CHICKEN AND POTATOES WITH GARLIC PARMESAN CREAM SAUCE

Discover the rich flavors of Chicken and Potatoes with Garlic Parmesan Cream Sauce, a comforting and savory dish that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions. This recipe combines tender chicken thighs, creamy potatoes, and a decadent garlic parmesan sauce that will leave everyone satisfied. Follow these simple steps to create this memorable meal:

Ingredients:

• 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• 3 cups baby spinach, roughly chopped
• 16 ounces baby Dutch potatoes, halved*
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves

For the Garlic Parmesan Cream Sauce:

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup chicken broth, or more, as needed
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 cup half and half*
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Lightly oil a 9×13 baking dish or coat with nonstick spray.
2. Season chicken with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.
3. Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken, skin-side down, and sear both sides until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side; set aside.
4. Melt remaining 1 tablespoon butter in the skillet. Stir in spinach and cook, stirring occasionally, until it begins to wilt, about 2 minutes; set aside.
5. To make the garlic parmesan cream sauce, melt butter in the skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Whisk in flour until lightly browned, about 1 minute.
6. Gradually whisk in chicken broth, thyme, and basil. Cook, whisking constantly, until incorporated, about 1-2 minutes. Stir in half and half and Parmesan until slightly thickened, about 1-2 minutes. If the mixture is too thick, add more milk as needed; season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Place chicken in a single layer into the prepared baking dish. Top with potatoes, spinach, and cream sauce.
8. Place into the oven and roast until completely cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165 degrees F, about 25-30 minutes.
9. Serve immediately, garnished with parsley, if desired.

Notes:

• Potatoes can be cut into thirds or fourths to ensure quicker cooking time.
• Half and half is equal parts of whole milk and cream. For 1 cup half and half, you can substitute 3/4 cup whole milk + 1/4 cup heavy cream or 2/3 cup skim or low-fat milk + 1/3 cup heavy cream.

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Tips:

• Presentation: Arrange chicken and potatoes with a generous ladle of garlic parmesan cream sauce on a serving platter for an appealing presentation.
• Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish before serving to add a pop of color and freshness.
• Accompaniments: Serve alongside a crisp green salad or crusty bread to complement the creamy sauce.

Storage Tips:

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat to preserve the texture of the chicken and potatoes, stirring occasionally.
• Freezing: While possible, freezing may alter the texture of the sauce; freeze in an airtight container for up to 1 month for best results.

Enjoy the savory flavors of Chicken and Potatoes with Garlic Parmesan Cream Sauce with these tips to ensure every serving is as delicious as the first!

Variations:

1. Sun-Dried Tomato and Basil Sauce:
   • Substitute the garlic parmesan cream sauce with a sauce made from sun-dried tomatoes, basil, and cream for a Mediterranean twist.
2. Lemon Herb Chicken:
   • Marinate the chicken thighs with lemon juice, garlic, and herbs like rosemary and thyme. Serve with roasted potatoes and a light lemon cream sauce.
3. Spicy Cajun Chicken:
   • Season the chicken with Cajun spices before searing. Replace the cream sauce with a spicy Cajun Alfredo sauce for a flavorful kick.
4. Mushroom and White Wine Sauce:
   • Saute sliced mushrooms in butter and white wine. Add cream and Parmesan to create a rich mushroom sauce to serve over the chicken and potatoes.
5. Garlic Roasted Vegetables:
   • Include a variety of roasted vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini alongside the potatoes for added texture and flavor.
6. Pesto Chicken and Potatoes:
   • Coat the chicken with pesto sauce before baking. Serve with roasted potatoes and drizzle with a creamy basil pesto sauce.
7. Balsamic Glazed Chicken:
   • Glaze the chicken with balsamic vinegar reduction during roasting. Serve with roasted potatoes and drizzle with a balsamic cream sauce.
8. Honey Mustard Chicken:
   • Marinade the chicken in a honey mustard sauce before baking. Serve with crispy roasted potatoes and a side of honey mustard cream sauce.
9. Greek Yogurt Sauce:
   • Substitute the cream in the sauce with Greek yogurt for a lighter option. Add fresh dill and lemon juice for a tangy twist.
10. Caprese Style Chicken:
    • Top the chicken with sliced tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves before baking. Serve with roasted potatoes and drizzle with a balsamic reduction.
11. Herb-Crusted Chicken:
    • Coat the chicken thighs with a mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme before baking. Serve with creamy potatoes.
12. Mediterranean Style:
    • Replace the spinach with chopped Kalamata olives and sun-dried tomatoes. Add crumbled feta cheese to the cream sauce for a Mediterranean twist.

These variations offer diverse flavors and ingredients to customize Chicken and Potatoes with Garlic Parmesan Cream Sauce according to your taste preferences and culinary creativity. Enjoy experimenting with different sauces and accompaniments to elevate this comforting dish!

FAQs:

1. Can I use boneless chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs?
   • Yes, boneless chicken breasts can be used. Adjust the cooking time as chicken breasts cook faster than thighs.
2. What can I substitute for baby Dutch potatoes?
   • You can use other types of small potatoes like fingerling potatoes or halved regular potatoes. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
3. How can I make this dish lighter?
   • To reduce the calorie content, use skinless chicken thighs or breasts, and substitute half and half with low-fat milk or Greek yogurt.
4. Can I make the garlic parmesan cream sauce ahead of time?
   • Yes, you can make the sauce ahead of time and refrigerate it. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk to adjust consistency if needed.
5. What vegetables can I add to this dish?
   • Besides spinach, you can add vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or peas. Saute or roast them before adding to the dish.
6. How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
   • Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). The juices should run clear when pierced with a knife.
7. Can I use store-bought chicken broth for the sauce?
   • Yes, store-bought chicken broth works well. Opt for low-sodium broth if you prefer to control the salt content.
8. What should I serve with Chicken and Potatoes with Garlic Parmesan Cream Sauce?
   • This dish pairs well with crusty bread, rice, or a side salad for a complete meal.
9. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
   • Yes, replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to thicken the sauce.
10. How can I add more flavor to the potatoes?
    • Toss the potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, and herbs like rosemary or thyme before roasting for extra flavor.

These FAQs provide practical answers to common queries about preparing, storing, and customizing Chicken and Potatoes with Garlic Parmesan Cream Sauce, ensuring a successful and delicious dining experience every time!

Savor the delightful combination of tender chicken, creamy potatoes, and flavorful garlic parmesan sauce with this easy-to-follow recipe. Perfect for any occasion, this dish promises to impress with its comforting flavors and hearty ingredients. Treat yourself and your loved ones to a memorable dining experience tonight!