Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes
Hola! If you’ve ever wondered what happens when a Florida girl falls in love with the cozy, comforting flavors of creamy garlic parmesan sauce, you’re about to find out. Growing up in Orlando, some of my favorite memories were pressing tortillas alongside my mama, but I also remember the simple joy of family dinners that warmed us from the inside out. This creamy garlic parmesan chicken and potatoes recipe is one of those meals. With tender chicken, crispy potatoes, and broccoli tucked into a cheesy, velvety sauce, it’s a dish that brings family straight to the table. Packed with protein and flavor, it’s a dinner worth bookmarking.
Quick Recipe Overview
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
|---|---|
| Cook Time | 1 hour |
| Total Time | 1 hour 15 minutes |
| Servings | 4 |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Cuisine | American, Comfort Food |
| Best Season | Fall, Winter |
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Cozy one-pan meal: Chicken, broccoli, and potatoes bake together under a creamy parmesan sauce, making cleanup a breeze.
- Protein-packed dinner: With lean chicken and cheese, this dish is full of protein, perfect for high protein low calorie meals recipes.
- Family-friendly flavor: The creamy garlic parmesan sauce is rich but not overpowering, making it a hit with adults and kids alike.
- Meal prep ready: Reheats beautifully, so it’s ideal for meal prep dinner high protein needs.
- Customizable seasonings: Use Cajun seasoning for a little kick, or swap in Italian herbs for a milder twist.
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Creamy garlic parmesan chicken and potatoes baked with broccoli in a cheesy sauce for a cozy, protein-packed dinner.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs chicken breasts, diced
- 16 oz baby dutch potatoes (gold or red)
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 white onion, diced
- 1 cup Monterey jack cheese, shredded
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (or preferred chicken seasoning)
- 1 tablespoon Montreal steak seasoning (or preferred potato seasoning)
- Olive oil
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 heaping tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup white wine (or chicken stock with lemon juice)
- 2 cups heavy cream (or half & half for lighter)
- 2/3 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F and spray a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick spray.
2. Boil potatoes until fork tender, smash lightly, season, and bake for 40–45 minutes.
3. Blanch broccoli for 2 minutes, drain, and pat dry.
4. Cook seasoned chicken in a skillet with olive oil, butter, onion, and garlic until done. Transfer to baking dish.
5. Make sauce: sauté garlic in butter, deglaze with wine, reduce, then add cream and parmesan until thickened.
6. Add potatoes and broccoli to chicken in baking dish, pour sauce over, top with Monterey jack cheese.
7. Bake uncovered for 15 minutes until bubbly and melted.
8. Serve warm with fresh parsley or chives.
Notes
Substitute white wine with chicken stock and lemon juice if preferred.
Half & half can be used instead of heavy cream, though sauce will be lighter.
Chicken thighs can replace chicken breasts for juicier results.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dinner, Casserole, Comfort Food
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 941
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 46g
- Saturated Fat: 23g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 37g
- Cholesterol: 160mg
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs chicken breasts, diced
- 16 oz baby dutch potatoes (gold or red)
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 white onion, diced
- 1 cup Monterey jack cheese, shredded
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (or preferred chicken seasoning)
- 1 tablespoon Montreal steak seasoning (or preferred potato seasoning)
- Olive oil
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 heaping tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup white wine (or chicken stock with lemon juice)
- 2 cups heavy cream (or half & half for lighter)
- 2/3 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Ingredient Tips Table
| Ingredient | Tip |
| Chicken | Dice evenly so it cooks quickly and stays juicy. Season generously for best flavor. |
| Potatoes | Baby gold or red potatoes work best. Smash slightly before baking for crisp edges. |
| Broccoli | Blanch before baking so it stays vibrant and slightly crisp. |
| Parmesan Cheese | Use freshly grated parmesan for a smooth sauce and better melting. |
| White Wine | Substitute with chicken stock and lemon juice if you prefer to skip wine. |
| Cajun Seasoning | Homemade blend adds smoky depth, but store-bought works fine. |
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F and spray a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Boil potatoes in salted water until fork tender, then remove with a slotted spoon. Smash lightly with a measuring cup on a baking sheet.
- Blanch broccoli in the same pot for 2 minutes, then drain and pat dry.
- Season potatoes with Montreal steak seasoning and drizzle with olive oil. Bake for 40–45 minutes until golden and crispy. Leave oven on.
- Cook chicken in a skillet with olive oil and Cajun seasoning for 4 minutes. Flip once, then add butter, onion, and garlic. Cook another 4–5 minutes until done. Transfer to the baking dish.
- Make sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter, sauté garlic, and deglaze with wine. Reduce by half, then stir in heavy cream. Simmer until thickened, about 5–7 minutes. Add parmesan, whisking until smooth. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Assemble dish: Add baked potatoes and broccoli to the chicken in the baking dish. Pour sauce over everything, top with Monterey jack cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 15 minutes until bubbly and cheese is melted. Serve hot.
Helpful Tips
- Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces for faster cooking.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for smoother melting.
- Don’t oversalt since seasonings and cheese already add flavor.
- Let dish rest 5 minutes before serving so sauce thickens slightly.
Expert Tips for the Best Results
- Smash potatoes: This creates more surface area, giving you crispier edges.
- Layer ingredients evenly: Ensures every bite has chicken, broccoli, and potato.
- Simmer cream gently: Avoid boiling hard so the sauce doesn’t split.
- Grate cheese finely: Helps it melt evenly into the sauce without clumping.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes or extra cayenne to Cajun seasoning.
- Lighter version: Use half & half instead of heavy cream and reduce cheese slightly.
- Vegetarian option: Skip chicken and double the broccoli and potatoes for a hearty side.
- Cheese swap: Try mozzarella or provolone for a milder, melty topping.
Make Ahead & Freezer Tips
Assemble the dish ahead of time, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Bake as directed when ready. For freezer prep, assemble and freeze unbaked for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this creamy garlic parmesan chicken and potatoes straight from the baking dish for a rustic family dinner. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for color. A simple side salad or warm crusty bread balances the richness.
Pairing Ideas
Pair with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the creaminess. For non-alcoholic, try sparkling water with lemon. Garlic bread, roasted asparagus, or a light cucumber salad make great sides.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge. Reheat in the microwave in 1-minute intervals, or warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk to revive the sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Yes, chicken thighs work perfectly and stay extra juicy. Can I skip the broccoli? Absolutely, swap with green beans, spinach, or zucchini if you prefer. Is this recipe gluten-free? Yes, as written it is naturally gluten-free. Just double-check your seasonings. What if I don’t have white wine? Use chicken stock with a squeeze of lemon for similar flavor. Can I make it dairy-free? Substitute coconut cream for heavy cream and dairy-free cheese. Does it freeze well? Yes, assemble then freeze unbaked. Bake directly from frozen, adding 15–20 minutes. How do I make it spicier? Add extra Cajun seasoning or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
Nutrition Info
| Serving Size | 1 plate |
| Calories | 941 kcal |
| Protein | 37 g |
| Carbohydrates | 42 g |
| Fat | 46 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.
Craving more flavors? Try our Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole next.
Conclusion
This creamy garlic parmesan chicken and potatoes recipe is pure comfort on a plate. With protein-rich chicken, crispy potatoes, and broccoli all baked in a velvety sauce, it’s the kind of dish that feels special but is simple enough for any weeknight. Try it once and it will quickly become a family favorite.
