Instructions:
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 390°F (200°C) and lightly grease a large baking dish with the butter.
Step 2
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and season both sides with the salt, black pepper, paprika, and dried oregano or thyme.
Step 3
Place the potato chunks in a bowl, drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, season lightly with salt and pepper, then toss until evenly coated.
Step 4
Spread the seasoned potatoes evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Step 5
Heat the remaining olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until softened, then stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 6
In a bowl, whisk together the cooking cream and milk until smooth, then mix in the cooked onion and garlic.
Step 7
Arrange the seasoned chicken over the potatoes and pour the creamy garlic mixture evenly over everything.
Step 8
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 35 minutes until the potatoes begin to soften and the chicken is almost fully cooked.
Step 9
Remove the foil and sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the entire dish.
Step 10
Return the dish to the oven uncovered and bake for another 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbling.
Step 11
Remove the baking dish from the oven and allow it to rest for about 5 minutes so the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 12
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately while the cheese is hot and creamy.
Tips and Variations:
Use Chicken Thighs
Chicken thighs stay extra juicy during baking and develop a richer flavor than chicken breasts.
Choose Waxy Potatoes
Yukon Gold or red potatoes hold their shape well while becoming perfectly tender inside.
Marinate the Chicken
Marinating the chicken for 30 minutes with olive oil, garlic, and herbs creates even deeper flavor.
Mix Different Cheeses
Combine mozzarella with cheddar, Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or Gouda for a richer and more complex cheese topping.
Add Extra Vegetables
Broccoli, mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers can be baked alongside the chicken for a complete one-pan meal.
Broil for a Golden Finish
Broil the dish for the final 2 to 3 minutes to create an extra bubbly, lightly browned cheese crust.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freeze for Later
Freeze completely cooled portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months, then thaw overnight before reheating until hot throughout.
