If you’re craving a hearty meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Easy Italian Chicken and Potatoes Recipe is your new go-to. It beautifully combines crisp, golden chicken thighs with tender, flavorful potatoes, all infused with classic Italian herbs and spices. The simplicity of the ingredients comes together in a way that’s both comforting and exciting, perfect for a family dinner or an impressive weekday feast. You’ll love how effortlessly this dish delivers vibrant flavors and satisfying textures without any fuss or complicated steps.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this recipe is refreshingly straightforward. Each component is carefully selected to enhance the overall flavor and create a well-rounded dish that’s colorful and inviting.
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs: These provide juicy, flavorful meat with crispy skin after roasting.
- 4 medium potatoes, cut into 1-inch cubes: Perfectly sized for roasting, ensuring they cook evenly and absorb the savory seasonings.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Essential for crisping the chicken skin and roasting the potatoes to golden perfection.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a deep, aromatic layer of garlicky goodness.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the savory base without overpowering the other spices.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Classic Italian herb that brings a fragrant, earthy note.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Brings a sweet, peppery flavor that brightens the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme: Adds subtle warmth and complexity.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Critical for balancing and intensifying all the flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional): Offers a hint of smokiness and a lovely reddish hue.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds fresh color and a mild herbal note to finish.
How to Make Easy Italian Chicken and Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Chicken and Potatoes
Start by patting the chicken thighs dry with paper towels—that skin needs to be as dry as possible to get crispy in the oven. Meanwhile, cube your potatoes evenly to ensure they cook uniformly. This prep sets you up for perfectly cooked ingredients.
Step 2: Season Everything Generously
In a large bowl, toss the potatoes with half of the olive oil and a pinch of salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, basil, thyme, and paprika if using. In another bowl, rub the chicken thighs with the remaining olive oil, then coat them with the same seasoning blend. This dual seasoning gives every bite an explosive Italian flavor.
Step 3: Arrange and Roast
Place the potatoes in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Nestle the chicken thighs skin-side up among the potatoes so that everything roasts together. This ensures the flavors mingle beautifully as the chicken juices baste the potatoes.
Step 4: Roast Until Golden and Tender
Roast in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 30 minutes. You want the chicken skin golden and crispy, and the potatoes tender when pierced with a fork. The high heat caramelizes the seasoning on both for that irresistible finish.
How to Serve Easy Italian Chicken and Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley right after plating adds a pop of vibrant green color and a fresh, slightly peppery taste that cuts through the richness of the roasted chicken and potatoes.
Side Dishes
This dish shines brightly on its own but pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette or a simple steamed vegetable like asparagus or green beans to add freshness and balance.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy family meal, serve this on a rustic wooden board to bring out the earthiness of the potatoes and herbs. For a dinner party, arrange the chicken and potatoes neatly on a white platter, garnish with parsley and lemon wedges for guests to squeeze over their servings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, place leftover chicken and potatoes in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld more over time, making leftovers a tasty second-day meal.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked chicken and potatoes by packing them tightly in a freezer-safe container or bag. For best quality, consume within 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To keep the skin crispy on reheating, use an oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 10–15 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you want to retain the original texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken instead of bone-in for this Easy Italian Chicken and Potatoes Recipe?
Absolutely! Boneless chicken breasts or thighs can be used, but keep in mind that bone-in pieces tend to stay juicier and add more flavor while roasting.
What type of potatoes work best for roasting in this recipe?
Yukon gold or red potatoes are ideal because they hold their shape well and develop a nice crispy exterior without falling apart.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as it contains no wheat-based ingredients. Just ensure your spices are gluten-free from the brand you buy.
Can I add vegetables to the roasting pan?
Definitely! Adding carrots, bell peppers, or Brussels sprouts can add variety and color. Just cut them into similar-sized pieces to the potatoes for even cooking.
How spicy is this recipe?
This Easy Italian Chicken and Potatoes Recipe is mild and herbaceous, but you can add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if you want a touch of heat.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about a meal that’s this simple yet bursting with flavor. The Easy Italian Chicken and Potatoes Recipe is truly a crowd-pleaser and perfect for anyone who loves classic Italian flavors but wants a no-fuss dinner solution. I encourage you to give it a try—you might just find it becoming your favorite weeknight staple!
Print
Easy Italian Chicken and Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Easy Italian Chicken and Potatoes recipe offers a simple yet flavorful meal featuring crispy bone-in chicken thighs paired with tender, herb-seasoned potatoes. Perfect for a comforting dinner, this dish utilizes classic Italian herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme to create a savory and aromatic experience that the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
Chicken and Potatoes
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 4 medium potatoes, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional, for added color and flavor)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for roasting the chicken and potatoes to a perfect crisp.
- Prepare the potatoes: In a large bowl, toss the cubed potatoes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, half the garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried basil, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper to ensure even coating.
- Season the chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Rub them with the remaining olive oil and sprinkle the remaining garlic powder, onion powder, dried herbs, salt, and pepper evenly over the skin.
- Arrange in baking dish: Spread the seasoned potatoes in a single layer in a roasting pan or large baking dish. Place the chicken thighs skin-side up on top of the potatoes.
- Roast the dish: Roast in the preheated oven for about 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the potatoes are tender and golden. Halfway through cooking, stir the potatoes gently to ensure they roast evenly.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top before serving to add a burst of color and fresh flavor.
Notes
- Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs provide the best flavor and crispy skin.
- Cut potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to verify chicken is fully cooked for safety and juiciness.
- Optional paprika adds a smoky color and slight sweetness.
- If you want a spicier dish, consider adding red pepper flakes.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.
