Oven-Roasted Cajun Chicken and Garlic Potatoes with Parmesan

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Dinner gets a fiery, flavorful twist with this oven-roasted Cajun chicken and garlic potatoes with parmesan. Juicy, golden-brown chicken pieces are coated in a smoky Cajun spice rub, then roasted alongside buttery, crisp-edged potatoes kissed with garlic and finished with a generous snow of parmesan cheese. The combination is hearty, comforting, and packed with bold flavor.

This dish is perfect for weeknights when you want something fuss-free yet satisfying. Everything cooks on one sheet pan, and as the chicken roasts, its savory juices mingle with the potatoes, infusing them with irresistible flavor. Whether you’re feeding the family or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe delivers on both taste and convenience.

Why You’ll Love This Oven-Roasted Cajun Chicken and Garlic Potatoes with Parmesan

The Cajun seasoning gives this meal a gentle heat and deep smokiness, balanced by the sharp, salty parmesan and mellow sweetness of roasted garlic. It’s a crowd-pleaser that requires little prep and clean-up, making it ideal for busy evenings. Plus, the leftovers taste just as amazing the next day.

The dish offers the comfort of a Sunday roast with the speed of a weeknight dinner. It’s flexible too—use your favorite cuts of chicken, adjust the seasoning to taste, and toss in extra veggies if you have them.

What Cut of Chicken Works Best for This Recipe?

You can use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks for the juiciest result. They hold up well to roasting and stay moist while the skin crisps beautifully. If you prefer boneless chicken breasts, just keep an eye on the cook time so they don’t dry out.

The key is ensuring the chicken pieces are roughly the same size so they cook evenly. And if you like a crispier texture, let the skin side hit the hot sheet pan directly for the last few minutes of cooking.

Ingredients for the Oven-Roasted Cajun Chicken and Garlic Potatoes with Parmesan

This simple ingredient list brings together spicy, savory, and cheesy elements to create a dinner that tastes far more indulgent than it really is. You probably already have most of these items in your pantry.

• Chicken thighs or drumsticks
• Baby potatoes
• Olive oil
• Cajun seasoning
• Garlic cloves
• Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper
• Fresh parsley

The chicken thighs or drumsticks are the star, offering juicy meat and crispy skin. Baby potatoes roast beautifully, developing tender insides and crisp edges. Olive oil helps everything roast to golden perfection. Cajun seasoning adds heat and depth. Whole garlic cloves mellow and sweeten in the oven. Parmesan cheese gives a salty, nutty finish. Season everything with salt and pepper, and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a final touch of color and freshness.

How To Make the Oven-Roasted Cajun Chicken and Garlic Potatoes with Parmesan

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 425°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easier cleanup.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

In a large bowl, toss your chicken thighs or drumsticks with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Make sure each piece is well coated.

Step 3: Toss the Potatoes

Halve the baby potatoes and place them in a separate bowl. Add olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Toss until evenly coated.

Step 4: Arrange on the Sheet Pan

Spread the seasoned potatoes on one side of the prepared baking sheet. Add the chicken pieces skin-side up on the other side, making sure nothing is too crowded.

Step 5: Roast to Perfection

Roast for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the chicken is golden and cooked through (internal temp of 165°F) and the potatoes are crisp and tender.

Step 6: Add the Cheese

Remove the pan from the oven and sprinkle the potatoes generously with freshly grated parmesan cheese. Return to the oven for 3 to 5 more minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Finish with a scatter of chopped parsley and serve hot. Enjoy your crispy, spicy, cheesy sheet pan masterpiece!

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even a simple sheet pan meal can have its pitfalls. One common mistake is overcrowding the pan, which causes steaming instead of roasting. Give the chicken and potatoes enough space so they can crisp up properly. Another misstep is not drying the chicken skin thoroughly before seasoning—moisture will prevent it from crisping.

Also, avoid under-seasoning. Cajun flavors are bold and robust, so be generous with your spice blend. Finally, don’t skip the final blast of heat after adding parmesan; it helps the cheese melt perfectly and enhances the texture of the potatoes.

Serving and Storing This Recipe

This oven-roasted Cajun chicken and garlic potatoes recipe serves about 4 to 6 people, depending on portion sizes. It’s hearty enough to stand alone but leaves room for a few fresh sides if you’re feeding a crowd.

Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store them in an airtight container and reheat in the oven or air fryer to maintain that crispy texture. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the potatoes and chicken skin crisp.

What to Serve With Oven-Roasted Cajun Chicken and Garlic Potatoes with Parmesan?

A Light Green Salad

A simple salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a vinaigrette helps balance the richness of the dish.

Creamed Spinach

The creamy texture pairs well with the bold Cajun spices and adds a touch of indulgence.

Cornbread

A slice of slightly sweet cornbread can mellow the heat and round out the meal.

Roasted Broccoli

Tossed with olive oil, salt, and lemon zest, roasted broccoli is a perfect green addition.

Pickled Red Onions

Their tanginess adds contrast and cuts through the savory elements beautifully.

Coleslaw

Cool and crunchy coleslaw with a vinegar-based dressing brings balance to every bite.

Garlic Bread

For garlic lovers, this is a no-brainer pairing. Plus, it soaks up all the extra juices.

Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If you love the bold flavor of this Oven-Roasted Cajun Chicken and Garlic Potatoes with Parmesan, here are some other must-try chicken favorites from the blog:

• Try the creamy and flavor-packed Marry Me Chicken Pasta for a romantic dinner night.
• Our go-to weeknight favorite Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts is rich, easy, and incredibly satisfying.
• Craving one-pan comfort? The Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta brings sun-dried tomatoes and spinach into a velvety sauce.
• For a comforting and cozy twist, the Shipwreck Dinner is a one-pan classic.
• Need a pasta with a kick? Don’t miss the Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you make it spicier or tone it down? Maybe added extra cheese?

I love seeing how others make these meals their own. If you have questions or need tips, I’m here for it!

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks on Nina Dishes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feeling great!

Conclusion

This Oven-Roasted Cajun Chicken and Garlic Potatoes with Parmesan isn’t just a weeknight win—it’s the kind of dish that gets requested again and again. Bold, savory, and satisfyingly crispy, it’s the perfect example of how simple ingredients can transform into something special with just a little time and spice.

Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe delivers every single time. Happy cooking!

Print

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?