work just as well. Just cut them into evenly sized chunks so they cook at the same rate as baby potatoes.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is rich and creamy, making it perfect to pair with lighter sides. Here are a few ideas:
- Green Salad: A fresh, crisp salad with a light vinaigrette is a great complement to the rich sauce.
- Sautéed Vegetables: Add some color and nutrition to your plate by serving the chicken and potatoes alongside sautéed greens like spinach or broccoli.
- Crusty Bread: Use a crusty loaf of bread to mop up any extra garlic Parmesan sauce left in the skillet. The sauce is too good to waste!
- Steamed Vegetables: For a heartier meal, serve this dish with steamed broccoli or green beans, which provide a light, earthy contrast to the creamy sauce.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in chicken breasts instead of boneless?
Yes, you can use bone-in chicken breasts. However, they may require a slightly longer cooking time. Be sure to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F before serving.
Can I substitute the heavy cream with something lighter?
Yes, if you prefer a lighter sauce, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cornstarch. While the sauce will still be creamy, it won’t be as rich and thick as when made with heavy cream.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! Vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or spinach can be added to the skillet before baking. Just make sure they’re evenly coated with the sauce to absorb the rich garlic and Parmesan flavors.
Can I freeze leftovers?
This dish is best when enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. However, freezing is not recommended as the cream sauce may separate when thawed.
Conclusion
This Chicken and Potatoes with Garlic Parmesan Cream Sauce is a comforting, crowd-pleasing recipe that’s perfect for both special occasions and easy weeknight dinners. With juicy chicken, tender potatoes, and a rich garlic Parmesan sauce, it’s sure to become a family favorite. The best part? It’s a one-pan dish, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy a delicious, homemade meal. Feel free to make this recipe your own by experimenting with herbs or adding your favorite vegetables. Happy cooking!