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- 4 chicken thighs (bone-in and skin-on) - 1/4 cup olive oil (used for chicken and fries) For this dish, I choose bone-in and skin-on chicken thighs. They stay juicy and tender while baking. The skin also adds crunch and flavor. You need just 1/4 cup of olive oil. This oil helps the spices stick to the chicken and gives it a nice golden color. - 4 medium-sized russet potatoes, cut into fries - Spices and seasonings: - 1 tablespoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste) - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper I use 4 medium russet potatoes for the fries. They have a great texture when baked. Cut them into thick fries for the best crunch. The spices add a kick! You will mix garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Adjust the cayenne for your spice level. This blend gives fries a tasty kick that pairs perfectly with the chicken. {{ingredient_image_1}} Preheating the oven First, set your oven to 425°F (220°C). This heat is perfect for crispy fries and juicy chicken. Tossing and coating the fries Next, grab 4 medium-sized russet potatoes. Cut them into fries. In a large bowl, mix the fries with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Toss well until each fry is coated. Spread the fries evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Mixing and applying the spice rub Now, let’s get the chicken ready. Take 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on. In a bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of olive oil with 1 tablespoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Rub this spice mix all over the chicken thighs. Make sure they are well coated for great flavor. Techniques for ensuring even coating To ensure even coating, use your hands to spread the rub. Press it into the skin and meat. This helps the spices stick and flavor every bite. First baking stage for fries Place the baking sheet with the fries in the oven. Bake for 20 minutes. This will start to crisp them up. Introducing chicken to the baking sheet After 20 minutes, take out the baking sheet. Make some space among the fries. Place the chicken thighs skin-side up in the open spots. Sprinkle 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese generously over each thigh. Final baking instructions and temperature checks Put the baking sheet back in the oven. Bake for an additional 25-30 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C). Look for golden and crispy fries to know it’s ready. If you like spice, drizzle hot sauce over the chicken before serving. Enjoy your meal! To make crispy fries, start with russet potatoes. They have the best starch content. Cut them into even sticks. This helps them cook evenly. Soak the fries in cold water for about 30 minutes. This step removes excess starch and makes fries crispy. For cooking, you can use the oven or an air fryer. The oven gives good results. Spread the fries on a baking sheet in a single layer. This way, they cook evenly. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20 minutes, then flip them. If you like extra flavor, sprinkle more spices halfway through. Adjust the paprika or cayenne to suit your taste. To boost the chicken's taste, explore different spices. Try adding onion powder or Italian herbs. These can bring a new twist to the dish. You can also use lemon zest for fresh flavor. To check if the chicken is done, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). If you don't have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part. The juices should run clear, not pink. For a beautiful presentation, use a large platter. Arrange the fries around the chicken. The golden color looks great together. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. You can pair this dish with dipping sauces. Ranch dressing or a spicy aioli work well. For sides, a simple salad or steamed veggies balance the meal. Enjoy your Spicy Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Fries! Pro Tips Marinate the Chicken: For even more flavor, consider marinating the chicken thighs in the spice mixture for a few hours or overnight. Cut Uniform Fries: Ensure the potato fries are cut to the same thickness for even cooking and a consistent texture. Use Parchment Paper: Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper helps prevent sticking and makes for easier cleanup. Check Doneness: Always use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety. {{image_2}} You can switch up the flavors in your Spicy Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Fries. Instead of the usual spices, try some Asian or Mediterranean blends. For an Asian twist, use soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil. This mix adds a savory and slightly sweet taste. If you prefer Mediterranean flavors, try oregano, lemon juice, and feta cheese. These spices bring a fresh and zesty kick to the dish. Baking is a great way to make this dish healthier. Instead of frying, you can bake both the chicken and fries. Baking uses less oil and keeps the food lighter. For the fries, cut the potatoes thinly and spread them out on the baking sheet. This allows them to get crispy without extra oil. The chicken will also turn out juicy and tender when baked. If you need a gluten-free or dairy-free meal, you have options. For gluten-free, use a gluten-free hot sauce or seasoning. You can replace the Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast for a dairy-free choice. Nutritional yeast gives a cheesy flavor without any dairy. This way, everyone can enjoy the dish without worry. To keep your Spicy Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Fries fresh, follow these steps: - Refrigeration: Place leftovers in an airtight container. Make sure it seals well. Store in the fridge. They are best eaten within 3 days. - Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the chicken and fries. Use freezer bags or airtight containers. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. Reheating your meal correctly helps maintain flavor and texture. Here’s how: - Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken and fries on a baking sheet. Heat for about 20 minutes. Check that the chicken is heated through. - Microwave Method: Place your chicken and fries on a microwave-safe plate. Heat for 1-2 minutes on high. Check often to ensure even heating. By following these steps, your leftovers will taste almost as good as when you first made them! Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs. If you choose boneless, reduce the cooking time. Bake the chicken for about 20 to 25 minutes. Make sure to check that it reaches 165°F (75°C). Boneless thighs cook faster, so watch closely. I love serving this dish with a fresh salad. A simple green salad adds a nice crunch. You can also try coleslaw for a creamy touch. Another great option is steamed broccoli or green beans for extra veggies. Garlic bread pairs well too! To tone down the heat, skip the cayenne pepper. You can also reduce the amount of hot sauce. Instead, add more garlic powder for flavor without the spice. A little honey or brown sugar can balance out the heat too. This blog post showed you how to make Spicy Garlic Parmesan Chicken and fries. You learned about key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for success. I shared ways to customize flavors and make healthier choices too. Remember, perfecting this dish is all about practice. Use the tips to create your own amazing version. Enjoy this tasty meal, and share it with friends and family!

Spicy Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Fries

A flavorful dish featuring chicken thighs seasoned with garlic and spices, served alongside crispy fries.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 thighs chicken (bone-in and skin-on)
  • 4 medium-sized russet potatoes, cut into fries
  • 0.25 cup olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • 2 tablespoons hot sauce (optional for extra kick)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  • In a large bowl, toss the cut potatoes with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper until well coated. Spread the fries evenly on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  • In a separate bowl, mix the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil with the garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Rub this mixture all over the chicken thighs, ensuring they are well coated.
  • Place the baking sheet with the fries in the oven and bake for 20 minutes.
  • After 20 minutes, remove the baking sheet from the oven and create space for the chicken thighs among the fries. Place the chicken thighs skin-side up on the baking sheet, and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese generously over each thigh.
  • Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), and the fries are golden and crispy.
  • If you like extra spice, drizzle the hot sauce over the chicken before serving.
  • Remove from the oven, let it rest for a few minutes, then garnish with freshly chopped parsley.

Notes

Adjust cayenne pepper and hot sauce to taste for desired spiciness.
Keyword chicken, fries, Parmesan, spicy