
If you’re searching for a dinner that truly wows, Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes is a soul-satisfying, crowd-pleasing meal that brings together tender chicken, crispy smashed potatoes, fresh broccoli, and a swoon-worthy parmesan cream sauce. This dish hits every note: cozy, garlicky, cheesy, and bursting with comforting flavors that make it impossible to resist that extra forkful!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- All-in-One Comfort: Juicy chicken, crispy potatoes, and the most luscious creamy garlic parmesan sauce combine for the coziest family meal, all in a single baking dish.
- Flavor to Spare: Layer upon layer of Cajun and steak-spiced richness, buttery onions, tender broccoli, and REAL Parmesan—that first bite is full of intrigue and warmth.
- Customizable Magic: You can easily swap veggies, dial up the spice, or use your favorite chicken and potato seasonings every time you make it.
- Special Yet Simple: It delivers holiday-worthy flavor but is simple enough for a cozy weeknight—no fancy tricks required!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes is how each ingredient plays a starring role—nothing is wasted, and every component brings important flavor, texture, or color to the party. Here’s what you’ll need and why you’ll love every bite!
- Chicken breasts (1.5 lbs, diced): Lean, juicy, and perfect for soaking up all the garlicky creaminess.
- Baby Dutch potatoes (16 oz, gold or red): These get boiled, smashed, and roasted for crispy edges and fluffy centers—total potato bliss!
- Broccoli florets (2 cups): Adds brightness and a fresh, healthy bite that balances out all the rich flavors.
- Butter (6 tablespoons, divided): Infuses both the chicken and sauce with irresistible flavor and silkiness.
- Garlic (lots!): Both minced cloves and a heaping tablespoon go into this dish for tremendous aromatic depth.
- White onion (1/2, diced): Adds gentle sweetness and savory background to the chicken saute.
- Monterey Jack cheese (1 cup, shredded): Melts beautifully, making the topping gooey and creamy.
- Cajun seasoning (1 tablespoon): Gives the chicken a kick—use your favorite blend or the homemade version below.
- Montreal steak seasoning (1 tablespoon): Wonderful on the potatoes, but any robust all-purpose seasoning will work.
- Olive oil: For roasting and bringing out caramelized flavors in the potatoes.
- Heavy cream (2 cups): Builds a dazzlingly velvety cheese sauce. Substitute half & half for a lighter version.
- White wine (1/2 cup): Adds subtle acidity and elegance to the cream sauce, with options to substitute.
- Parmesan cheese (2/3 cup, grated): The star of the sauce—nutty, salty, and ultra savory.
- Salt and pepper to taste: For balancing all those bold flavors so each one sings.
Variations
One of my favorite things about this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes recipe is how forgiving and flexible it is—swap veggies, change the spice, or try new cheeses depending on what you’re craving or what’s in your fridge!
- Swap the Protein: Use boneless thighs for richer flavor or even cooked rotisserie chicken for a time-saving twist.
- Try Different Veggies: Substitute asparagus, green beans, cauliflower, or bell peppers—just blanch or roast as needed.
- Lighter Sauce: Use half & half instead of heavy cream, or try evaporated milk for a slimmed-down but still creamy sauce.
- Heat Things Up: Add extra cayenne to your Cajun spice or a pinch of chili flakes to the cream sauce for a gentle heat kick.
- Cheese Swap: Mix in sharp cheddar or fontina with the Monterey Jack for a new flavor dimension.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to a toasty 400°F and generously spraying your 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray. This ensures you’ll have easy cleanup and no cheesy bits left behind!
Step 2: Boil and Smash the Potatoes
Boil your baby potatoes in salted water until just fork-tender (keep them whole so they don’t fall apart!). Then cool them briefly, drizzle with olive oil, and use a measuring cup to gently smash each one—this creates lots of crispy surface area in the oven. Sprinkle generously with steak seasoning.
Step 3: Blanch the Broccoli
While the potatoes are boiling or cooling, add your broccoli florets right into the same pot of water for about two minutes. This quick blanch keeps them bright green and perfectly tender-crisp—don’t forget to pat them dry after draining!
Step 4: Roast the Potatoes
Place the smashed, seasoned potatoes in a single layer on your baking pan and roast them for 40–45 minutes until the edges turn deeply golden and irresistibly crunchy. Leave the oven on for later—you’ll bake everything again at the end!
Step 5: Sauté the Chicken, Onion, and Garlic
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-low, season your chicken generously with Cajun seasoning, and cook it for about 4 minutes. After flipping, add the butter, diced onion, and garlic, letting them become aromatic and golden while the chicken finishes cooking through. Transfer all this flavor-packed goodness to your prepared baking dish.
Step 6: Make the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce
In the same skillet, melt more butter and sauté garlic until extra fragrant. Pour in the white wine, bringing it to a simmer until reduced by half (this concentrates all the flavor!). Stir in the heavy cream and let it bubble gently until thickened, then whisk in the Parmesan. Taste and balance with salt and pepper, remembering your potatoes and chicken are already seasoned.
Step 7: Assemble and Bake Everything Together
Now, bring it all home—mix the roasted potatoes and blanched broccoli right into the baking dish with your chicken. Sprinkle with Monterey Jack cheese, pour over every drop of your creamy garlic parmesan sauce, and bake uncovered for 15 minutes until bubbling and irresistibly melty on top.
Pro Tips for Making Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes
- Smash, Don’t Mash: Use the flat bottom of a measuring cup to press the potatoes just until they split and flatten—this maximizes those crispy edges once roasted, and keeps the insides fluffy.
- Deglaze for Depth: When you pour wine into the skillet, scrape up all the golden bits—these bring incredible flavor to the creamy sauce!
- Watch Your Cream: Let the heavy cream simmer, but don’t boil too fiercely, or it can separate—gentle bubbling means a beautifully thick, smooth sauce.
- Assemble Just Before Baking: To avoid soggy potatoes, layer the hot crispy potatoes right into the dish before baking with the sauce and cheese.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes
Garnishes
A flourish of fresh chopped parsley or chives just before serving adds wonderful color and a gentle herby contrast to the creamy sauce. For a final flourish, try a dusting of additional Parmesan or even a light sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you like a touch more heat.
Side Dishes
This is truly a complete meal, but if you want to round things out, pair Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes with a simple leafy green salad or some roasted carrots for more veggie goodness. Warm, crusty bread is also perfect for mopping up that unbelievable sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a show-stopping centerpiece, serve this dish family-style in the same baking dish—let everyone dig in! For dinner parties, portion individual servings in shallow bowls and top with extra sauce and herbs. Leftovers can be spooned into toasted hoagies or wraps for a decadent next-day lunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen, making the next-day leftovers just as crave-worthy—just be sure to let the dish cool before sealing it up.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, though be aware the creamy sauce may slightly change in texture. Cool completely and freeze in a tightly sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, place leftovers in a covered baking dish and warm in a 325°F oven until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. For single portions, the microwave works well too—just cover and heat in intervals, stirring so the sauce stays creamy and the chicken warms evenly.
FAQs
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Can I make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can cook the chicken, blanch the broccoli, and roast the potatoes a day in advance, then keep everything refrigerated. Assemble with the sauce and cheese just before baking for the freshest taste and best texture.
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What can I substitute for white wine in the sauce?
If you prefer not to use wine, simply substitute with 1/2 cup chicken broth plus 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice—the result is bright, tangy, and still layered with flavor.
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Can I use a different cheese instead of Parmesan?
Yes! While Parmesan is classic, you can blend in Romano, Asiago, or even a sharp white cheddar for a different (equally delicious) spin on the sauce. Just make sure to use a flavorful, well-melting cheese for the best creamy result.
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How do I keep the potatoes crispy when baking with the sauce?
The trick is to assemble and bake just before serving—roast the potatoes until golden and only add them to the sauce right before the final bake so they keep plenty of crispy edges.
Final Thoughts
If you’re hunting for that unforgettable, creamy, cozy dish to make any night feel special, Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes is your answer. It’s pure comfort, with an irresistible blend of textures and tastes that always gets rave reviews. I can’t wait for you to dig in and discover just how delicious one-pan, home-cooked happiness can be!
PrintCreamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes recipe is a comforting and satisfying meal that combines tender chicken, crispy potatoes, and fresh broccoli smothered in a rich and creamy garlic parmesan sauce. Baked to perfection, this dish is bursting with flavor and sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs chicken breasts, diced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 white onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon cajun seasoning*
For the Potatoes:
- 16 oz baby dutch potatoes, gold or red
- 1 tablespoon Montreal steak seasoning
- Olive oil
For the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 heaping tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup white wine*
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2/3 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Spray a 9×13 nonstick baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Boil & Bake Potatoes: Bring a pot of water to a boil. Cook the potatoes until fork-tender. Drizzle with olive oil, season, and bake until crispy.
- Prepare Chicken: Cook chicken, onion, and garlic in a skillet. Transfer to a baking dish.
- Make Cream Sauce: Saute garlic in butter, add white wine, then cream. Simmer until thickened. Add parmesan, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble and Bake: Combine chicken, potatoes, and broccoli in the baking dish. Top with cheese and sauce. Bake until heated through.
Notes
- Chicken and potato seasonings are suggestions; feel free to use your favorite seasoning blends.
- To substitute white wine, use 1/2 cup chicken stock with 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice.
- Homemade Cajun Seasoning: Mix smoked paprika, cayenne, onion powder, garlic powder, brown sugar, black pepper, salt, thyme, and oregano.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 760 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 52g
- Saturated Fat: 30g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 48g
- Cholesterol: 230mg