If you’re looking for a cozy, delicious, and practically effortless dinner, you absolutely have to try Easy Italian Chicken and Potatoes. Imagine juicy, herb-kissed chicken breasts nestled beside golden, crispy baby potatoes, all finished with a shower of fresh parsley and a squeeze of bright lemon. This dish brings together everything I love about Italian-inspired comfort food — big flavor, beautiful colors, and that inviting aroma that’ll have everyone wandering into the kitchen asking, “What’s for dinner?” Best of all, everything comes together on a single sheet pan for the ultimate easy clean-up.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best parts about Easy Italian Chicken and Potatoes is how streamlined but flavorful the ingredient list is. Each item truly plays its part, delivering seasoned chicken, perfectly roasted potatoes, and those crave-worthy Italian flavors in every bite.
- Chicken Breasts: Go for boneless, skinless breasts so they cook quickly and stay juicy alongside the potatoes.
- Baby Potatoes: Halved for even roasting, these little treasures turn golden and tender in the oven.
- Olive Oil: The foundation of Italian cooking, it keeps everything moist and infuses richness.
- Italian Seasoning: A classic blend of oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary creates instant Mediterranean flair.
- Garlic Powder: For mellow garlic flavor that’s super easy to distribute evenly over the potatoes.
- Paprika: Adds subtle warmth and a sun-kissed color to the whole dish.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning both chicken and potatoes from the inside out.
- Black Pepper: A few shakes round out the flavors and add a gentle kick.
- Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkled at the end for that savory, golden finish.
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped and scattered on top, parsley offers a pop of freshness and color.
- Lemon Wedges: A squeeze on your plate brightens everything and pulls the flavors together.
How to Make Easy Italian Chicken and Potatoes
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s nice and hot when it’s time for baking. While the oven heats, lightly grease a large baking dish or sheet pan with a bit of olive oil or non-stick spray. This prevents sticking and helps the potatoes crisp up beautifully.
Step 2: Season and Arrange the Potatoes
In a big mixing bowl, toss your halved baby potatoes in 2 tablespoons of olive oil, half of the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. You want every bite bursting with herby goodness! Once coated, spread the potatoes evenly in your prepared baking dish to create a cozy bed for the chicken.
Step 3: Season the Chicken
Drizzle the chicken breasts with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and sprinkle with the rest of your Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Gently rub the spices in so every piece is well coated. Then, nestle the seasoned chicken right on top of the potatoes — don’t worry if things are a little snug, that just means more flavor mingling!
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pop the whole pan into the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the potatoes are fork-tender. I love how the juices from the chicken seep into the potatoes, making everything even more delicious.
Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches
Once you pull the pan from the oven, immediately shower everything with grated Parmesan and a generous sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley. It melts and mingles into the dish, adding that salty, nutty, fresh-scented magic. Serve with lemon wedges on the side for a final squeeze of zesty brightness!
How to Serve Easy Italian Chicken and Potatoes
Garnishes
For that irresistible Italian finish, don’t skip the extra Parmesan and parsley. A big handful of chopped parsley adds color and freshness, while a final dusting of Parmesan gives you savory depth and just a bit of toasty crunch. A wedge of lemon on every plate lets everyone brighten up their serving just the way they like.
Side Dishes
Honestly, Easy Italian Chicken and Potatoes is pretty perfect all by itself, but if you like a bit more on your table, think about a simple green salad or some roasted vegetables like green beans or zucchini. Warm crusty bread is excellent for soaking up those herby pan juices, and a glass of crisp white wine wouldn’t hurt either!
Creative Ways to Present
Turn this dinner into a showstopper by serving everything family-style on a big platter, topped with extra parsley and lemon slices. For a bistro twist, you can slice the chicken and fan it over the potatoes, or even place the finished dish under the broiler for a minute to get that Parmesan perfectly golden and melty.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), simply let everything cool and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The potatoes and chicken reheat beautifully and make a fantastic lunch or easy dinner the next day.
Freezing
Easy Italian Chicken and Potatoes can be frozen, too. Store individual servings or the whole batch in freezer-safe containers for up to two months. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating so you preserve the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, pop leftovers in a 350°F oven covered loosely with foil for about 15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also use the microwave in a pinch, but for the tastiest potatoes, the oven is your friend. Give everything a fresh sprinkle of parsley and a little squeeze of lemon before serving again.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are fantastic in this recipe. Just be sure to account for extra cooking time, as thighs often need 5–10 minutes longer to become perfectly tender and cooked through.
What other vegetables can I add?
Feel free to toss in veggies like green beans, zucchini, or bell peppers. Add them in the last 15–20 minutes of cooking so they stay crisp-tender and soak up all those Italian flavors without getting mushy.
How do I make the chicken extra juicy?
Marinating the chicken in olive oil, Italian seasoning, and a little extra garlic for at least 30 minutes before baking is the best trick for locking in juiciness and boosting flavor.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! As written, Easy Italian Chicken and Potatoes contains no gluten, which makes it perfect for anyone with gluten sensitivities or preferences. Just double-check your Parmesan and spices for cross-contamination if you’re particularly sensitive.
Can I prep everything ahead of time?
You can! Slice and season your potatoes, season the chicken, and store everything in the fridge (separately or together on the pan, covered) a few hours ahead. Then just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to start dinner.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about the aroma and simplicity of Easy Italian Chicken and Potatoes straight from the oven. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, this recipe is bound to become a staple at your dinner table. Gather your ingredients, invite the family to the kitchen, and let’s make dinnertime something truly special tonight!
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Easy Italian Chicken and Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Italian Chicken and Potatoes recipe is a simple and flavorful one-pan meal that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Tender chicken breasts are baked to juicy perfection alongside seasoned baby potatoes, creating a hearty and satisfying dish with a touch of Italian flair.
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Potatoes:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 1/2 pounds baby potatoes, halved
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
- lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a large baking dish or sheet pan.
- Prepare the potatoes: In a large bowl, toss potatoes with 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1/2 tablespoon Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Spread potatoes evenly in the baking dish.
- Season the chicken: Drizzle chicken breasts with remaining olive oil and season with the rest of the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Nestle chicken on top of the potatoes.
- Bake: Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and potatoes are tender.
- Finish and serve: Remove from oven, sprinkle with Parmesan and fresh parsley, and serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in olive oil, garlic, and Italian herbs for at least 30 minutes before baking.
- You can also add vegetables such as green beans, zucchini, or bell peppers to make it a one-pan meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with potatoes
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
