Anastasia Rice January 6, 2026

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Honey BBQ Chicken + Garlic Parmesan Potatoes

Name: Honey BBQ Chicken + Garlic Parmesan Potatoes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6-8 oz each); 1/2 cup honey, preferably raw; 1/2 cup BBQ sauce; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 4 medium potatoes, cut into 1-inch cubes (2 lbs total, Yukon Gold or Russet); 2 tablespoons butter; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

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A warm kitchen glow, honey bubbling into a glossy sauce, and the comforting aroma of garlic and Parmesan fill the air, that is the feeling this Honey BBQ Chicken + Garlic Parmesan Potatoes brings to any weeknight or casual dinner. It is a dish that balances sticky, sweet, and savory notes with a rich, creamy potato side, perfect for family meals, a cozy weekend supper, or an easy celebration when you want something satisfying with little fuss. If you enjoy the creamy, garlicky flavors that complement roasted chicken, you might also like this take on garlic parmesan chicken and potatoes for another comforting option.

Why This Honey BBQ Chicken + Garlic Parmesan Potatoes Works

This recipe shines because it pairs two textures and flavors that naturally enhance each other, the glossy, slightly sticky honey BBQ coating on well-seared chicken, with the lush, creamy garlic Parmesan potatoes that soak up every last drop of sauce. The chicken brings bright, sweet notes and a caramelized crust, while the potatoes contribute a comforting, buttery creaminess and a nutty Parmesan finish.

Reasons to love this dish

Fast enough for a weeknight, special enough for guests
Contrasting textures, tender chicken and silky potatoes
Simple pantry-friendly ingredients, but big on flavor

The combination is forgiving, so even cooks who are short on time can create an impressive plate with familiar techniques and classic flavors.

Ingredients and Key Notes

These ingredients give you a balance of sweet, savory, and creamy elements, and they are easy to swap in small ways if needed. For example, you can use light olive oil in place of extra virgin if you prefer a milder flavor, and the potatoes taste great with either Yukon Gold or Russet varieties.

Clean ingredient list

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6-8 oz each)
1/2 cup honey, preferably raw
1/2 cup BBQ sauce
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
4 medium potatoes, cut into 1-inch cubes (2 lbs total, Yukon Gold or Russet)
2 tablespoons butter
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

If you want a slow cooker variation, see a comforting slow cooker pasta take on the same flavors with this Crockpot garlic parmesan chicken pasta for ideas on how the garlic and Parmesan play well with hands-off cooking.

How to Cook Honey BBQ Chicken + Garlic Parmesan Potatoes

Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then season both sides with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper; if your breasts are uneven in thickness, pound them to about 1-inch thickness for even cooking. The dry surface will help create a golden crust when the chicken hits the hot pan.
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey and BBQ sauce until smooth, the sauce should become glossy and pourable, set it aside because you will use it during two stages of cooking. The aroma of honey and spices should be sweet and slightly tangy.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers, about 2 minutes, the oil is ready when a drop of water sizzles immediately. This step primes the pan for a good sear and prevents sticking.
Add the chicken breasts to the hot skillet and cook for 5 to 6 minutes without moving them, you will see a deep golden-brown crust form along the bottom. That crust adds both texture and flavor, and you will hear a steady, confident sizzle.
Flip the chicken breasts over and brush half of the honey BBQ sauce generously over the tops, then cook another 5 to 6 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165 F. The sauce will begin to caramelize where it touches the chicken, releasing a fragrant, sweet-savory scent.
While the chicken cooks, heat the butter in a separate large skillet over medium heat, then add the diced potatoes in a single layer; cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are golden and fork-tender. The potatoes should feel crisp on the outside and soft inside when pierced with a fork.
Add the minced garlic to the potatoes and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, the garlic will become fragrant and glossy without browning. Keep a close watch, garlic goes from fragrant to bitter quickly.
Pour the heavy cream over the potatoes and bring to a gentle simmer, let it bubble lightly for 3 to 4 minutes until the cream thickens slightly and begins to coat the potatoes. You will notice the pan developing a silky sheen as the cream reduces.
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste, the cheese will melt into the cream creating a luxurious sauce that clings to each potato cube. Taste and adjust seasoning, Parmesan can be salty so add salt sparingly.
Brush the remaining honey BBQ sauce over the chicken breasts and let them cook for 1 more minute, this will create a sticky, caramelized glaze that is irresistible. The sauce should set into a glossy finish, with tiny browned edges where sugars have caramelized.
Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 3 to 5 minutes before slicing, resting keeps the juices inside so the meat stays tender and moist. You will see the juices redistribute, leaving the chicken glossy and plump.
Garnish the potatoes with fresh parsley, arrange sliced chicken on a platter beside the garlic Parmesan potatoes, and serve everything hot, spooning any pan juices over the chicken for extra flavor.

Prep ~ 15 minutes, Cook ~ 35 minutes, Total ~ 50 minutes, Servings ~ 4, Kcal ~ 1000

Make-Ahead and Prep Tips

You can streamline weeknight service by prepping components ahead of time. Trim and season the chicken and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours, this allows the seasoning to penetrate the meat slightly and saves active cooking time. Parboil or cube the potatoes up to a day ahead, drain them well and refrigerate in a covered container, then finish them in the skillet to crisp and soak up the cream and Parmesan.

To prepare portions for guests, make the sauce mixture and keep it in a jar in the fridge for up to 3 days, then warm slightly before brushing on chicken. If you want to assemble a full meal ahead, cook the potatoes but undercook them slightly so they do not over-soften when reheated, then reheat in a skillet with fresh butter or a splash of cream to revive the texture before serving.

How to Store Leftovers

Refrigerate cooked Honey BBQ Chicken + Garlic Parmesan Potatoes in airtight containers within two hours of cooking, the chicken and potatoes will keep well for up to 3 to 4 days in the fridge. To freeze, place portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags, remove as much air as possible, and freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.

When reheating refrigerated portions, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce and prevent drying, cover the pan to trap steam and heat through evenly. For frozen meals, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, if cooking from frozen, reheat at low temperature in a covered oven-safe dish to avoid drying out the chicken, a freshness cue is the potatoes should smell lightly of garlic and cheese and retain a creamy texture rather than being grainy or dry.

What Goes Well with Honey BBQ Chicken + Garlic Parmesan Potatoes

Perfect sides and pairings

Crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness
Steamed green beans or roasted asparagus, bright and slightly crunchy
Simple coleslaw with apple cider vinegar for a tangy contrast
Roasted carrots with a touch of honey and thyme, to echo the sweet notes of the chicken
Warm crusty bread to mop up any leftover sauce

These choices complement the richness and add color and texture to the plate, so you have a well-rounded meal.

Make It Your Own

Variations and swaps

Lighter cream option, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream for a lighter sauce, the texture will be slightly less rich but still creamy and satisfying.
Herb-forward potatoes, stir in chopped chives or tarragon right before serving for a fresh, aromatic lift.
Spicier glaze, add a pinch of cayenne or a teaspoon of hot sauce to the honey BBQ mixture to give the chicken a pleasant heat.
Swap chicken pieces, use boneless chicken thighs if you prefer darker meat, they will stay juicier but may need a touch more cooking time.
Cheesy variation, mix a handful of shredded mozzarella into the potatoes for extra gooeyness, sprinkle with extra Parmesan for a golden finish.
Roast instead of pan-sear, roast the seasoned chicken at 425 F for 18 to 22 minutes, then brush with sauce and broil briefly to caramelize the glaze.
Make it with turkey bacon stripes, crisp chopped turkey bacon and fold into the potatoes for smoky texture and extra savory notes without pork.
Vegetarian twist, replace chicken with firm, pan-seared tofu marinated in the honey BBQ, and use a vegetable broth in place of chicken fats to keep things light.

None of these variations require alcohol or pork, and they all maintain the spirit of Honey BBQ Chicken + Garlic Parmesan Potatoes while letting you personalize textures and flavors.

Cook’s Notes and Secrets

Sear at the right temperature, a well-heated skillet gives you a golden crust, the oil should shimmer before you add the chicken.
Space the chicken, do not crowd the pan, leave at least an inch between breasts so they brown instead of steaming.
Use a thermometer, check for 165 F internal temperature in the thickest part of the breast for safe, juicy chicken.
Watch the garlic, add minced garlic late and cook only until fragrant to avoid bitterness.
Rest before slicing, let the chicken rest 3 to 5 minutes so juices redistribute and slices remain moist.
Finish the sauce low and slow, brushing on the glaze at the end and letting it set for a minute gives you a sticky, glossy finish without burning.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of potatoes work best for the garlic Parmesan potatoes?
Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes both work beautifully, Yukon Gold gives a creamier, buttery texture while Russet yields a fluffy interior and crispy edges. Choose based on whether you prefer a naturally buttery flavor or a fluffier bite.

Can I use bone-in chicken instead of boneless breasts?
Yes, bone-in chicken will be flavorful and moist, but it will need longer cooking time, and you should adjust the cooking method so the internal temperature reaches 165 F at the thickest part near the bone.

How do I prevent the honey BBQ glaze from burning on the chicken?
Brush half the glaze on midway through cooking and the rest at the end, keep your heat to medium or medium-low during the final glazing step to avoid burning the sugars in the honey, and remove the chicken from direct high heat once the glaze sets.

Is it safe to reheat the heavy cream potatoes?
Yes, reheat gently over low heat with a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce, stirring often to keep the sauce smooth. Avoid high heat, which can cause the cream to separate.

Can I make this dairy free?
To make a dairy-free version, substitute butter with a plant-based margarine and use a dairy-free cream alternative like full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream, then swap the Parmesan for a dairy-free grated alternative or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

How long will leftovers keep, and how should I reheat them?
Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for 3 to 4 days, reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce. For frozen portions, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for the best texture.

What is a good wine pairing or nonalcoholic drink to serve?
Pair this meal with a crisp apple cider or a lightly sweetened iced tea for a refreshing counterpoint, these beverages complement the honey and BBQ notes without overpowering the cream and garlic.

Final Thoughts

Honey BBQ Chicken + Garlic Parmesan Potatoes is a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that brings together sweet, savory, and creamy elements in a way that feels both indulgent and homey. The seared, glazed chicken alongside rich, garlicky potatoes makes it a dependable choice for weeknights or when you want to make a simple dinner feel special. Give it a try soon, and enjoy the warm aromas and satisfying textures that make this recipe a go-to for memorable, easy cooking.