Baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines juicy chicken thighs with tender Baby Dutch potatoes and vibrant spinach. This recipe features a creamy garlic sauce infused with Parmesan cheese and a blend of herbs, making it a crowd-pleaser for family dinners.

The simplicity of the preparation, along with the rich flavors, ensures a satisfying meal that feels both special and homely. Perfect for any night of the week, this dish will quickly become a favorite on your dinner table!

Baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Ingredients

6 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on

1 pound of halved Baby Dutch potatoes

4 cups baby spinach

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided

½ tablespoon Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

Parsley for garnish

Sauce:

1 cup low-sodium, low-fat chicken broth

½ cup half-and-half

½ stick unsalted butter

½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon dried basil

¼ cup flour

½ teaspoon dried oregano

Instructions

Step 1: Set your oven to 400°F and prepare a 9×13 baking pan by lightly spraying it.

Step 2: In a skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and add the baby spinach. Cook just until wilted, then remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Lower the skillet heat to medium, adding the remaining butter. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes.

Step 4: Add the flour to the skillet and whisk, cooking for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, then stir in the Parmesan cheese and half-and-half. Cook for an additional 3 to 5 minutes before adding the remaining spices.

Step 5: Season the chicken thighs with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Place them skin-side up in the baking dish. Layer the halved potatoes and cooked spinach on top of the chicken.

Step 6: Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables, then bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked.

Step 7: If desired, broil for a minute or two to crisp the chicken skin. Remove from the oven and serve hot.

Enjoy!

Notes:

Chicken Thighs: Using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs ensures juicy and flavorful meat. You can substitute with boneless, skinless thighs or chicken breasts, but adjust cooking time accordingly.

Potatoes: Baby Dutch potatoes add a buttery flavor and are easy to prepare. You can also use other small potatoes or even quartered larger ones if needed.

Spinach: Fresh baby spinach wilts down nicely in this dish. You can substitute with frozen spinach, but be sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly to avoid excess moisture.

Sauce Thickness: If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little more chicken broth or half-and-half to reach your desired consistency. Conversely, if it’s too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to thicken.

Baking Time: Cooking times may vary based on your oven and the size of the chicken thighs. Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.

Make-Ahead: This dish can be prepared ahead of time. Assemble everything in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake. You may need to increase the baking time if cooking from cold.

Garnish: Fresh parsley adds a nice touch for presentation, but you can also sprinkle some extra grated Parmesan or fresh herbs before serving for added flavor.

Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Nutrition Information:

SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs for this recipe?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts instead of thighs if you prefer.

However, chicken breasts may cook faster than thighs, so adjust the cooking time accordingly to prevent them from drying out.

Can I use regular potatoes instead of Baby Dutch potatoes?

Yes, you can substitute regular potatoes for Baby Dutch potatoes.

Simply peel and cut them into small chunks before adding them to the baking dish.

Is it necessary to use low sodium, low-fat chicken broth for the sauce?

While low sodium, low-fat chicken broth is recommended for a healthier option, you can use regular chicken broth if that’s what you have on hand.

Adjust the seasoning accordingly to control the saltiness of the dish.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the components of this recipe ahead of time and assemble them just before baking.

Cook the spinach, prepare the sauce, and season the chicken in advance.

Store them separately in the refrigerator until ready to bake.

What can I serve with Baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken?

Baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken pairs well with a variety of side dishes such as steamed vegetables, roasted asparagus, or a simple green salad.

You can also serve it with crusty bread or rice to soak up the delicious sauce.

Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for this recipe?

Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs if you prefer.

However, keep in mind that bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs will add more flavor and moisture to the dish.

Is it okay to substitute other types of potatoes for Baby Dutch potatoes?

Yes, you can use other varieties of potatoes such as Yukon Gold or red potatoes.

Just make sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried herbs in the sauce?

Yes, you can use fresh herbs if you have them available.

Keep in mind that the flavor intensity may vary, so you may need to adjust the quantities accordingly.

Use about three times the amount of fresh herbs compared to dried herbs.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

To make this recipe vegetarian, you can substitute the chicken thighs with tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

You can also add extra vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for added flavor and texture.

Can I make this dish ahead of time and reheat it later?

Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time and reheat it later.

Bake the chicken, potatoes, and spinach with the sauce as directed, then allow the dish to cool completely before storing it in the refrigerator.

Reheat individual portions in the oven or microwave until heated through before serving.