Chicken and Potato Bake is a comforting, one-pan meal that’s simple to prepare and full of hearty flavors. Juicy chicken, tender potatoes, and a medley of seasonings come together in the oven for a dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pan Wonder: Easy cleanup and less hassle with everything cooked in a single dish.
- Flavorful and Filling: Seasoned chicken and potatoes make for a hearty, satisfying meal.
- Customizable: Adjust seasonings, vegetables, or proteins to suit your taste.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Great for leftovers or prepping ahead of time.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- Potatoes (russet, red, or Yukon Gold), diced
- Olive oil
- Garlic, minced
- Onion powder
- Paprika
- Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper
- Shredded cheese (optional, for topping)
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Directions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the Ingredients:
- Dice the potatoes into evenly sized cubes for even cooking. Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel.
- Season the Chicken:
- In a small bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, onion powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Rub the mixture onto the chicken.
- Toss the Potatoes:
- In a separate bowl, toss the potatoes with olive oil and the same seasoning mix.
- Assemble the Dish:
- Arrange the seasoned potatoes in a single layer on a greased baking dish. Place the chicken pieces on top or nestled among the potatoes.
- Bake:
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil, sprinkle cheese over the chicken (if using), and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (165°F internal temperature) and the potatoes are tender.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving, if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Variations
- Vegetable Additions: Add carrots, bell peppers, or green beans for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Spicy Twist: Add cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the seasoning mix for a bit of heat.
- Different Proteins: Substitute chicken with pork chops or turkey breast for a twist.
- Cheesy Bake: Top with mozzarella or cheddar cheese for a creamy, melted finish.
- Herbaceous Option: Use fresh rosemary or thyme in place of Italian seasoning for an aromatic touch.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or in the microwave until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in chicken?
Yes, but adjust the cooking time to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
What’s the best potato variety for this dish?
Yukon Gold or red potatoes hold their shape well and provide a creamy texture.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the dish ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Bake when ready to serve.
Do I need to peel the potatoes?
No, the skins add texture and nutrients, but you can peel them if preferred.
Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
Absolutely! Sweet potatoes add a slightly sweet flavor and work well in this recipe.
How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
Cover the dish with foil for the first half of baking to retain moisture, and avoid overcooking.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, omit the cheese and ensure your other ingredients are dairy-free.
What sides pair well with this bake?
A simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread complements this dish perfectly.
Can I cook this in a cast-iron skillet?
Yes, a cast-iron skillet works well and enhances the flavors while ensuring even cooking.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F.
Conclusion
Chicken and Potato Bake is the epitome of comfort food—easy to make, satisfying, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting friends, this dish is sure to please. Customize it to your liking and enjoy a meal that’s as wholesome as it is delicious!
Print
Chicken and Potato Bake
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Description
This hearty Chicken and Potato Bake is an easy one-dish meal that combines tender chicken, seasoned potatoes, and a creamy, cheesy topping. Perfect for a comforting family dinner, it’s simple to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup (120 g) shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of cheeses)
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream or milk
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or Italian seasoning)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
2. Prepare the Potatoes:
- In a large bowl, toss the diced potatoes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Spread the potatoes evenly in the prepared baking dish.
3. Prepare the Chicken:
- Rub the chicken breasts with the remaining olive oil and season with the remaining garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Place the chicken on top of the potatoes.
4. Add the Onion and Cream:
- Scatter the sliced onion over the chicken and potatoes. Pour the heavy cream evenly over the dish.
5. Add Cheese and Bake:
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes.
6. Finish Baking:
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C) and the potatoes are tender. The cheese should be melted and bubbly.
7. Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving. Serve hot with a side of vegetables or a crisp salad.
Notes
- Substitute heavy cream with evaporated milk or half-and-half for a lighter option.
- For extra flavor, add cooked bacon bits or sliced mushrooms to the dish.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.