Introduction
Indulge in a comforting dish that combines succulent chicken thighs with tender baby yellow potatoes, all enveloped in a rich garlic parmesan cream sauce. This recipe is perfect for a cozy dinner or any occasion where you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. The smoky and garlicky flavors meld together beautifully, creating a meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
For the chicken and potatoes:
4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
1.5 pounds baby yellow potatoes, halved
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
For the garlic parmesan cream sauce:
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
5 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups heavy cream
½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Total Time: 45-50 minutes
Yield: Serves 4
Enjoy this delectable chicken and potatoes dish, topped with a creamy sauce that elevates the entire meal. It pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or a crusty loaf of bread to soak up the savory sauce.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
1. Preheat the oven
Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking later.
2. Season the chicken and potatoes
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken thighs and halved baby yellow potatoes. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together until the chicken and potatoes are evenly coated in the seasonings.
3. Sear the chicken
Place a large oven-safe skillet on medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken thighs skin-side down into the skillet. Sear for about 4-5 minutes without moving them, allowing the skin to become golden brown. After 4-5 minutes, flip the chicken thighs and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. Sauté the garlic
In the same skillet where you seared the chicken, add the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, stirring frequently until fragrant but not browned.
5. Prepare the cream sauce
Sprinkle the all-purpose flour into the skillet with the sautéed garlic. Whisk continuously for about 1 minute to cook out the raw flour flavor. Gradually pour in the heavy cream while whisking constantly to maintain a smooth consistency. Stir in the freshly grated parmesan cheese and the Italian seasoning. Continue to whisk until the sauce thickens, which should take approximately 3-5 minutes. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Combine and bake
Add the seasoned potatoes back into the skillet, gently tossing them in the creamy sauce. Nestle the seared chicken thighs back into the skillet, making sure they are skin-side up. Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Check if the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and ensure the potatoes are tender.
7. Optional broiling
For crispier chicken skin, switch to the broiler setting and broil the dish for an additional 2-3 minutes. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
8. Serve
If desired, garnish the finished dish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve hot, ensuring each portion includes both chicken and potatoes, accompanied by a generous drizzle of the garlic parmesan cream sauce.
Notes
Ingredient Variations
Feel free to substitute baby yellow potatoes with other small potatoes or even root vegetables for a different flavor profile.
Storage
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking the chicken.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for added freshness.
Cook techniques
Preheating the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure even cooking and proper browning of the chicken and potatoes.
Seasoning
Properly season the chicken and potatoes with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This enhances the flavors and creates a well-balanced dish.
Searing
Sear the chicken in a medium-high heat skillet to achieve a crispy, golden-brown skin. This not only adds flavor but also helps retain moisture in the meat.
Sautéing Garlic
Sauté garlic in butter until fragrant. This releases essential oils and flavors that will permeate your sauce.
Making a Roux
Sprinkle flour into the skillet and whisk continuously to create a roux. This will thicken your garlic parmesan cream sauce while getting rid of the raw flour taste.
Whisking the Cream Sauce
Gradually add heavy cream while whisking to maintain a smooth consistency. Incorporate parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning to build flavor and richness.
Baking
Bake the dish in the oven until the chicken is cooked through and the potatoes are tender. The proper internal temperature for chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
Broiling
To achieve a crispier chicken skin, broil the dish for a couple of minutes after baking, monitoring closely to prevent burning.
Garnishing
Consider garnishing with fresh chopped parsley before serving for a touch of color and freshness.
FAQ
Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of bone-in?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs can be used; however, the cooking time may vary as they tend to cook faster.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and butter for a lighter version, but it may affect the richness of the sauce.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or on the stovetop for best results.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! You can add vegetables like green beans, carrots, or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor. Adjust the cooking time as needed.
Is the smoked paprika essential?
While smoked paprika adds a unique flavor, you can use regular paprika or omit it entirely if you prefer. The dish will still be delicious!
Conclusion
This chicken and potatoes dish, enveloped in a creamy garlic parmesan sauce, is a delightful combination that is both hearty and comforting. The blend of flavors from the seasoned chicken and tender baby potatoes, enhanced by the rich sauce, makes it an ideal meal for family gatherings or a cozy dinner at home. Enjoy the satisfying texture and savory taste that this recipe provides, creating a memorable dining experience.
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