Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes Skillet

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes Skillet is a delicious, one-skillet meal that combines tender chicken, crispy potatoes, and a savory garlic Parmesan sauce, all topped with melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re looking for a hearty, flavorful meal, this dish delivers restaurant-quality results in the comfort of your home. With minimal ingredients and simple preparation, it’s a crowd-pleaser that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. The crispy air-fried potatoes pair perfectly with the juicy, seasoned chicken, all coated in a rich Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Sauce. This recipe offers a balance of textures and bold flavors, making it a go-to for dinner any day of the week.

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Ingredients Breakdown

Chicken Breasts
Cubed chicken breasts are an excellent choice for this recipe because they cook quickly and evenly. Cutting the chicken into small cubes ensures that each piece is well-seasoned and remains juicy during cooking. Chicken breasts are a lean protein option, making this meal hearty yet relatively light. Their mild flavor makes them the perfect base for soaking up the bold seasonings and the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce.

Potatoes
Using small to medium-sized potatoes, cut into cubes, is key to achieving a crispy exterior and tender interior. The potatoes act as a comforting, starchy base for the dish, adding substance and texture. Tossing them in olive oil with a mix of seasonings before air frying ensures they’re full of flavor and perfectly crispy, without the need for deep frying. The contrast between the crispy potatoes and the tender chicken makes this dish a textural delight.

Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Sauce
This pre-made sauce is the star of the dish, offering a creamy, garlicky, and cheesy flavor profile that elevates the chicken and potatoes. It’s a convenient shortcut that saves time without compromising on taste. The sauce is rich and flavorful, with the perfect balance of tangy garlic and savory Parmesan, making it an easy way to add complexity to the dish.

Seasonings (Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder, Paprika, Onion Powder, Italian Seasoning)
The blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, and Italian seasoning forms the flavor foundation of this dish. These seasonings bring out the natural flavors of both the chicken and potatoes while adding a subtle heat and aromatic depth. Paprika gives a warm, earthy flavor, while Italian seasoning adds herbal notes, making the overall flavor more robust.

Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
The mozzarella cheese is the finishing touch, bringing a creamy, melted topping that ties the whole dish together. Once sprinkled over the chicken and potatoes, it melts beautifully, adding a layer of gooey richness. The cheese also helps to balance the savory and tangy flavors of the sauce, making each bite indulgent and satisfying.

Olive Oil and Butter
Olive oil is essential for achieving perfectly crispy potatoes. By coating the potatoes in a thin layer of olive oil, they become crispy on the outside while staying tender on the inside. Butter, on the other hand, is used to cook the chicken, adding richness and flavor to the meat as it browns. The combination of olive oil and butter enhances both the texture and taste of the final dish, creating a deliciously well-rounded meal.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1️⃣ Preparing the Potatoes

Start by washing and peeling the potatoes to remove any dirt or skin imperfections. Peeling ensures that the potatoes have a smoother texture and appearance once cooked. After washing, cube the potatoes into uniform pieces—about 1-inch cubes—so they cook evenly. Uniform sizes are important to avoid undercooking or overcooking some pieces.

Toss the cubed potatoes in olive oil, which helps them become crispy during cooking. Season the potatoes generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. These seasonings not only enhance the flavor but also contribute to a golden-brown, crispy coating when cooked. The paprika, in particular, gives the potatoes a warm color and a mild, smoky flavor that complements the other ingredients in the dish.

2️⃣ Cooking the Potatoes

To achieve crispy, tender potatoes, preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Once preheated, add the seasoned, cubed potatoes to the air fryer basket, ensuring they are spread in an even layer. Air fry the potatoes for about 20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even crisping on all sides.

The air fryer’s circulating hot air crisps the potatoes without needing much oil, giving them a perfect balance of crunchy exteriors and soft, tender interiors. Check the potatoes for doneness at the 20-minute mark by piercing them with a fork. They should be golden brown on the outside and soft inside.

If you don’t have an air fryer, you can easily roast the potatoes in the oven. Simply preheat the oven to 400°F and spread the seasoned potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure they cook evenly on all sides.

3️⃣ Seasoning the Chicken 

While the potatoes are cooking, move on to preparing the chicken. Begin by cutting the chicken breasts into small, uniform cubes. Cubing the chicken ensures even cooking, with no piece being too thick or too thin, which helps the chicken cook at the same rate. Aim for 1-inch cubes, similar to the potatoes, so everything blends seamlessly together in the final dish.

In a medium bowl, season the chicken cubes with ½ teaspoon each of salt and pepper, and 1 teaspoon each of paprika, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. The combination of these spices infuses the chicken with a rich, savory flavor while adding a slight warmth from the paprika. If you prefer a spicier version, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes. You can also experiment by using fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for a more aromatic flavor. Toss the chicken thoroughly to coat every piece with the seasoning mixture.

4️⃣ Cooking the Chicken 

In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. The butter adds richness to the chicken while also helping it brown beautifully as it cooks. Once the butter is melted and starts to bubble, add the seasoned chicken cubes in a single layer. Cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure all sides are golden brown and evenly cooked.

The goal is to cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, which is the safe temperature for consuming poultry. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness, especially if you’re unsure. Overcooking can lead to dry chicken, so keep a close eye on it to maintain a tender, juicy texture. If the chicken pieces brown too quickly, reduce the heat slightly to prevent burning.

5️⃣ Adding Garlic and Sauce

Once the chicken is cooked through, it’s time to add the garlic and sauce. Stir in 2 tablespoons of minced garlic, allowing it to cook for about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter quickly. Stirring constantly at this stage helps release the garlic’s flavor and fragrance, which complements the dish beautifully.

Next, pour in the Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Sauce. The amount of sauce you use can be adjusted based on how saucy you want the dish to be. Stir the sauce into the chicken, coating each piece evenly. The sauce brings a creamy, garlicky, and cheesy flavor to the dish, enhancing the already flavorful chicken. Allow the mixture to simmer for a minute or two to thicken slightly and fully infuse the flavors.

6️⃣ Combining Chicken and Potatoes 

Once the potatoes are done air frying, add them to the skillet with the chicken. Toss the potatoes and chicken together, making sure the crispy potatoes get evenly coated in the garlic Parmesan sauce. Use a spatula to gently mix everything together, ensuring the flavors are evenly distributed.

This step is crucial because it melds the two main components—crispy potatoes and tender chicken—into one cohesive dish. The potatoes will absorb some of the rich sauce, making each bite flavorful. The combination of textures—the crispiness of the potatoes and the juiciness of the chicken—creates a satisfying balance.

7️⃣ Melting the Cheese 

The final step is to top the dish with shredded mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle the cheese evenly over the chicken and potatoes in the skillet. To melt the cheese, you have two options. First, you can cover the skillet with a lid and let the residual heat melt the cheese, which should take 2-3 minutes. This method is simple and quick.

Alternatively, for a golden and bubbly finish, transfer the skillet to the oven under the broiler. Broil on high for 2-3 minutes, keeping a close watch to prevent burning. The broiler creates a lovely golden-brown layer on top of the cheese, adding a rich, slightly crispy texture. This final step not only enhances the presentation but also adds an extra layer of flavor to the dish.

Tips, Variations, and Pairing Suggestions 

Cooking Tips

Air Fryer vs Oven:
When cooking the potatoes, both the air fryer and oven can yield great results, but each method has its advantages. The air fryer excels at making potatoes crispy with minimal oil and faster cooking times (around 20 minutes), while the oven takes a bit longer (25-30 minutes) and may require more oil for similar crispiness. The air fryer is ideal if you’re short on time and want perfectly crisp potatoes, but the oven is a great alternative if you need to cook larger batches at once. Both methods result in crispy exteriors and soft interiors, so choose based on the equipment you have available.

Cheese Options:
While mozzarella adds a gooey, mild creaminess to this dish, other cheeses can bring unique flavors. Parmesan cheese, for instance, would add a sharper, nuttier taste. Cheddar gives a more robust flavor and melts beautifully, while provolone adds a rich, slightly smoky note. Feel free to mix and match cheeses to suit your taste preferences or what you have on hand.

Protein Alternatives:
If you’re looking to change up the protein, this recipe works well with other options. Substitute the chicken with turkey breast for a leaner alternative, or use shrimp for a lighter, seafood twist. For both turkey and shrimp, you’ll need to adjust the cooking time since shrimp cook faster and turkey may need a few extra minutes to reach the appropriate internal temperature. Both variations add a new dimension to the dish while maintaining its flavorful base.

Recipe Variations

Vegetable Add-ins:
To boost the nutritional content and add more texture, consider adding vegetables to this skillet dish. Bell peppers, broccoli, or mushrooms are excellent choices. They can be sautéed alongside the chicken or roasted with the potatoes, adding color, flavor, and extra nutrients. These vegetables pair well with the garlic Parmesan sauce and blend seamlessly into the dish.

Spice it Up:
For those who enjoy a bit of heat, adding red pepper flakes or using a spicy version of the garlic Parmesan sauce can elevate the dish’s flavor. A dash of cayenne pepper or a drizzle of hot sauce over the finished dish will provide a delightful contrast to the creamy sauce and mild cheese.

Low-Carb Option:
If you’re looking for a low-carb alternative, replace the potatoes with cauliflower florets. Cauliflower roasts or air-fries well and can absorb the flavors of the garlic Parmesan sauce similarly to potatoes. Sweet potatoes are another option if you want to keep the carb content but prefer a slightly sweeter, more nutrient-dense ingredient.

Meal Pairings

Side Dishes:
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes Skillet is already a hearty dish, but it pairs well with simple sides that complement its rich flavors. A light green salad with a lemon vinaigrette can balance the dish’s richness, while garlic bread offers a carb-forward accompaniment to mop up the extra sauce. Roasted vegetables, such as asparagus or zucchini, can be served on the side for an extra boost of flavor and nutrition.

Beverage Pairing:
For a perfect beverage pairing, a light white wine like Sauvignon Blanc works well with the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce, cutting through the richness with its acidity and citrus notes. If you prefer beer, a cold lager or pale ale complements the bold, cheesy flavors while keeping the meal refreshing. Both options are great for casual dinners, adding to the comfort of the dish while enhancing the overall dining experience.

Nutritional Information and Serving Suggestions 

Nutritional Breakdown

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes Skillet is a satisfying, flavorful dish, but it is also relatively rich in calories due to the butter, cheese, and sauce. On average, a serving (based on 3 servings from this recipe) contains approximately:

• Calories: 550-600 kcal
• Fat: 30-35g (from butter, cheese, and olive oil)
• Protein: 35-40g (from chicken and cheese)
• Carbohydrates: 30-35g (from potatoes)
• Sodium: 900-1000mg (depending on the amount of sauce and seasoning)

To make the dish healthier, consider using less butter or a heart-healthy oil like olive oil when cooking the chicken. Opt for a reduced-fat or lighter mozzarella cheese to cut down on fat and calories, or reduce the amount used. Adding more vegetables, such as broccoli or bell peppers, will increase the fiber and nutrients while reducing the overall calorie density. You can also substitute potatoes with a lower-carb option like cauliflower to further reduce carbs and calories.

Serving Size

This recipe comfortably serves 2-3 people as a main course. If you’re feeding a larger group, you can easily double the ingredients and use a larger skillet or batch-cook the potatoes and chicken. For smaller appetites or if serving alongside other dishes, this recipe could stretch to 4 servings. Adjust the portion sizes based on the desired calorie intake or meal components.

FAQs Section

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs for breasts. Thighs are more flavorful due to their higher fat content, which adds richness to the dish. However, they may take a bit longer to cook, so be sure to check that they reach an internal temperature of 165°F before serving.

2. How do I make this dish less rich?

To reduce the richness, you can use less butter or opt for a lighter version of the garlic Parmesan sauce. Additionally, cutting down on the amount of cheese or using a lower-fat variety can help lighten the dish without sacrificing too much flavor.

3. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

To reheat leftovers while maintaining the crispy texture of the potatoes, use a skillet over medium heat. Alternatively, you can reheat the dish in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the potatoes soggy.

4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and potatoes separately in advance. When ready to serve, reheat them together in a skillet with the sauce to ensure the flavors meld together perfectly.

5. What if I don’t have an air fryer?

If you don’t have an air fryer, you can roast the potatoes in the oven at 400°F for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even crisping.

Conclusion 

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes Skillet is a simple yet flavorful dish that brings together crispy potatoes, tender chicken, and a rich garlic Parmesan sauce, all in one skillet. It’s the perfect option for a quick weeknight meal or a comforting dish to share with family and friends. The convenience of using basic ingredients, combined with the bold flavors from the Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Sauce and melted mozzarella cheese, makes this recipe both satisfying and versatile.

Whether you’re looking to impress at a casual gathering or simply want to enjoy a comforting homemade meal, this skillet recipe is a must-try. With easy-to-follow steps and customizable options—like swapping the protein, adjusting the seasonings, or adding extra veggies—it’s adaptable to suit any taste or dietary preference. Give it a try at your next family dinner, and enjoy the rich flavors and comforting textures that make this dish an instant favorite.