Viral Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potato Skillet

If you love one-pan meals packed with bold flavor, this Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potato Skillet is about to become your new favorite! Crispy golden potatoes, juicy seasoned chicken, and a rich, garlicky Parmesan sauce come together in a single skillet, making cleanup a breeze.

Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. The secret? A buttery garlic Parmesan coating that seeps into every bite, ensuring a mouthwatering experience. Plus, with simple ingredients and quick prep, it’s an easy yet satisfying meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Whether you’re cooking for family dinner, meal prep, or entertaining guests, this viral garlic Parmesan skillet recipe is guaranteed to impress. Ready to make your kitchen smell amazing? Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potato Skillet is a must-try for anyone craving a flavor-packed, one-pan meal that’s quick and easy to prepare. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special family meal, this dish delivers in both taste and convenience.

Golden, crispy potatoes. The potatoes cook to perfection, soaking up the garlicky, buttery flavors while remaining crispy on the outside and tender inside.

Juicy, seasoned chicken. Each piece of chicken is perfectly seared for a golden crust and stays tender and juicy, absorbing all the delicious garlic Parmesan goodness.

One-skillet convenience. No need for multiple pots and pans! This entire meal cooks in one pan, making cleanup effortless.

Restaurant-quality at home. With its rich, creamy, and cheesy garlic sauce, this dish tastes like something from your favorite restaurant—without the price tag.

Customizable & family-friendly. Whether you add extra veggies, swap the potatoes for a low-carb option, or make it spicy, this dish can be tailored to everyone’s taste.

Once you try this easy yet satisfying skillet meal, it’s sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation!

Ingredients

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potato Skillet is made with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients, yet delivers incredible flavor. Be sure to use fresh herbs, quality Parmesan, and golden potatoes for the best results.

For the Chicken & Potatoes:

• 2 large chicken breasts, boneless & skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 3 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, diced into small cubes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

For the Garlic Parmesan Sauce:

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for topping)
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ¼ teaspoon ground mustard (optional, enhances depth of flavor)
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

This simple ingredient list ensures a rich, creamy, and cheesy skillet meal that’s bursting with garlicky goodness!

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potato Skillet

This one-pan meal comes together quickly and easily, making it a perfect option for busy weeknights. Follow these step-by-step instructions for a flavor-packed skillet dinner!

Sauté the potatoes.

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced potatoes, season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika, and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and tender. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Cook the chicken.

In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the chicken pieces, season with Italian seasoning, onion powder, and red pepper flakes, and cook for 5-6 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside with the potatoes.

Make the garlic Parmesan sauce.

Reduce heat to medium and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and dried thyme, stirring continuously for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Combine everything.

Return the cooked chicken and potatoes to the skillet, tossing them in the garlic Parmesan sauce until well coated. Let everything simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Garnish and serve.

Sprinkle with extra grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for a finishing touch. Serve hot and enjoy this creamy, cheesy, and savory skillet meal!

Tips and Notes

To make your Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potato Skillet absolutely perfect every time, here are some expert tips and tricks to ensure the best flavor, texture, and cooking results.

Cooking Tips

Cut potatoes evenly. To ensure even cooking, dice the potatoes into small, uniform cubes so they cook through at the same time as the chicken.

Use a cast-iron skillet. A cast-iron pan helps achieve the best golden crust on both the chicken and potatoes while enhancing flavor.

Don’t overcrowd the pan. If the skillet is too full, the ingredients will steam instead of sear, preventing them from getting that crispy, golden texture.

Let the chicken rest. After cooking, let the chicken sit for a few minutes before mixing it back in. This keeps it juicy and flavorful.

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap the potatoes. You can replace Yukon Gold potatoes with red potatoes, sweet potatoes, or even cauliflower for a lower-carb version.

Make it dairy-free. Use coconut cream or a dairy-free heavy cream alternative instead of regular heavy cream, and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese.

Adjust the spice level. If you love heat, add extra red pepper flakes, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or chopped jalapeños.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerate leftovers. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Reheat with care. Warm leftovers in a skillet over medium heat for the best texture, adding a splash of cream or broth to refresh the sauce. Microwave reheating works, but the potatoes may soften.

Freezing Instructions. This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat in a skillet.

Pro Tip for Extra Flavor

For an even deeper flavor, deglaze the pan with a splash of chicken broth after cooking the chicken. This releases all the flavorful browned bits, enhancing the garlic Parmesan sauce!

With these tips and tricks, your Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potato Skillet will turn out perfectly creamy, crispy, and flavorful every time!

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are some delicious variations to customize your Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potato Skillet to suit different dietary preferences and flavor profiles.

Make It Low-Carb or Keto-Friendly

• Swap the potatoes for cauliflower florets or broccoli to create a low-carb version without sacrificing flavor.
• Reduce the cream and use more butter to keep it rich and keto-friendly.

Add More Vegetables

• Boost the nutrition by adding mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for extra flavor and texture.
• Stir in roasted cherry tomatoes for a burst of sweetness.

Try a Different Protein

• Use boneless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for a juicier, more flavorful dish.
• Replace chicken with shrimp, turkey, or Italian sausage for a unique twist.
• Try tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian-friendly version.

Make It Spicy

• Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
• Stir in chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.

Experiment with Different Cheeses

• Instead of Parmesan, try Gruyère, Asiago, or Pecorino Romano for a richer, nuttier taste.
• Mix in cheddar or mozzarella for a more melty, cheesy finish.

Make It Creamier

• Stir in a spoonful of cream cheese or mascarpone for an extra creamy sauce.
• Add a little sour cream or Greek yogurt for a tangy touch.

Give It a Smoky Twist

• Use smoked paprika or liquid smoke for a smoky depth of flavor.
• Crisp up bacon bits and toss them in for a savory crunch.

With these easy variations, you can enjoy a new twist on Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potato Skillet every time you make it!

Serving Suggestions

Pair your Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potato Skillet with the perfect sides and drinks to create a well-balanced, satisfying meal. Here are some delicious serving ideas:

Classic Pairings

• Garlic Bread: A warm, crispy slice of garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy Parmesan sauce.
• Side Salad: A light Caesar salad or a simple green salad with balsamic vinaigrette balances the richness.
• Roasted Vegetables: Serve with asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or carrots for a well-rounded meal.

For a Lighter Side

• Steamed Broccoli or Green Beans: Adds a simple, nutritious contrast to the creamy dish.
• Cucumber and Tomato Salad: A refreshing, chilled salad that brightens the meal.
• Sautéed Spinach or Kale: A quick and easy way to add extra greens.

Beverage Pairings

• White Wine: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the garlic and Parmesan flavors beautifully.
• Lemon-Infused Sparkling Water: A refreshing, non-alcoholic option that cleanses the palate.
• Iced Tea with Lemon: Light, slightly sweet, and perfect for a casual meal.

Presentation Tips

• Garnish with fresh herbs. Sprinkle chopped parsley or basil for extra freshness and color.
• Serve in a warm skillet. Keeping the dish warm enhances its gooey, cheesy texture.
• Add extra cheese. A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan on top makes it even more indulgent.

With these serving ideas, your Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potato Skillet will be a well-rounded, crowd-pleasing meal that everyone will love!

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Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potato Skillet isn’t just another one-pan meal—it’s a flavor-packed, creamy, and comforting dish that belongs in your weekly rotation. Here’s why you’ll love making it:

One-Pan Simplicity. Everything cooks in a single skillet, making cleanup quick and effortless.

Rich, Buttery Flavor. The combination of garlic, Parmesan, and butter creates a luxurious, creamy sauce that coats every bite.

Crispy & Tender Perfection. Golden potatoes and seared chicken provide the perfect balance of textures—crispy on the outside, soft and juicy inside.

Quick & Easy. Ready in under 40 minutes, making it an ideal dinner for busy weeknights.

Versatile & Customizable. Whether you swap the protein, add veggies, or spice it up, this dish adapts to your preferences.

If you’re looking for a delicious, satisfying meal that’s both easy and impressive, this Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potato Skillet is a must-try! Give it a go and let us know how you love to serve it!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)