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This garlic parmesan chicken and potatoes recipe has become my weeknight lifesaver when I need a filling family meal without hours in the kitchen. The crispy potatoes and tender chicken cubes get tossed in a rich garlic parmesan sauce that even my pickiest eaters devour without complaint.
I first created this recipe when trying to replicate my son's favorite restaurant dish. After several attempts, this version became such a hit that it's now requested weekly as our Sunday dinner tradition.
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts: Provide lean protein and take on flavors beautifully. Look for ones without added solutions for best texture
- Potatoes: Offer that perfect crispy exterior while staying fluffy inside. Choose Yukon gold for creamier results or russet for extra crispiness
- Olive oil: Helps achieve that golden crust on both chicken and potatoes
- Salt and pepper: Fundamental for layering flavors throughout cooking
- Garlic powder: Gives depth without burning like fresh garlic might during high heat cooking
- Paprika: Adds subtle smokiness and beautiful color to both components
- Butter: Creates richness in the sauce and helps brown the chicken perfectly
- Onion powder: Provides savory notes without the texture of actual onions
- Italian seasoning: Brings herbal complexity with just one ingredient
- Minced garlic: Offers that irreplaceable fresh garlic punch in the sauce
- Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Sauce: The secret weapon for instant flavor. Find it in grocery stores or online
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Creates that irresistible melty finish. Freshly shredded melts more smoothly than pre-packaged
How To Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes
- Prepare the potatoes:
- Wash and peel your potatoes before cutting them into uniform cubes about 3/4 inch each. Consistency in size ensures even cooking. Toss them thoroughly in olive oil until each piece has a light coating, then season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder and paprika. Make sure every cube gets seasoned for maximum flavor.
- Crisp the potatoes:
- Transfer your seasoned potato cubes to an air fryer basket in a single layer with some space between pieces for proper air circulation. Cook at 400°F for approximately 20 minutes, but be vigilant. Shake the basket twice during cooking at about 7 and 14 minutes to ensure each cube gets evenly browned on all sides. They should emerge golden and crispy outside with fork tender centers.
- Prepare the chicken:
- While potatoes cook, cut chicken breasts into 1 inch cubes for quick, even cooking. Season them thoroughly with the measured salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder and Italian seasoning, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Let them sit for 5 minutes to absorb the seasonings while you prepare your skillet.
- Cook the chicken:
- Heat a large skillet over medium high heat and add butter, allowing it to melt completely and start to bubble slightly. Add the seasoned chicken cubes in a single layer, giving them space to brown rather than steam. Cook for about 4 minutes before stirring, then continue cooking until chicken reaches 165°F internally, about 6 to 8 minutes total. The chicken should have golden edges and be fully opaque throughout.
- Create the sauce:
- Reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic to the cooked chicken, stirring constantly for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Immediately pour in the garlic parmesan sauce, coating all chicken pieces evenly. Let the sauce warm through and thicken slightly for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Combine and finish:
- Add your crispy air fried potatoes to the skillet, gently folding them into the chicken and sauce mixture until everything is coated evenly. Spread the mixture into an even layer and sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the top. Either cover with a lid for 2 to 3 minutes until cheese melts, or place under a broiler for 1 to 2 minutes for a more browned, bubbly finish.
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My absolute favorite part of this dish is how the garlic parmesan sauce soaks into the potatoes, creating these flavor bombs that burst with every bite. My husband claims this recipe got him through a particularly stressful work week when I made a double batch for him to take for lunches.
Make Ahead Options
This dish works wonderfully for meal prep strategies. You can prepare the potatoes and chicken separately up to two days ahead. Store them in separate containers in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, warm the chicken in a skillet, add the potatoes, sauce, and finish with cheese as directed. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making this taste even better the next day.
Ingredient Substitutions
No air fryer? Roast the potatoes in your oven at 425°F for 25 to 30 minutes on a parchment lined baking sheet. If Buffalo Wild Wings sauce is unavailable, make your own by combining 1/4 cup melted butter, 3 tablespoons grated parmesan, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning. Chicken thighs work beautifully as a juicier alternative to chicken breasts. For a lighter version, turkey breast makes an excellent substitute.
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Serving Suggestions
This one pot wonder truly shines when served with a simple side salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For a complete meal, consider adding steamed broccoli or asparagus alongside for color and nutrition. I often serve this family style in the skillet placed on a trivet at the center of the table, allowing everyone to help themselves to the bubbling, cheesy goodness. For entertaining, transfer to a decorative baking dish and garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results when reheating, use a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or chicken broth to revive the sauce. Cover with a lid until heated through, then uncover for the last minute to restore some crispness. The microwave works in a pinch, but the potatoes will lose their crispiness. This dish does not freeze well as the potatoes can become mealy when thawed.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What type of potatoes works best for this dish?
Small or medium-sized potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes work best. Their creamy texture pairs well with the garlic parmesan flavor.
- → Can I use a different cheese instead of mozzarella?
Yes, you can substitute mozzarella with provolone, parmesan, or even a cheddar blend for a different flavor profile.
- → Is there an alternative to Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Sauce?
You can make your own garlic parmesan sauce by combining melted butter, minced garlic, and grated parmesan cheese with a touch of cream or olive oil.
- → How can I make the dish spicier?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or use a spicy garlic parmesan sauce alternative to add some heat to the dish.
- → What sides pair well with this dish?
Garlic bread, sautéed greens, or a fresh garden salad make excellent side dishes to complement the rich flavors of this meal.