Juicy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs with Baby Potatoes

If you’re in the mood for a satisfying, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish, you’ve come to the right place. These juicy garlic parmesan chicken thighs are irresistibly good! And because you bake them on top of the baby potatoes, it makes a perfect one-pan meal. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to impress!

Why this recipe works

Firstly, the mayo-based chicken marinade is a game-changer! It not only keeps the chicken incredibly moist but also enhances the chicken browning process during roasting. This browning is a result of the Maillard reaction, a complex chemical process that occurs when proteins and sugars in the chicken’s surface interact with heat.

But that’s not all. Mayo, being predominantly fat, plays a crucial role in infusing flavor. It acts as a carrier for fat-soluble flavor compounds found in common aromatics like herbs and spices. When you mix these seasonings with mayo, you’re essentially creating a flavor powerhouse, allowing flavors to penetrate deep into the meat. This results in irresistibly good chicken!

What are Juicy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs

Juicy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs with Baby Potatoes is a hearty and satisfying dish that combines tender, flavorful chicken thighs with perfectly roasted baby potatoes. The chicken thighs are marinated in a creamy garlic and parmesan mixture, creating a savory, cheesy coating that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. Paired with the seasoned baby potatoes, this dish is a true crowd-pleaser.

Best ingredients for Juicy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs

• Chicken thighs: Go for bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for the juiciest and most flavorful results.
• Baby potatoes: Choose small baby potatoes, and be sure to clean and halve them for even cooking.
• Mayonnaise: High-quality mayonnaise forms the base of the creamy marinade.
• Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated parmesan cheese, such as Pecorino Romano, adds a rich, cheesy flavor.
• Spices: Smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and minced garlic provide the perfect seasoning blend.
• Dijon mustard: This tangy mustard adds depth to the marinade.

How to make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs

Please note: This is just an overview – the full ingredients and directions are in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Step 1: Preheat the oven.

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your chicken thighs and baby potatoes cook evenly.

Step 2: Season the baby potatoes.

In a large baking dish, place the cleaned and halved baby potatoes. Drizzle them with olive oil, then add salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Toss everything together until the potatoes are evenly coated with the seasonings.

Step 3: Prepare the chicken marinade.

In a shallow bowl, create the marinade for the chicken thighs by combining mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, minced garlic, and most of the grated parmesan cheese. Mix until everything is well incorporated. Place the chicken thighs in the bowl with the marinade and make sure they are thoroughly coated with the mixture.

Step 4: Arrange and bake.

Arrange the marinated chicken thighs on top of the seasoned baby potatoes in the baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes or until the chicken thighs are cooked through and the potatoes are tender.

Step 5: Add cheese and bake again.

Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle the remaining parmesan cheese evenly over the chicken thighs. Return it to the oven for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and slightly browned.

Step 6: Garnish and serve.

Once done, take the dish out of the oven and garnish it with freshly chopped parsley and optional red chili flakes for a hint of heat. Now, your Juicy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs with Baby Potatoes are ready to be served and enjoyed!

Storing and freezing tips

If you have leftovers (which is rare with this dish!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the chicken and potatoes in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

This dish is not ideal for freezing, as the texture of the potatoes and chicken may change upon thawing and reheating.

Top tips for the best Juicy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs

• Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
• Make sure to evenly coat the potatoes with the olive oil and seasonings for consistent flavor.
• Marinate the chicken thighs for 30 minutes, or even overnight, for maximum flavor results.
• Check the doneness of the chicken with a meat thermometer to ensure it’s perfectly cooked.
• Garnish with fresh parsley and red chili flakes for added visual appeal and flavor.

Serving suggestions

Juicy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs with Baby Potatoes are a complete meal on their own, but you can enhance the experience by serving them with:

• Steamed vegetables: A side of steamed broccoli, green beans, or cauliflower adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish.
• Salad: A fresh garden salad with a zesty vinaigrette pairs wonderfully with the creamy chicken and potatoes.
• Roasted asparagus: Asparagus spears drizzled with olive oil, seasoned with salt, pepper, and a hint of lemon zest, then roasted until tender, offer a burst of freshness and color to your plate.

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Roasted Peach Salad with Prosciutto and Mozzarella

Easy Lemon Spaghetti with Basil

Chicken Parmesan Pasta with Gremolata

Authentic Chicken Quesadilla

Caprese Stuffed Chicken

Polish version of this recipe available here.