Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and rub the seasoning mix evenly on both sides of each piece.
2. Sear the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Potatoes

1. Season the Potatoes: In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Toss the diced potatoes with garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, and pepper, then add them to the skillet.
2. Cook Until Crisp: Sauté the potatoes over medium heat for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and fork-tender. Remove the potatoes from the skillet and set aside with the chicken.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

1. Melt the Butter: In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.
2. Add Cream and Broth: Stir in the heavy cream and chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
3. Thicken the Sauce: Let the mixture simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
4. Incorporate Parmesan and Seasonings: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Continue to stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Combine and Bake

1. Return Chicken and Potatoes to the Skillet: Add the cooked chicken and potatoes back into the skillet, spooning the sauce over them to coat evenly.
2. Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
3. Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the skillet in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

1. Garnish: Remove the skillet from the oven and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
2. Serve Hot: Serve the dish straight from the skillet for a rustic presentation. Pair it with a simple salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Tips for Success

1. Choose the Right Potatoes: Yukon Gold or red potatoes hold their shape well when cooked and develop a nice, crispy exterior.
2. Don’t Skip the Sear: Searing the chicken and potatoes before baking adds depth of flavor and texture to the dish.
3. Fresh Parmesan is Key: For the best results, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese—it melts better and has a more robust flavor compared to pre-packaged versions.
4. Adjust Cooking Time: If you’re using larger chicken breasts or thighs, you may need to bake the dish a little longer to ensure the chicken is cooked through.

Variations

• Add Veggies: Toss in some steamed broccoli, sautéed spinach, or roasted bell peppers for added nutrition and color.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce for a spicy kick.
• Swap the Protein: Use pork chops, turkey cutlets, or even shrimp in place of the chicken.
• Use a Different Cheese: Try Gruyère, Fontina, or even sharp cheddar for a unique twist on the flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This Cheesy Skillet Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes is hearty enough to stand on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with side dishes like:

• Garlic Bread: Perfect for mopping up the creamy sauce.
• Side Salad: A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the dish.
• Steamed Vegetables: Simple steamed asparagus or green beans make a great addition.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

• Make Ahead: You can prep the chicken and potatoes in advance by searing them and storing them in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat and assemble with the sauce when ready to bake.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions.
• Freezing: While the potatoes may lose some texture when frozen, you can freeze the chicken and sauce for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make this dish without heavy cream?
Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a combination of milk and cream cheese for a lighter version.

Q: What if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet?
You can transfer the mixture to a baking dish before adding the cheese and baking.

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and work beautifully in this recipe.

Cheesy Skillet Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes is a true comfort food classic. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together, whether it’s for a casual family dinner or a cozy night in. With its golden chicken, crispy potatoes, and creamy, cheesy sauce, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your household. Give it a try tonight and see why it’s bound to be a new favorite!