Oven-Roasted Cajun Chicken and Garlic Potatoes with Parmesan

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

This oven-roasted Cajun chicken and garlic potatoes with parmesan is a weeknight dinner game-changer. Juicy chicken thighs seasoned with bold Cajun spices roast beautifully alongside golden baby potatoes tossed in garlic and olive oil, then finished with a generous sprinkle of shredded parmesan. It’s crispy, cheesy, spicy, and comforting in every bite.

What makes this dish extra satisfying is how easily it all comes together on one sheet pan. As the chicken bakes and releases its juices, the potatoes soak up all that Cajun flavor, creating a perfect harmony of heat and richness. It’s a no-fuss, flavor-packed dinner that works for family nights or even casual hosting with friends.

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

You get all the goodness of bold Cajun flavors without needing to break out the grill or deep fryer. The oven does all the heavy lifting, creating golden, crisped edges while keeping the chicken tender and juicy. The garlic potatoes are addictive on their own, but add in melty parmesan, and you might find yourself snacking before the tray even hits the table.

There’s also the versatility: you can adjust the spice level, swap in sweet potatoes or bone-in chicken if you prefer, and it still turns out beautifully. Plus, it cleans up like a dream.

Can I Use Chicken Breasts or Thighs?

Both work, but bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are our favorite for this recipe. They stay juicy, crisp up beautifully in the oven, and have just enough fat to flavor the potatoes. If you’re using chicken breasts, choose bone-in for more flavor and reduce the cook time slightly to avoid drying them out. You can also use drumsticks or even boneless cuts—just adjust your cooking time accordingly to ensure everything roasts evenly.

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

To make this hearty and flavorful dinner, you only need a handful of bold, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each one brings something special to the dish, whether it’s the heat from Cajun seasoning or the creamy richness from parmesan. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on) – These roast perfectly and provide juicy, flavorful meat.
• Baby potatoes – Their small size makes them ideal for roasting, and they get crisp on the outside while staying tender inside.
• Olive oil – Helps crisp up both the chicken and potatoes while adding richness.
• Cajun seasoning – The star of the show, bringing smoky heat and depth.
• Garlic cloves – Roasted garlic turns mellow and sweet, flavoring the potatoes beautifully.
• Parmesan cheese – Adds a salty, nutty finish that complements the Cajun spice.
• Fresh parsley – For a pop of color and brightness at the end.
• Salt and black pepper – To season everything to perfection.

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

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup. Pat the chicken thighs dry and set aside.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

In a large bowl, rub the chicken thighs with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Make sure they’re evenly coated for a flavorful crust.

Step 3: Toss the Potatoes

Halve the baby potatoes and toss them with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Spread them out on the sheet pan, leaving space for the chicken.

Step 4: Arrange and Roast

Place the seasoned chicken thighs skin-side up on the sheet pan next to the potatoes. Roast everything for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is golden and cooked through, and the potatoes are crispy.

Step 5: Add the Parmesan

About 5 minutes before the end of roasting, sprinkle grated parmesan over the potatoes. Return to the oven to let it melt and brown slightly.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Remove from the oven, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley, and serve hot right off the tray or plated family-style.

Serving and Storing This Oven-Roasted Cajun Chicken and Garlic Potatoes with Parmesan

This meal is satisfying enough to stand on its own, and it serves about 4 to 5 people comfortably. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or prepping for leftovers, this dish has you covered. Serve it straight from the sheet pan for a rustic dinner vibe, or plate it up with a squeeze of lemon for brightness.

Leftovers keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container. The best way to reheat is in the oven at 350°F until warmed through—this keeps the chicken skin crispy and the potatoes from turning soggy. It also freezes well, just keep the parmesan addition for after reheating so it stays fresh and flavorful.

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

H3: Creamed Spinach

A silky side dish that balances the heat of Cajun spices with cooling creaminess.

H3: Cornbread Muffins

Slightly sweet and crumbly, cornbread is a Southern-inspired partner for spicy roasted chicken.

H3: Tangy Coleslaw

Adds crunch and contrast with its creamy vinegar bite. Great for cooling the palate.

H3: Simple Garden Salad

A fresh salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette brings lightness to the meal.

H3: Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Tossed with olive oil and roasted until caramelized, they’re a deliciously nutty pairing.

H3: Honey Butter Biscuits

Fluffy and sweet, these soft biscuits balance the Cajun heat perfectly.

H3: Pickled Red Onions

Bright, tangy, and quick to make, these elevate each bite and add a colorful touch.

H3: Cajun Aioli or Spicy Mayo

A simple dipping sauce made from mayo and hot sauce is a must for extra indulgence.

Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If you’re hooked on the bold, crave-worthy flavors of this Cajun chicken and garlic potato bake, you’ll love exploring more comfort-packed meals like these:

• Easy Chicken Fried Rice when you need something fast and full of flavor.
• Delicious Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni for a creamy, cheesy indulgence.
• Skirt Steak Rice Bowls with Chimichurri if you’re craving bold flavors and vibrant herbs.
• BBQ Chicken Pizza for a weeknight-friendly twist on takeout.
• Creamy Mushroom Sauce for Steak for your next steak night upgrade.

These hearty dishes are perfect for anyone who loves a balance of comfort and bold taste.

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 go all in on the spice? Maybe added veggies to the sheet pan? I’d love to hear what your spin on it was.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting dinners and sides on Luna Meals on Pinterest and discover your new go-to comfort food lineup.

Conclusion

Oven-roasted Cajun chicken and garlic potatoes with parmesan brings big flavor with little effort. It’s the kind of recipe that turns any regular evening into something special, with minimal cleanup and maximum payoff. Whether it’s a midweek dinner or a lazy Sunday, this one-pan meal delivers every time.

Print

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?