One-Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Potatoes

• Rich and Creamy Flavor – The Parmesan and garlic sauce is luxurious and packed with depth.
• One-Pot Convenience – Fewer dishes, easier cleanup, and maximum flavor.
• Perfect Comfort Food – Hearty and satisfying, ideal for cozy dinners.
• Customizable – Works with chicken breasts or thighs and pairs with various sides.
• Gluten-Free – Naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chicken

• 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Garlic Parmesan Cream Sauce

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Mashed Potatoes

• 2 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons butter
• ½ cup milk (or more as needed)

Directions

Prepare the Chicken

1. Season the Chicken – Pat the chicken dry and season with basil, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and salt.
2. Sear the Chicken – Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Make the Garlic Parmesan Cream Sauce

3. Sauté the Garlic – In the same skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter and add minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add the Cream and Parmesan – Pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly. Gradually add the Parmesan cheese, whisking to combine.
5. Simmer – Reduce heat and let the sauce thicken for about 3-5 minutes. Add a little more cream if needed to reach the desired consistency.

Prepare the Mashed Potatoes

6. Boil the Potatoes – In a large pot, boil cubed potatoes with 1 teaspoon of salt until fork-tender (about 15 minutes). Drain.
7. Mash and Mix – Mash the potatoes with butter and milk, stirring until smooth and creamy. Add more milk if needed for a softer texture.

Assemble and Serve

8. Return the Chicken – Add the seared chicken back into the skillet with the sauce, spooning the sauce over the top. Let it warm for a few minutes.
9. Plate and Enjoy – Serve the chicken over mashed potatoes and garnish with fresh parsley.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes

Variations

• Mushroom Twist – Add sautéed mushrooms to the sauce for extra depth of flavor.
• Spicy Kick – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.
• Low-Carb Option – Serve over cauliflower mash instead of traditional mashed potatoes.
• Herb Upgrade – Use fresh basil or thyme for a more aromatic dish.
• Cheesy Mashed Potatoes – Mix extra Parmesan into the mashed potatoes for even more flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze the chicken and sauce separately for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream if needed to loosen the sauce.

FAQs

1. Can I use bone-in chicken?

Yes, but adjust the cooking time as bone-in chicken takes longer to cook.

2. What’s the best way to thicken the sauce?

If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer longer or add a small cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water).

3. Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

Yes, but the sauce will be thinner. For a similar richness, use half-and-half instead.

4. What’s the best Parmesan to use?

Always use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and meltability.

5. Can I substitute the potatoes?

Absolutely! This dish pairs well with pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables instead of mashed potatoes.

6. How do I prevent the sauce from breaking?

Avoid high heat when adding dairy and stir continuously for a smooth sauce.

7. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare everything in advance and reheat gently before serving.

8. What wine pairs well with this dish?

A dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay complements the creamy garlic sauce beautifully.

9. Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a dairy-free version.

10. How can I make this dish more filling?

Serve with a side salad, garlic bread, or steamed veggies for a complete meal.

Conclusion

This Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Cream Sauce served with mashed potatoes is a flavorful, creamy, and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any dinner. With its rich sauce, tender chicken, and velvety mashed potatoes, this meal will quickly become a family favorite. Try it today and enjoy a restaurant-quality dish right at home!

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