This delightful One Pan Chicken and Potatoes Recipe will quickly become a go-to favorite in your home! With tender chicken, crispy potatoes, and a zesty sauce, it’s an incredibly flavorful meal that’s simple to prepare and even easier to clean up.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Minimal Cleanup: With everything cooked on one pan, you’re left with fewer dishes to wash, making this a perfectly convenient weeknight meal.
- Burst of Flavor: The combination of lemon juice, garlic, and herbs infuses the chicken and potatoes with vibrant taste that wakes up your palate.
- Family-Friendly: The classic flavors appeal to all ages, making it a hit for family dinners or gatherings with friends.
- Adaptable Ingredients: This recipe welcomes substitutions and additions, allowing you to tailor it to your personal preferences or what’s available.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these straightforward ingredients ensures you’re all set for a wholesome meal. Each component plays a crucial role in delivering the delightful flavors and textures that make this One Pan Chicken and Potatoes Recipe irresistible.
- 2 lb chicken thighs and drumsticks: Opt for bone-in, skin-on pieces to maximize flavor and ensure juicy, tender results.
- 22 oz potatoes: Small potatoes work best, but chop larger ones into even pieces for uniform cooking.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: This aromatic adds a wonderful depth of flavor to the sauce.
- 1/4 cup olive oil: A healthy fat that helps crispen the skin and coat the potatoes beautifully.
- 1/2 cup lemon juice & 1 Tbsp lemon zest: Provides zing and brightness that elevate the dish.
- 1 1/2 Tbsp tomato paste: Introduces a touch of richness and color to the sauce.
- 1 tsp salt, 1/2 Tbsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp paprika: A perfect blend of spices to enhance the overall flavor profile.
- Parsley for garnish: Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
Variations
One of the most beautiful aspects of this dish is its versatility. Feel free to experiment with what you have on hand—it’s incredibly forgiving, and a few small changes can make the One Pan Chicken and Potatoes Recipe your own.
- Vegetable Boost: Add sliced bell peppers or green beans for extra color and nutrients.
- Spice It Up: Incorporate a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne for a little heat.
- Herb Substitute: Swap oregano with thyme or rosemary for a new herbal twist.
How to Make One Pan Chicken and Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to a cozy 400°F (200°C). This temperature ensures that your chicken will be juicy inside and perfectly crispy outside while the potatoes achieve that coveted golden exterior.
Step 2: Mix the Sauce
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, tomato paste, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, oregano, black pepper, and paprika. These powerhouse ingredients create a flavorful marinade that coats everything beautifully.
Step 3: Arrange Chicken and Potatoes
Pat your chicken and potatoes dry with paper towels—this helps the skin crisp up in the oven. Arrange them on a sheet pan, ensuring they’re evenly spaced for optimal roasting.
Step 4: Coat and Bake
Pour that luscious sauce over the chicken and potatoes, turning them to make sure they’re fully coated. Then, bake in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes, until the chicken is perfectly cooked, and the potatoes are tender.
Step 5: Let it Rest and Garnish
Allow the dish to rest for about five minutes after removing it from the oven. This step helps retain juices. Before serving, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a bright finish.
Pro Tips for Making One Pan Chicken and Potatoes Recipe
- Perfect Caramelization: Make sure to space out the chicken on the pan to allow hot air circulation, which ensures crispy skin.
- Garlic Goodness: Use fresh garlic for the quintessential aroma and flavor that really makes the sauce pop.
- Check Potatoes: Pierce the potatoes with a fork before baking to accelerate the cooking process.
- Balanced Acidity: Adjust the lemon juice based on your taste preference to get that perfect tanginess.
How to Serve One Pan Chicken and Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley brightens the dish both visually and taste-wise. You could also garnish with some lemon slices if you’re a fan of a zesty finish.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or steamed green beans to complement the hearty flavors without overpowering them. If you’re a bread lover, a warm crusty baguette would be perfect to mop up that delicious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving this recipe on a large wooden board for a rustic presentation. Arrange the chicken and potatoes in a circular pattern, garnished with fresh herbs, and let everyone dig in family-style.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they will keep well for up to 3-4 days. Make sure the dish has cooled to room temperature before transferring to your chosen storage container.
Freezing
For extended storage, you can freeze this dish. Ensure it’s in a freezer-safe container and consider separating chicken and potatoes for more efficient reheating. It will keep for up to 2 months in the freezer.
Reheating
To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Alternatively, the microwave is a quicker option; just be sure to cover lightly to prevent drying out.
FAQs
-
Can I use chicken breasts instead?
Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts, but they might cook faster than thighs and drumsticks. Be sure to check for doneness after 30 minutes to prevent overcooking.
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What can I use instead of lemon juice?
If you’re out of lemon juice, try using white vinegar for acidity, although it will alter the flavor slightly. Lime juice is another great option if available.
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How can I make the dish spicier?
To add heat, mix in some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the marinade.
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Is it necessary to marinate the chicken beforehand?
No marinating is required, thanks to the robust sauce that infuses flavor during the cooking process. For an enhanced taste, you could marinate for a few hours.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this One Pan Chicken and Potatoes Recipe a try! Its ease, adaptability, and wonderful flavor profile make it a delight in any kitchen, perfect for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs alike. Enjoy every delicious bite!
PrintOne Pan Chicken and Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Description
This flavorful one-pan chicken and potatoes recipe features tender chicken thighs and drumsticks roasted to perfection with a vibrant lemon-garlic sauce. Easy to prepare, it’s a complete meal with minimal cleanup, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a comforting weekend dinner.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 lb chicken thighs and drumsticks
For the Potatoes:
- 22 oz potatoes (about 4-5 medium potatoes)
For the Sauce:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 1 Tbsp lemon zest
- 1 1/2 Tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 Tbsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to fully heat before cooking.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, tomato paste, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, oregano, black pepper, and paprika until well combined.
- Prepare the Chicken and Potatoes: Pat dry the chicken thighs and drumsticks with paper towels. Wash and chop the potatoes into smaller, even-sized pieces for uniform cooking. Arrange the chicken and potatoes on a large sheet pan or baking dish.
- Coat with Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and potatoes, using a spoon or brush to ensure everything is evenly coated.
- Bake: Place the sheet pan in the oven and bake for about 40 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the potatoes are tender and golden.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove from oven, let rest for 5 minutes, then sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish for freshness before serving.
Notes
- Use a food thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Leftovers can be cooled and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Adjust seasoning according to your taste preferences, adding more lemon juice for tang or more herbs for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 175 mg