This recipe delivers perfectly crispy baked chicken and tender, flavorful potatoes all in one pan – minimizing cleanup and maximizing deliciousness. It's a weeknight winner that's adaptable to your favorite seasonings and vegetables. Forget complicated techniques; this recipe focuses on simple steps and big flavor.
What You'll Need:
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or breasts, adjusted cooking time accordingly)
- 2 lbs small red potatoes, halved or quartered if large
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 lemon, quartered
Equipment:
- Large roasting pan or baking sheet
- Mixing bowl
Step-by-Step Instructions:
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Prep the Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash and cut the potatoes into even-sized pieces for even cooking. Toss them in a large bowl with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper.
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Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This helps achieve crispy skin. In the same bowl (after removing the potatoes), toss the chicken with the remaining olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Ensure the chicken is evenly coated.
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Assemble and Bake: Arrange the potatoes in a single layer in your roasting pan. Place the seasoned chicken thighs on top of the potatoes. Tuck the lemon quarters amongst the chicken and potatoes. This adds a burst of citrus flavor.
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Roast to Perfection: Bake for 45-60 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C) and the potatoes are tender and slightly browned. Larger chicken breasts may require an additional 15-20 minutes of cooking time. If the potatoes are browning too quickly, you can loosely tent the pan with foil.
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Rest and Serve: Once cooked, remove the pan from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful meat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use different vegetables?
Absolutely! This recipe is very versatile. Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, broccoli florets, or bell peppers. Just remember to adjust cooking times as needed, depending on the vegetable's cooking time. For heartier vegetables like carrots, you might want to pre-chop them smaller and/or add them to the pan earlier.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
The best way to ensure your chicken is cooked through is to use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken thigh; it should register 165°F (74°C). You can also check for doneness by piercing the thickest part of the chicken; the juices should run clear.
Can I use bone-in, skinless chicken?
Yes, you can use bone-in, skinless chicken thighs or breasts. However, the skin adds a significant amount of flavor and crispiness to the dish. If using skinless chicken, you may want to increase the oven temperature slightly to help brown the chicken and reduce the cooking time.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
While it's best enjoyed fresh, you can prep the chicken and potatoes ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator, and assemble and bake them just before serving.
What are some other seasoning options?
Experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own flavor combinations. Rosemary, oregano, garlic-herb blend, or Italian seasoning all work well with chicken and potatoes. A sprinkle of smoked paprika adds a smoky depth of flavor.
This simple yet flavorful recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual get-together. Enjoy!
