Go Back
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs - 4 medium russet potatoes, cut into fry shapes - 1/4 cup olive oil - 1 tablespoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust based on spice preference) - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish) - 2 tablespoons hot sauce (optional for extra kick) You need these ingredients to create Spicy Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Fries. The chicken thighs offer rich flavor. Using skin-on thighs keeps them juicy. The russet potatoes give you a great base for crispy fries. Olive oil helps the spices stick and adds flavor. For seasoning, I recommend garlic powder for that strong aroma. Paprika adds a nice color and mild taste. Cayenne pepper brings the heat, so adjust it to your liking. Salt enhances every bite. Black pepper adds a touch of warmth. When garnishing, fresh Parmesan cheese melts beautifully. It gives a nice salty flavor that pairs well with garlic. Chopped parsley adds color and freshness. If you like more heat, drizzle hot sauce before serving. This combination makes the dish pop! {{ingredient_image_2}} - Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). This step is key for crispy fries. - Cut four medium russet potatoes into fry shapes. Toss them in a large bowl. - Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to coat the potatoes evenly. Spread the fries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. - In a separate bowl, blend 2 tablespoons of olive oil with garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. - Rub this tasty mixture all over the chicken thighs. Make sure to cover every bit of the chicken for full flavor. - Place the fries in the preheated oven. Bake them for 20 minutes. This gives them time to start crisping up. - After 20 minutes, take the fries out and make space on the baking sheet. Place the chicken thighs skin-side up on the sheet. Sprinkle the freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the chicken. - Return the baking sheet to the oven. Bake for another 25-30 minutes. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C), and the fries should look golden and crispy. Follow these steps, and you will have a delicious meal ready to serve! Marinating chicken boosts the flavor. By letting the chicken sit in the oil and spices, it soaks up all that goodness. I suggest a minimum of 30 minutes but longer is better. This step makes a big difference in taste. Balancing spice is key. If you love heat, add more cayenne pepper. If you prefer less spice, reduce the cayenne. Always taste your seasoning mix before applying it. Adjust it to match your taste. To get crispy fries, use a high oven temp. Spread the fries out on the baking sheet. This helps hot air circulate, making them crispy. Turn them halfway through baking for even crispiness. To check if chicken is done, use a meat thermometer. The safe internal temp is 165°F (75°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the chicken. The juices should run clear, not pink. For a great presentation, serve the chicken and fries on a large platter. You can sprinkle extra parsley on top. Add a small bowl of hot sauce on the side. This lets everyone customize their meal. Pair your dish with a fresh salad or coleslaw. These sides add crunch and balance to the meal. You can also serve it with a creamy dipping sauce for the fries. Pro Tips Get the Right Crisp: For extra crispy fries, soak the cut potatoes in cold water for at least 30 minutes before seasoning and baking. This helps remove excess starch. Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-grated for better flavor and texture. It melts beautifully! Temperature Matters: For the best results, use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken thighs reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for juicy and safe eating. Customize the Spice: Feel free to adjust the amount of cayenne pepper and hot sauce based on your heat preference. You can also add other spices like garlic or onion powder for more flavor. {{image_4}} To change the flavor of your Spicy Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Fries, try new seasonings. You can swap garlic powder for onion powder for a milder taste. If you want more heat, add extra cayenne pepper or even some chili powder. If you cannot find chicken thighs, chicken breasts work well too. They will cook faster, so keep an eye on them. For a different twist, use bone-in, skin-on chicken drumsticks. They will give you juicy meat and crispy skin. If you prefer a healthier option, an air fryer is a great choice. Cook the chicken and fries in the air fryer for a crispy finish with less oil. Set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook for about 25-30 minutes. This method keeps the flavors while cutting down on fat. In summer, grilling is fun. Marinate the chicken with the same spices, then grill it over medium heat. This gives the chicken a smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with fries. You can also toss the fries on the grill in a grill basket for a charred taste. For a gluten-free option, check the labels on your seasonings. Some spices may contain gluten. You can use gluten-free hot sauce to keep the heat without any gluten. If you want a vegetarian dish, try using cauliflower instead of chicken. Cut the cauliflower into florets, season, and bake them like the chicken. You can also use firm tofu for a protein boost. Just make sure to press the tofu to remove excess moisture before seasoning. To store your spicy garlic Parmesan chicken and fries in the fridge, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and tasty. You can store leftovers for up to three days. For reheating, use an oven or an air fryer. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken and fries on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until warm. This helps keep the fries crispy. To prepare in advance, you can season the chicken and cut the potatoes a day before. Store the seasoned chicken and potatoes in the fridge. This saves time on cooking day. For long-term storage, you can freeze the seasoned chicken. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer bag. It will last for up to three months in the freezer. You can also freeze the fries, but they may lose some crispness. Leftovers stay safe to eat for three days in the fridge. If you freeze the chicken, it can last for three months. Signs of spoilage include a bad smell or a change in color. If the chicken feels slimy or the fries look dry, throw them away. Always trust your senses to keep your food safe. How long do I need to cook chicken thighs? You should cook chicken thighs for about 25-30 minutes at 425°F (220°C). This will help them reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Cooking time may vary based on your oven, so use a meat thermometer to check. Can I make the fries crispy without oil? Yes, you can. To make crispy fries without oil, soak the cut potatoes in water for 30 minutes. This removes excess starch. After soaking, dry them well. Then, bake them at a high temperature. Use parchment paper to prevent sticking. What goes well with Spicy Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Fries? You can serve coleslaw or a simple green salad with your dish. These sides add freshness and crunch. A light vinaigrette can balance the spice. You may also want to include garlic bread for a comforting touch. What's a good dipping sauce for fries? A zesty garlic aioli pairs well with fries. Mix mayo, minced garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. You can also use ketchup or ranch dressing. For an extra kick, try a spicy sriracha dip. How can I make this dish less spicy? To reduce the spice, simply cut back on the cayenne pepper. You can also skip the hot sauce. Use regular paprika instead of spicy paprika for a milder flavor. Can I use different types of cheese? Absolutely! You can use mozzarella or cheddar cheese instead of Parmesan. Each cheese will add a unique flavor. Feel free to mix cheeses for a fun twist! This recipe blends tasty chicken thighs and crispy fries. You can adjust spice and swap ingredients to fit your taste. Use the cooking tips for perfect results every time. Don’t forget about meal prep and safe storage for leftovers. Enjoy this dish with fun sides and sauces. I hope you feel inspired to make it your own and share it with family and friends. Happy cooking!

Spicy Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Fries

A delicious and spicy dish featuring chicken thighs and crispy fries, topped with Parmesan cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 4 medium russet potatoes, cut into fry shapes
  • 1 cup olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons hot sauce (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cut potatoes with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Toss until evenly coated and spread in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  • In a separate bowl, blend the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil with garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Rub this mixture all over the chicken thighs.
  • Place the baking sheet of fries into the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes.
  • After 20 minutes, remove the baking sheet from the oven, create space among the fries, and place the chicken thighs skin-side up on the baking sheet. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over each chicken thigh.
  • Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the fries are golden and crispy.
  • Drizzle hot sauce over the chicken thighs just before serving if desired.
  • Remove from the oven, let rest for a few minutes, and garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Serve with extra parsley and hot sauce on the side for customization.
Keyword chicken, fries, parmesan, spicy