One-Pan Chicken and Potatoes

One-Pan Chicken and Potatoes is a delightful and easy dish that combines juicy chicken thighs, creamy potatoes, and colorful vegetables in one pan. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this recipe brings comfort food to your table without the fuss of multiple dishes. The standout feature is its simplicity; toss everything together, let the oven do the work, and enjoy a hearty meal with minimal cleanup.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: With just one pan needed, cleanup is a breeze!
• Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of spices and fresh vegetables creates a mouthwatering dish.
• Versatile Meal: Perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests, it suits any occasion.
• Nutritious: Packed with protein and veggies, it’s a wholesome choice for healthy eating.
• Great Leftovers: This dish reheats well, making it ideal for meal prep.

Tools and Preparation

To make One-Pan Chicken and Potatoes, you need some essential tools to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring spoons
• Knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking sheet: A large surface allows for even cooking of all ingredients in one go.
• Mixing bowl: Essential for combining marinade ingredients thoroughly before adding chicken.
• Whisk: Helps blend marinade ingredients into a smooth mixture, ensuring flavor distribution.

Ingredients

For the Marinade

• 2 tablespoons minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1-1/2 teaspoons paprika
• 3/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper

For the Chicken and Vegetables

• 1/3 cup chicken broth
• 2 teaspoons Dijon-style mustard (optional)
• 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (2-1/4 pounds)
• Cooking spray
• 2 heaping cups baby gold potatoes
• 1-1/2 large yellow onions (halved and sliced into 1-inch thick chunks)
• 1-1/2 cups carrots (peeled; cut into 1-1/2 inches long x 1/2-inch thick)
• Fresh thyme (optional)
• Hearty buttered bread (optional, for dunking in sauce)

How to Make One-Pan Chicken and Potatoes

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a bowl, combine all marinade ingredients except for the chicken. Whisk until smooth. Add the chicken thighs and toss until well coated. For best results, cover and marinate overnight or let it sit at room temperature while preparing the veggies.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a rimmed 13×18-inch sheet pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Assemble the Pan

On the greased pan, combine baby gold potatoes, onions, carrots, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Toss well until everything is evenly coated. Spread out in an even layer and make space in the center for the chicken. Scrape any leftover marinade on top of the chicken pieces. Carefully pour one cup of chicken broth over the veggies. Spray everything generously with cooking spray.

Step 4: Bake It All Together

Bake for 50–55 minutes or until the vegetables are crisp-tender and the chicken is golden brown. Switch your oven to broil mode and move the tray to the top shelf. Broil for an additional 1–2 minutes while watching carefully to achieve a slight char on top.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Remove from oven and let it stand for about 5–10 minutes. Spoon pan juices over both veggies and chicken before serving. If desired, add fresh thyme on top. Enjoy with crusty buttered bread perfect for soaking up that extra pan sauce!

How to Serve One-Pan Chicken and Potatoes

One-Pan Chicken and Potatoes is not only a hearty meal but also incredibly versatile when it comes to serving options. Here are some ideas to elevate your dining experience.

Pair with Fresh Salad

• Mixed Greens: A light mixed green salad with vinaigrette can balance the richness of the chicken and potatoes.
• Caesar Salad: Creamy Caesar salad adds a classic touch that complements the savory flavors of the dish.

Add Some Bread

• Crusty Baguette: Serve slices of crusty baguette for dipping into the flavorful pan juices.
• Garlic Bread: This buttery, garlicky delight pairs perfectly with the main dish, enhancing the overall flavor profile.

Enhance with Dipping Sauces

• Honey Mustard Sauce: A sweet and tangy honey mustard sauce can provide a delightful contrast.
• Chimichurri: This herby sauce adds freshness and a zesty kick that pairs well with roasted chicken.

How to Perfect One-Pan Chicken and Potatoes

To achieve the ultimate One-Pan Chicken and Potatoes, consider these helpful tips for perfecting your dish.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs will enhance the flavors significantly compared to dried or stale ones.
• Marinate Longer: For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken overnight rather than just at room temperature while prepping.
• Adjust Cooking Time: Keep an eye on your oven; cooking times may vary based on oven calibration and chicken size. Make sure to check for doneness.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Ensure there’s enough space between the chicken and veggies for even cooking and browning.
• Add Acid: A squeeze of lemon juice before serving brightens up the dish beautifully.

Best Side Dishes for One-Pan Chicken and Potatoes

Complementing your One-Pan Chicken and Potatoes can elevate your meal. Here are some great side dishes to consider.

1. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli provides a nutritious crunch that balances out the meal.
2. Roasted Asparagus: Toss asparagus in olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast until tender; it adds a nice pop of color.
3. Creamy Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crunchiness and freshness, making it a great counterpoint to rich flavors.
4. Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad with cucumbers and tomatoes offers a healthy grain option that pairs well with chicken.
5. Garlic Mashed Cauliflower: This low-carb alternative is creamy, flavorful, and complements the textures of your main dish beautifully.
6. Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn brings sweetness that contrasts nicely with savory chicken flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

One-Pan Chicken and Potatoes is a simple dish, but there are a few common mistakes that can affect the outcome. Here’s what to watch out for:

• Skipping the marinade: Not marinating the chicken can lead to bland flavor. Always take time to coat the chicken in the marinade for at least 30 minutes.
• Overcrowding the pan: Placing too many ingredients on the sheet pan can cause steaming instead of roasting. Ensure there’s enough space between the chicken and vegetables.
• Not adjusting cooking times: Cooking times may vary based on your oven and ingredient sizes. Always check that chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
• Ignoring vegetable sizes: Cutting veggies unevenly can result in some being overcooked while others remain hard. Aim for uniform size for even cooking.
• Not using enough oil: Insufficient oil can lead to sticking or dry ingredients. Ensure all components are lightly coated for optimal roasting.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing One-Pan Chicken and Potatoes

• Freeze in an airtight container or freezer bag.
• Good for up to 3 months.

Reheating One-Pan Chicken and Potatoes

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and heat until warmed through.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish and cover. Heat in intervals, stirring occasionally until hot.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about preparing One-Pan Chicken and Potatoes.

Can I use boneless chicken?

Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs or breasts, but adjust cooking time since they may cook faster than bone-in pieces.

What other vegetables can I add?

Feel free to add bell peppers, zucchini, or green beans for extra color and nutrition.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) when fully cooked. A meat thermometer is helpful here.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare everything in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it.

What sides go well with One-Pan Chicken and Potatoes?

Serve with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Final Thoughts

One-Pan Chicken and Potatoes is not just easy; it’s also customizable to fit your family’s tastes. Whether you prefer different veggies or spices, this recipe adapts beautifully. Try it tonight, and enjoy a comforting dinner that brings joy to your table!