🍗 Chicken and Potato Bake: The Ultimate One-Pan Comfort Meal
There’s something timeless and satisfying about a good chicken and potato bake. It’s hearty, it’s wholesome, and best of all—it all comes together in one pan. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, meal prepping for the week, or just craving some classic comfort food, this dish is a total winner.
This recipe combines tender, juicy chicken with golden, crispy potatoes, all seasoned with herbs, garlic, and a touch of lemon. It’s simple enough for a weeknight, but with enough flavor to feel like a Sunday dinner.
🛒 Ingredients:
4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or breasts if preferred)
4 medium Yukon Gold or red potatoes, cut into chunks
3 tbsp olive oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp dried thyme (or rosemary)
½ tsp onion powder
Salt & black pepper to taste
Juice of ½ lemon
Optional: chopped parsley, grated Parmesan for garnish
🔪 Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a large baking dish or oven-safe skillet.
Prep the chicken:
Pat the chicken dry and season well with salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder, and half the garlic. A quick drizzle of olive oil helps the seasoning stick and crisps the skin in the oven.
Season the potatoes:
In a separate bowl, toss the chopped potatoes with olive oil, remaining garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. You can also add a sprinkle of paprika for color and flavor.
Assemble:
Arrange the potatoes evenly in the baking dish. Nestle the chicken thighs on top, skin-side up. The juices from the chicken will soak into the potatoes as it bakes—pure magic.
Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the chicken is golden and cooked through (internal temp should hit 165°F/75°C) and the potatoes are fork-tender. For extra crispiness, broil for the last 3–5 minutes.
Finish with flair:
Squeeze lemon juice over everything straight out of the oven. Sprinkle with fresh parsley or even a bit of Parmesan for that final flavor pop.
🍽 Tips & Variations:
Swap thighs for boneless breasts or even drumsticks—just adjust cooking time as needed.
Add veggies like carrots, green beans, or broccoli in the last 20 minutes for a full one-pan meal.
Want it creamy? Mix a little sour cream or heavy cream with your potatoes before baking.
Try mustard or honey-mustard glaze on the chicken for a sweet-savory twist.
This chicken and potato bake is comfort food at its best—crispy, juicy, and loaded with flavor. It’s a crowd-pleaser that never goes out of style, and the easy clean-up makes it even better. Just one pan, minimal prep, and you’re sitting down to a cozy, home-cooked meal that feels like a hug on a plate.