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Okay, first things first, grab your trusty oven-safe skillet – cast iron is my absolute favorite for this Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes Skillet. Preheat your oven to a good hot 400°F (200°C). While that's heating, grab your baby red potatoes and give them a good scrub. Quarter them if they're small, or cut them into 1-inch pieces if they're a bit bigger. We want them to cook evenly, you know? Toss them into a large bowl with a tablespoon of olive oil, half a teaspoon of salt, and a quarter teaspoon of pepper. Give 'em a good mix until they're all coated and happy. This is where the magic starts!
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Now for the chicken! Pat those boneless, skinless chicken thighs dry with a paper towel. This step is super important, seriously, don't skip it! Dry chicken browns better, and we want that lovely golden crust. In a separate bowl, toss the chicken with the remaining olive oil, the Italian seasoning, the rest of the salt and pepper, and half of your minced garlic. Get in there with your hands and make sure every piece is coated. I once tried to do this with a spoon and it just wasn't the same. You want that seasoning to really hug the chicken, giving our Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes Skillet all its flavor.
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Place your empty skillet over medium-high heat on the stovetop. Let it get nice and hot – you should see a tiny wisp of smoke, honestly. Add the seasoned chicken thighs to the hot skillet, skin-side down if they have skin, otherwise just lay them flat. Let them sear for about 3-4 minutes per side, until they're beautifully golden brown. We're not cooking them through here, just getting some awesome color and flavor built up. This step adds so much depth to the Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes Skillet, don't skip the sear!
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Once your chicken is seared, remove it from the skillet and set it aside for a moment. Now, add your seasoned potatoes to the same skillet, spreading them out in an even layer. This is where all those yummy chicken drippings will start to flavor the potatoes, yum! Place the seared chicken pieces on top of the potatoes. Sprinkle the remaining minced garlic over everything. This is where the kitchen starts to smell absolutely incredible, that garlicky aroma is just divine. Carefully transfer the skillet to your preheated oven.
05 -
Let your Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes Skillet bake for 20-25 minutes. During this time, the potatoes will get tender and start to crisp up, and the chicken will cook through. I usually give the potatoes a little stir halfway through, just to make sure they're getting evenly browned, but honestly, sometimes I forget and it still turns out great. You're looking for that perfect golden-brown color on the chicken and potatoes. The aroma filling your kitchen right now? That's the smell of pure deliciousness and a happy home.
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After 20-25 minutes, pull the skillet out of the oven. Now for the best part: sprinkle that freshly grated Parmesan cheese generously over the chicken and potatoes. Pop it back into the oven for another 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and just starting to turn golden brown. Keep an eye on it, cheese can go from perfect to burnt in a flash! Once it’s done, remove from the oven, let it rest for a few minutes, then garnish with fresh parsley. This Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes Skillet is ready to serve, a truly satisfying meal!