Easy Chicken and Potatoes Recipe for Family Dinner
As a busy parent, finding meals that everyone likes can be tough. That’s why I’m excited to share this easy chicken and potatoes recipe. It’s great for busy weeknights when you need a quick, easy dinner.
This recipe has tender chicken thighs marinated in garlic, lemon, and herbs. They’re roasted with fluffy potato wedges. It’s a comforting dish that everyone will love. Plus, it’s ready in under an hour, saving you time.
Table of Contents
Why This One-Pan Chicken and Potatoes Is Perfect for Family Meals
This one-pan chicken and potatoes recipe is a hit for family dinners. It’s a family-friendly dish that saves time, is easy on the wallet, and is a breeze to clean up. It’s the perfect comfort food for busy weeknights.
Time-Saving Benefits
Prep time is just 10 minutes, and cooking takes 50 minutes. This means you can have a delicious meal ready in 1 hour. The one-pan method makes it easy to cook without dealing with lots of dishes.
Budget-Friendly Aspects
The recipe uses chicken thighs and baby Yukon gold potatoes, which are both affordable. These ingredients help you make a tasty meal without spending a lot of money.
Minimal Cleanup Required
Since it’s cooked in one pan, cleaning up is a breeze. Just throw the baking sheet in the dishwasher. This makes it great for busy nights when you want to spend more time with your family.
This easy weeknight dinner is perfect for family-friendly meals. It offers comfort and nourishment without the hassle of complicated recipes. It’s sure to become a favorite in your home.
Essential Ingredients for the Best Results
To make the perfect one-pan chicken and potatoes dish, you need the right ingredients. You’ll need bone-in, skin-on chicken thigh cutlets, all-purpose potatoes, and olive oil. Also, dried garlic herbs seasoning, lemon zest and juice, sweet paprika, Dijon mustard, sugar, salt, and pepper are key. Adding chicken stock brings a rich, savory flavor to the dish.
Fresh herbs like oregano or parsley add a refreshing touch as a garnish. These ingredients come together to make a flavorful, aromatic meal. The chicken and potatoes are perfectly seasoned.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs | 3 lbs |
| Yukon Gold potatoes | 2 lbs |
| Olive oil | 3/4 cup |
| Garlic herbs seasoning | As needed |
| Lemon (zest and juice) | 2 medium |
| Sweet paprika | As needed |
| Dijon mustard | As needed |
| Sugar | As needed |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
| Chicken stock | As needed |
| Fresh herbs (oregano or parsley) | As needed |
With these ingredients, you’re ready to make a delicious one-pan chicken and potatoes dish. Your family will love it.
How to Choose the Right Cuts of Chicken and Potatoes
For the best results, choose the perfect cuts of bone-in chicken thighs and golden potatoes for this one-pan recipe. Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are the best choice. They offer more flavor and moisture than chicken breasts. Look for thigh cutlets that are about 2 pounds total.
Selecting Perfect Chicken Thighs
Choose bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for this recipe. The bone and skin keep the meat juicy and flavorful. Avoid boneless, skinless chicken breasts, as they can dry out. Aim for 4 chicken thighs, around 24 ounces in total.
Best Potato Varieties to Use
Golden potatoes or other small, waxy potato varieties are best for this recipe. Avoid larger, starchier russet potatoes, as they can become too soft. Look for about 22 ounces of golden potatoes, cut into 1-inch wedges for even cooking.
Fresh Herbs and Seasonings Guide
Enhance the flavor of your bone-in chicken thighs and golden potatoes with fresh herbs and seasonings. Some great options include:
- Rosemary – Adds an earthy, pine-like aroma
- Thyme – Brings a subtle, woodsy flavor
- Parsley – Provides a fresh, herbaceous touch
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Smoked paprika
Experiment with different herb and spice combinations to find your perfect flavor profile.
“The right cuts of chicken and potatoes, combined with fresh herbs and seasonings, are the keys to creating a delicious and satisfying one-pan meal.”
Chicken and Potatoes Recipe: Step-by-Step Instructions
Making a perfect one-pan meal of oven-roasted chicken and baked potato wedges is simple. Just follow these easy steps to make a tasty and easy family dinner.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, mix the chicken, olive oil, soy sauce, honey, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic. Toss to coat the chicken well with the marinade.
- Place the baby potatoes in a big baking pan or oven-safe skillet. Put the marinated chicken pieces on top of the potatoes.
- Pour the chicken stock or broth into the pan. Make sure it covers the potatoes and chicken.
- Bake the chicken and potatoes in the preheated oven for 55-60 minutes. Move the potatoes halfway through.
- Check the chicken to see if it’s golden brown and cooked. It should be 165°F (74°C) inside. The potatoes should be tender and caramelized.
- Serve the oven-roasted chicken and baked potato wedges right away. Add fresh lemon wedges and chopped parsley if you like.
This one-pan meal is not only tasty but also super easy. It saves you time on prep and cleanup. Enjoy this hearty and flavorful dish with your family tonight.
Mastering the Perfect Marinade
Making the perfect marinade is key to making your chicken and potatoes dish amazing. It adds a blend of flavors that makes the meal delicious. Your family will love it.
Garlic and Herb Blend
Begin with a strong garlic and herb marinade. Mix 6 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons of fresh, minced garlic, 2 tablespoons of dried oregano, and a bit of red pepper flakes. This mix will make the chicken juicy and full of flavor.
Lemon-Dijon Mixture
Then, mix 1/2 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice, 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar, and some salt and black pepper. This lemon-Dijon mix adds a tangy taste that goes well with the other flavors.
For the best taste, let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes. Or, for even more flavor, marinate it for up to 48 hours. The longer it marinates, the juicier and tastier it will be.
“The secret to perfectly seasoned and juicy chicken lies in the marinade. It’s the foundation that transforms a simple dish into a flavor-packed sensation.”
Tips for Achieving Crispy Skin and Tender Meat
Preparing juicy chicken thighs with crispy chicken skin is an art. It needs careful attention to detail. To get it right, remember a few important roasting techniques.
Start by making sure your oven is hot, around 375°F (190°C). This high heat is key for a golden-brown chicken skin. A heavy-duty, cast-iron pan or baking sheet helps spread heat evenly, avoiding soggy spots.
When placing the chicken in the pan, don’t overcrowd. Give each piece enough space for air to circulate. This is crucial for crispy skin. Also, put the chicken skin-side up and don’t put lemon slices or other ingredients on top. This prevents the skin from getting soggy.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) for optimal crispy skin and tender meat.
- Use a heavy-duty, cast-iron pan or baking sheet for even heat distribution.
- Arrange the chicken pieces in the pan, leaving space between them to allow for proper air circulation.
- Position the chicken skin-side up and avoid placing any ingredients directly on top of the skin.
By following these tips, you’ll make a tasty, crispy-skinned and juicy chicken dish. Your family will love it.
Side Dish Recommendations and Pairings
Make your one-pan chicken and potatoes dish even better with some tasty side dishes. Try pairing it with steamed vegetables like broccolini, green beans, or asparagus for a healthy twist. A simple green salad with a tangy garlic vinaigrette is also a great choice. It brings out the flavors of the chicken and potatoes.
Vegetable Options
- Roasted Brussels sprouts or broccoli for a caramelized crunch
- Sautéed mushrooms, such as maitakes, for an earthy touch
- Grilled or roasted zucchini and summer squash wedges
Sauce Suggestions
The juices from your chicken and potatoes can make a tasty sauce. You can pour it over your meal or serve it on the side. Adding butter, fresh herbs, or lemon juice can make the sauce even better.
| Side Dish | Preparation | Serving Suggestion |
|---|---|---|
| Garlic Fried Rice | Use refrigerated rice for a quick and easy preparation | Serve alongside the chicken and potatoes for a complete meal |
| Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad | Use a food processor with a slicer attachment to shave the sprouts | Toss with a lemon-Dijon vinaigrette for a refreshing counterpart |
| Roasted Potato Wedges | Ensure proper browning by minimizing flipping during pan-frying | Finish with a sprinkle of lemon juice, salt, pepper, and grated Parmesan |
“The pan juices create a delicious sauce, perfect for drizzling over the finished dish.”
Make-Ahead and Storage Guidelines
This easy chicken and potatoes recipe is a lifesaver for meal prep. It’s versatile and convenient. You can plan ahead and enjoy home-cooked meals all week with little effort.
Start by marinating the chicken up to 24 hours in advance. This adds great flavor and makes the meat tender. For the potatoes, peel, slice, and store them in water for up to 24 hours before cooking. This prep saves time on cooking day.
After enjoying your chicken and potatoes, refrigerate any leftovers for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 425°F or in the microwave until hot. Note that this recipe can’t be frozen because the potatoes’ texture and quality will change.
Consider doubling the recipe for easy meal prep. This way, you’ll have enough for a family dinner and leftovers for the week. Meal prep has never been simpler or tastier!
Common Recipe Variations and Substitutions
This chicken and potatoes dish is very versatile. You can swap chicken breasts for thighs, adjusting cooking time for tenderness. Try using sweet, russet, or baby red potatoes instead of golden ones.
For a dairy-free option, use olive oil instead of ghee and skip the sharp cheddar cheese. You can also tweak the seasoning to your liking, like reducing cayenne pepper for a milder taste. Adding white wine at the end can enhance the flavor by deglazing the pan.
This dish is perfect for making it your own. Add roasted asparagus or Brussels sprouts for a unique twist. With these easy changes, you can make it fit your dietary needs and taste preferences.
