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 tbsp butter, unsalted and divided

1/2 tbsp 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 butter, unsalted

½ cup Parmesan Cheese, grated

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp dried thyme

1 tsp dried basil

¼ cup flour

½ tsp dried oregano

Instructions

Step 1:

Preheat the oven to 400* and lightly spray a 9×13 baking pan

Melt 2 tbsp of butter in a skillet and add the baby spinach

Step 2:

Cook until just wilted

Remove from the heat and set to the side

Step 3:

For the sauce, lower the heat to medium and add butter to the skillet, Add minced garlic and saute for 1 to 2 minutes

Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute

Step 4:

Slowly whisk in the chicken broth

Stir in the parmesan cheese and the half and half

Cook for another 3 to 5 minutes, then add the remaining spices

Step 5:

Season the chicken thighs with Italian seasoning, salt and pepper and place skin side up in the baking dish

Top the chicken with the halved potatoes and the cooked spinach

Step 6:

Cover with the sauce and place in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes, until the chicken is cooked all the way through

Step 7:

If desired, place under the broiler for a minute or two to crisp up the chicken skin.

Remove from the oven and serve hot

Enjoy!

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.