Why This One-Pan Dinner Will Become Your Go-To

Among the easiest and most satisfying dinners you can create with chicken thighs and potatoes, this garlic herb rendition truly stands out. The magic begins by expertly browning seasoned bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs in a cast-iron skillet with a touch of olive oil and butter. This crucial step locks in moisture and develops that irresistible crispy skin, creating a foundational layer of flavor. Subsequently, baby potatoes and fresh herbs join the party, and the entire skillet is transferred to the oven to roast to perfection.

The outcome is nothing short of culinary bliss: exquisitely juicy chicken, perfectly tender and golden-brown potatoes, all bathed in a delectable garlic and herb pan sauce. This luscious sauce, created from the rendered chicken fat, butter, garlic, and herbs, is what truly elevates the dish, coating every bite with a symphony of savory notes. Ideal for busy weeknights, this chicken and potatoes dinner requires only a handful of readily available ingredients and, best of all, leaves you with just one pan to wash. It’s a win-win situation for flavor and convenience!

Beyond its simplicity, this one-pan meal offers incredible flexibility. You can easily adjust the herbs to your preference, add extra vegetables, or even experiment with different potato varieties. It’s a complete meal that provides a balanced combination of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats, making it a wholesome choice for the whole family. The robust flavors and comforting warmth make it a perfect dish for any season, while the minimal effort allows you to reclaim precious time during a hectic schedule.

Essential Ingredients for Flavorful Perfection

Creating this magnificent one-pan meal requires a selection of fresh, high-quality ingredients that work in harmony to deliver a truly memorable dining experience. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Skin-on bone-in chicken thighs: These are crucial for flavor and juiciness. The bone helps to distribute heat evenly, keeping the meat moist, while the skin crisps up beautifully, adding an irresistible texture and richness.
• Baby potatoes: Small, waxy potatoes like yellow or red baby potatoes are ideal as they roast quickly and become wonderfully tender on the inside with crispy edges. You can also use larger potatoes cut into 1-inch chunks.
• Olive oil: Used for searing the chicken and contributing to a healthy fat base.
• Salt and pepper: The fundamental seasonings that enhance all the other flavors. Don’t be shy with seasoning the chicken generously.
• Paprika: Adds a subtle warmth, a hint of sweetness, and a beautiful reddish hue to the chicken skin. Smoked paprika can also be used for an extra layer of flavor.
• Butter: Essential for that rich, golden-brown crust on the chicken and for creating a luxurious pan sauce.
• Shallot: A milder, sweeter alternative to onion, it adds an aromatic depth without overpowering the other flavors.
• Garlic: The star of the show! Minced garlic forms the backbone of the “garlic herb” flavor profile, infusing the entire dish with its pungent aroma.
• Fresh thyme and rosemary: These woody herbs are classic partners for chicken and potatoes, offering fragrant, earthy notes that truly define the dish. Fresh is highly recommended for the best aroma.
• Dried oregano: Complements the fresh herbs, adding a Mediterranean touch and a slightly pungent, peppery flavor.

When selecting your ingredients, opt for fresh herbs if possible, as their vibrant aromas make a noticeable difference. For the chicken, look for thighs that have intact skin and are plump. The baby potatoes should be firm and free of sprouts. Quality ingredients are the foundation of any great meal, and this recipe is no exception.

Mastering the Roast: Step-by-Step Guide

Creating this comforting one-pan meal is surprisingly straightforward, designed for efficiency without compromising on taste. Follow these detailed steps to achieve perfectly roasted garlic herb chicken and potatoes every time:

1. Prepare and Season the Chicken and Potatoes: Begin by patting your bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs thoroughly dry with paper towels. This crucial step helps ensure a crispy skin. Season both sides generously with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and paprika. If your baby potatoes are large, cut them in half or quarter them to ensure even cooking with the chicken. Aim for pieces roughly the same size to promote uniform roasting. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
2. Sear the Chicken for Golden Skin: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet (a cast-iron skillet is ideal for its heat retention and oven-to-stove versatility) over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the chopped shallot and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Next, carefully place the seasoned chicken thighs, skin side down, into the hot skillet. Brown the skin for 2 to 3 minutes until it’s a rich golden brown and begins to crisp. This initial sear develops incredible flavor and texture. Flip the chicken thighs and brown the other side for another 2-3 minutes.
3. Build the Herb Butter & Arrange Potatoes: Reduce the heat to medium. Add a tablespoon of butter to the skillet, allowing it to melt and mingle with the chicken drippings. Once melted, sprinkle the fresh thyme, rosemary, and dried oregano directly over the chicken. Add the minced garlic cloves to the pan, stirring briefly to infuse the butter. Arrange the prepared baby potatoes evenly around the chicken thighs in the skillet. Ensure they are in a single layer for optimal roasting. Season the potatoes and the entire dish with additional salt and pepper to taste.
4. Roast to Perfection and Rest: Carefully transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Roast for 30 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and the potatoes are tender and golden. To ensure safety and optimal doneness, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken thigh. It should register at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius). Once cooked, remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken and potatoes rest for 10 minutes. Resting allows the juices in the chicken to redistribute, resulting in incredibly moist and tender meat.

Following these steps will not only yield a delicious meal but also simplify your cooking process, proving that gourmet flavors can be achieved with minimal fuss.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

One of the many benefits of this Garlic Herb Chicken and Potatoes recipe is how well the leftovers keep, making it perfect for meal prepping or enjoying a second delicious meal. Proper storage and reheating will ensure your dish remains flavorful and safe to eat.

Once your meal has cooled completely to room temperature, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container. This is crucial for preventing bacterial growth and maintaining freshness. Place the sealed container in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh and delicious for up to 4 days.

To reheat, for best results, avoid the microwave if possible, as it can sometimes dry out the chicken and make the potatoes soft. Instead, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Place the chicken and potatoes in an oven-safe skillet or baking dish. Cover loosely with foil to prevent drying out and bake for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until thoroughly heated through. This method helps to re-crisp the chicken skin and ensures the potatoes regain their lovely texture.

You can also reheat individual portions in a lightly oiled pan on the stovetop over medium heat, covering it to steam the food until warm. This method is quicker for a single serving and can help crisp up the chicken skin again.

Recipe Variations and Expert Tips

While this Garlic Herb Chicken and Potatoes recipe is fantastic as written, there are many ways to customize it to your taste or what you have on hand. Here are some ideas to make this dish truly your own, along with essential tips for guaranteed success:

Tips for Success:

• Pat the Chicken Dry: This is perhaps the most important tip for crispy chicken skin. Excess moisture prevents browning.
• Don’t Crowd the Pan: Ensure there’s enough space between chicken pieces and potatoes. Overcrowding steams the food instead of roasting it, leading to less crispy results. If necessary, use two pans.
• Use a Cast-Iron Skillet: Cast iron distributes heat incredibly well and retains it, making it perfect for searing on the stovetop and then transferring to the oven. If you don’t have one, any oven-safe skillet will do.
• Internal Temperature is Key: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This guarantees safety and perfectly cooked, juicy chicken.
• Let the Chicken Rest: After taking the skillet out of the oven, let the dish sit for 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices in the chicken to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful bite.

Delicious Variations to Try:

• Add More Vegetables: Feel free to incorporate other quick-cooking vegetables during the last 15-20 minutes of roasting. Broccoli florets, bell pepper strips, asparagus spears, or even sliced carrots can make wonderful additions.
• Spice It Up: For a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the paprika, or a dash of cayenne pepper.
• Lemon Zest Brightness: Finish the dish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of lemon zest after it comes out of the oven. This adds a bright, fresh counterpoint to the rich flavors.
• Different Herb Combinations: While thyme and rosemary are classic, feel free to experiment with other herbs like sage, marjoram, or even fresh parsley and chives added at the end.
• Mustard Glaze: For a tangy twist, whisk together a tablespoon of Dijon mustard with a teaspoon of honey and brush it over the chicken before roasting.
• Smoky Flavor: Use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika for a deeper, smoky undertone.

Experimenting with these variations will help you discover new favorite flavor combinations and keep your meal rotation exciting. Remember, cooking is about enjoying the process and tailoring dishes to your personal preferences!

Serving Suggestions for a Complete Meal

This Garlic Herb Chicken and Potatoes dish is a complete meal on its own, offering a perfect balance of protein and carbohydrates. However, if you’re looking to round out your dinner, consider pairing it with a simple side or two:

• Fresh Green Salad: A light, crisp green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the chicken and potatoes.
• Crusty Bread: A loaf of warm, crusty bread is perfect for soaking up every last drop of that delicious garlic and herb pan sauce.
• Steamed Green Beans or Asparagus: For an extra boost of vegetables, a quick side of steamed green beans or roasted asparagus would be excellent.

Garlic & Herb Chicken and Potatoes Recipe

This Garlic Herb Chicken and Potatoes is the easiest one-pan dinner you can make. Chicken thighs and baby potatoes are roasted together with garlic and herb butter in just one skillet!

Author: Anna

Prep Time: 10 mins

Cook Time: 40 mins

Total Time: 50 mins

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 470 kcal

Ingredients:

• 4 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon paprika
• 1 lb baby yellow potatoes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 shallot, chopped
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ teaspoon fresh thyme
• ½ teaspoon fresh rosemary
• ¼ teaspoon dried oregano

Instructions:

1. Season chicken thighs on both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika. Cut baby potatoes in half or quarter if they are large, aiming for uniform size. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
2. Heat up olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add shallot and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Add chicken thighs, skin side down, and brown for 2 to 3 minutes until golden and crispy. Flip and brown the other side for another 2-3 minutes.
3. Add butter to the skillet and let it melt. Sprinkle fresh thyme, rosemary, dried oregano, and minced garlic over the chicken. Arrange the potatoes around the chicken thighs in a single layer. Season everything with additional salt and pepper if desired.
4. Place the skillet in the preheated oven and roast for 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature at least 165 degrees F / 74 degrees C) and the potatoes are tender and golden. Remove from the oven and let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes:

1. Always check the chicken thighs with a meat thermometer after baking. The internal temperature should be at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C) for safe consumption.
2. Please note that the nutrition value can vary depending on the specific products you use. The information provided below is an estimate. Always use a calorie counter you are familiar with for precise dietary planning.

Nutrition:

Calories: 470kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 30g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 149mg | Sodium: 435mg | Potassium: 806mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 260IU | Vitamin C: 24.2mg | Calcium: 31mg | Iron: 2mg

More Easy Chicken Dinners to Explore

If you loved the simplicity and flavor of this Garlic Herb Chicken and Potatoes, you’re in for a treat! We have a curated collection of easy and delicious chicken dinners that are perfect for any night of the week. Explore these other fantastic recipes that promise great taste with minimal effort:

• French Onion Roasted Chicken
• Roasted Lemon Garlic Chicken
• Instant Pot Chicken Thighs
• Baked Honey Mustard Chicken
• Chicken Francese
• Skillet Chicken Thighs

For even more culinary inspiration and delightful meal ideas like this one, feel free to browse our comprehensive Dinner Category. You’re sure to find something new to love!