Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes: A Comforting Feast

Introduction

When you gather simple ingredients and transform them into something extraordinary you know you are in for a treat. Imagine tender chicken coated in golden Parmesan and paired with perfectly roasted potatoes. That aroma wafting through the kitchen draws everyone in. The texture of the chicken crisp on the outside and juicy inside. The potatoes soft and flavorful. This dish brings comfort and sophistication together in a single pan. It makes dinner feel special without adding extra work. You can serve it on weeknights or at gatherings and still impress. With basic pantry staples you can recreate this restaurant style meal at home. The dish offers complete satisfaction and showcases how cheese can elevate everyday cooking. Once you taste that irresistible savory blend you will return to make Parmesan chicken and potatoes time and time again.

Ingredients Needed

Here is a helpful table listing the ingredients and their calorie count for this Parmesan chicken and potatoes recipe.

Ingredient	Quantity	Calories (approx.)
Chicken breasts, boneless	4 pieces (about 24 oz)	680 cal (170 cal each)
Russet potatoes	2 pounds	620 cal (310 cal each pound)
Parmesan cheese, grated	1 cup	430 cal
Olive oil	2 tablespoons	240 cal
Garlic cloves, minced	4 cloves	20 cal
Italian parsley, chopped	2 tablespoons	2 cal
Salt	1 teaspoon	0 cal
Black pepper, ground	½ teaspoon	3 cal
Paprika	1 teaspoon	6 cal
Butter	2 tablespoons	204 cal
Lemon juice	1 tablespoon	4 cal

Total calorie count for entire dish approximates 2209 cal. If divided into four servings each portion is around 552 calories.

Step by Step Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken
   Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Sprinkle salt pepper and paprika evenly on both sides of each piece. Rub the seasonings gently so they adhere.
2. Coat with Parmesan
   In a shallow dish combine grated Parmesan cheese garlic and parsley. Press each chicken breast into the cheese mixture coating both sides well. Set aside.
3. Preheat the oven
   Turn your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit around. This temperature allows the chicken to crisp up on top and roast the potatoes evenly at the same time.
4. Cut and season the potatoes
   Wash and scrub the potatoes. Cut them into one inch cubes or wedges for easier cooking. Place them in a large bowl. Drizzle with one tablespoon of olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Toss the potatoes so each piece gets coated.
5. Sear the chicken
   Heat a large oven safe skillet or cast iron pan. Add one tablespoon of olive oil and place over medium high heat. When oil shimmers add chicken breasts Parmesan side down. Cook for two minutes until golden. Flip chicken and cook the other side for one minute. Remove chicken to a plate but leave Parmesan crisp bits in the pan.The creamy flavor of Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes becomes even more delicious when paired with White Cheese Dip.
6. Roast together
   Reduce heat to medium and add butter. Stir melted butter into the Parmesan bits. Add seasoned potatoes around the pan. Place chicken breasts back onto the pan on top of the potatoes. Transfer skillet to the oven. Roast for about twenty five to thirty minutes. Chicken should reach internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit and potatoes should be tender.
7. Add finishing touch
   Remove skillet and squeeze lemon juice over chicken and potatoes. Allow the dish to rest five minutes before serving. Resting helps juices settle and flavors mingle.

Tips for Customizing the Recipe

• Use boneless chicken thighs instead of breasts for a more moist and rich bite.
• Add a handful of halved cherry tomatoes during the last ten minutes of roasting for freshness and color.
• Swap russet potatoes with sweet potatoes for a subtly sweet flavor and vibrant plate.
• Mix in fresh herbs such as thyme or rosemary along with parsley or instead of parsley for herbal complexity.
• For extra crispiness sprinkle a little more Parmesan over the potatoes about ten minutes before dish is done.
• Experiment with spices by adding a pinch of smoked paprika or Cajun seasoning to the cheese mix.
• Drizzle with balsamic glaze just before serving to introduce a tangy sweetness.
• Make a garlic Parmesan butter by melting butter with garlic powder parsley and Parmesan to pour over cooked chicken.

Nutritional Information

Chicken and potatoes prepared this way offers a well balanced meal with lean protein and complex carbs along with healthy fats. Parmesan provides calcium and protein while olive oil offers monounsaturated fat. Garlic and herbs bring antioxidants and flavor without added calories. One four piece serving (about 6 ounces chicken four ounces potatoes) totals around 552 calories. That includes about 38 grams protein 33 grams carbohydrates and around 28 grams fat total. Saturated fat is moderate thanks to Parmesan and butter. Sodium content is a consideration due to cheese and salt. One serving contains about 650 milligrams sodium. To reduce sodium use low sodium Parmesan or reduce salt. If you need to lighten the dish use olive oil spray instead of drizzling and reduce butter amount. Overall this recipe makes a satisfying plate full of nutrients and balance.

Serving Suggestions

Make this Parmesan chicken and potatoes shine with a few complimenting sides and garnishes.

• A fresh green salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through richness while echoing lemon notes.
• Roasted or sauteed asparagus broccoli or green beans seasoned with olive oil and garlic complement texture and color.
• Warm crusty bread or dinner rolls soak up extra Parmesan butter at the bottom of skillet.
• A spoonful of pesto drizzled over the chicken adds herbaceous brightness.
• Tart cherry chutney or cranberry relish gives a sweet tangy contrast perfect for date nights.
• A glass of crisp white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc balances flavors and lifts the meal.
• Garnish with fresh parsley lemon wedges or Parmesan shavings right before serving for visual appeal and extra taste.

Conclusion

Creating Parmesan chicken and potatoes brings warmth and enjoyment to any table. You do not need special culinary training or elaborate tools to make a dish that looks impressive and tastes divine. The blend of cheese butter herbs and light citrus creates depth and comfort at once. Whether you cook for family or host weekend guests this meal pleases everyone with minimal effort. A crisp exterior on chicken paired with tender roasted potatoes creates texture magic. Serve with salad crusty bread and a drizzle of olive oil or balsamic glaze to elevate even further. Its versatility means you can adjust flavors and ingredients based on dietary needs or what you have on hand. Every bite feels like a celebration of simple yet powerful flavors. Bring this dish to your next dinner and enjoy the pride of a home cooked favorite that matches restaurant quality.