01 -
First things first, let's get those potatoes and chicken ready for your Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Potatoes Skillet! Wash and halve your baby potatoes, then toss them with a tablespoon of olive oil, a good pinch of salt, and a generous crack of black pepper. For the chicken, pat those thighs dry – this is crucial for a good sear! Season them with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. I always end up with a little seasoning dust on the counter, but hey, that's just kitchen life, right?
02 -
Heat another tablespoon of olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once it's shimmering, carefully place the chicken thighs skin-side down (if they have skin, otherwise just one side down). Let them sear for about 4-5 minutes per side until they're beautifully golden brown. This step builds so much flavor, don't rush it! I once got impatient and flipped them too early, resulting in sad, pale chicken. Learn from my mistakes!
03 -
Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. Now, add the seasoned potatoes to the same skillet. Let them cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to get tender and develop some lovely crispy edges. This is where the magic starts to happen! You'll smell that earthy potato goodness mingling with the leftover chicken bits – pure happiness!
04 -
Once the potatoes are looking good, push them to one side of the skillet. Add the minced garlic to the empty space and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Oh, that smell! It's honestly one of my favorite kitchen aromas. Then, pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. This deglazing step is super important for an incredible sauce, don't skip it!
05 -
Return the seared chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them among the potatoes. Sprinkle half of the freshly grated Parmesan cheese over everything. At this point, I usually sneak a little taste of the sauce, just to make sure it's perfect (and maybe because I'm impatient!). Make sure everything is cozy in the pan, ready for its oven spa treatment.
06 -
Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C) and the potatoes are fork-tender and gloriously crispy. Pull it out, sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan, and a handful of fresh parsley. Let it rest for a few minutes, then dig in! It's going to be so good, you won't even care about the little mess you made!