Easy Weeknight Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe Everyone Loves
Introduction
Looking for a simple and delicious dinner idea? This Easy Weeknight Garlic Parmesan Chicken recipe is perfect for busy evenings. It’s quick to prepare and packed with flavor, making it a favorite among families. With tender chicken and crispy potatoes coated in a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce, this dish is sure to win over everyone at the table!
Why Make This Recipe
There are many reasons to love this recipe! First, it takes only one baking dish to create a complete meal, which means less time cleaning up afterwards. Second, it is customizable; you can adjust the seasonings and ingredients to suit your taste. Finally, the combination of garlic and Parmesan is irresistible, making this recipe a surefire hit for both kids and adults alike.
How to Make Easy Weeknight Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Making this delicious chicken dish is simple. Follow these straightforward steps to get it on your table in no time!
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1.5 lbs baby potatoes, halved (gold or red potatoes work best)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese (divided)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- Chopped parsley (for garnish)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Lightly grease a large baking dish or sheet pan.
- In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, half of the Parmesan (about ⅓ cup), Italian seasoning, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Place the chicken and halved potatoes in a large mixing bowl or directly on the baking dish.
- Pour the garlic-Parmesan mixture over everything and toss to coat evenly.
- Arrange the chicken and potatoes in a single layer.
- Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through (165°F internal temp) and potatoes are fork-tender.
- Optional: Broil for 2–3 minutes at the end to get a golden, crispy top.
- Let rest for 5 minutes.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.
How to Serve Easy Weeknight Garlic Parmesan Chicken
This dish is best served hot from the oven! You can enjoy it on its own or with a side salad for a complete meal. The crispy potatoes go wonderfully with the flavorful chicken, making every bite satisfying.
How to Store Easy Weeknight Garlic Parmesan Chicken
If you have leftovers (though we doubt you’ll have much!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for about 3–4 days. You can also freeze the dish for up to 3 months. Just make sure to reheat it thoroughly before serving.
Tips to Make Easy Weeknight Garlic Parmesan Chicken
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the garlic and Parmesan mixture for a few hours before baking.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
- Feel free to add veggies like broccoli or green beans to the baking dish for a complete one-pan meal!
Variation
You can switch up the seasoning to fit your preferences. Try adding lemon juice for a zesty flavor or switch the Parmesan for another cheese, like mozzarella or cheddar, for a different taste.
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of chicken?
Yes, you can use chicken thighs or even chicken drumsticks for this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure they are thoroughly cooked.
2. What can I serve with this meal?
This dish pairs well with a simple green salad, steamed vegetables, or bread for soaking up the delicious sauce.
3. Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes! You can prep everything ahead of time and place it in the fridge. Just bake when you’re ready to eat!
