Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup, or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken and Potatoes
- Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels to ensure they get crispy when cooking.
- In a large bowl, toss the potato cubes or wedges with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Spread the potatoes evenly on one side of the baking sheet.
- Rub the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil on the chicken, and season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika. Place the chicken on the other side of the baking sheet, ensuring it’s not overlapping with the potatoes.
Step 3: Roast in the Oven
- Roast the chicken and potatoes in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, depending on the size of your chicken pieces and potato wedges. Flip the potatoes halfway through cooking to ensure they crisp up evenly.
- The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part of the thigh or breast, and the potatoes should be golden brown and tender.
Step 4: Serve and Garnish
- Once the chicken and potatoes are cooked, remove them from the oven. Drizzle the chicken with a little lemon juice for brightness (optional) and garnish the potatoes with freshly chopped parsley.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your hearty, delicious meal!
Tips for the Perfect Chicken and Potatoes:
- Crispy Chicken Skin:Â If you want extra crispy chicken skin, make sure the chicken is dry before seasoning it. Avoid overcrowding the pan to allow the skin to get crispy.
- Customize the Seasoning:Â You can change up the seasoning by adding other herbs like rosemary, oregano, or basil, or even a touch of cayenne pepper for some heat.
- Add Veggies:Â Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or onions to the pan. Just cut them to a similar size as the potatoes for even cooking.
- Use Boneless Chicken:Â If you prefer boneless chicken, adjust the cooking time to around 25-30 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken pieces.
Variations:
- Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes:Â Melt some butter with minced garlic and drizzle it over the chicken and potatoes during the last 10 minutes of roasting for extra richness and flavor.
- Honey Mustard Chicken and Potatoes:Â Brush the chicken with a honey mustard glaze during the last 15 minutes of cooking for a tangy-sweet finish.
- One-Pan Mediterranean Chicken and Potatoes:Â Add olives, cherry tomatoes, and feta cheese to the pan before roasting for a Mediterranean twist on this classic dish.
Final Thoughts
This chicken and potatoes recipe is the ultimate comfort food—easy to make, satisfying, and full of flavor. The combination of juicy chicken and crispy, golden potatoes makes it a perfect dish for any night of the week. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or preparing a meal for yourself, this recipe will become a favorite in your cooking rotation. Enjoy!