One Pan Chicken and Potato Bake: A Southern Comfort Classic

There’s something magical about walking into a kitchen filled with the aroma of herbs, roasted chicken, and golden potatoes. This one-pan chicken and potato recipe isn’t just another dinner—it’s a celebration of Southern cooking at its finest.

Read more: One Pan Chicken and Potato Bake: A Southern Comfort Classic

As a food blogger who’s tested countless chicken and potato recipes over the years, I can confidently say this one pan wonder has earned its place as a family favorite.

The beauty of this easy chicken and potato recipe lies not just in its incredible flavor, but in its simplicity. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting your culinary journey, this dish delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal fuss.

Let me show you how to create this comforting masterpiece in your kitchen.

Why This One Pan Chicken and Potatoes Recipe Works

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about why this dish deserves a spot in your weekly rotation:

• One Pan Wonder: Who has time for endless cleanup in our busy lives? This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a spectacular meal using just one pan.
• Perfect for Any Season: While it’s especially comforting during cold months, this versatile dish works year-round.
• Budget-Friendly: Using chicken legs instead of breasts decreases the cost while maximizing flavor.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: The compound butter can be prepared days in advance.
• Customizable: Once you master the basic recipe, you can experiment with different herbs and seasonings.

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The Science Behind Perfect Chicken and Potatoes

Let’s talk about what makes this recipe work so well. The key lies in two crucial elements:

1. The Compound Butter: This flavored butter serves multiple purposes:
   • It keeps the chicken meat moist during cooking
   • Creates a self-basting effect under the skin
   • Provides incredible flavor that seeps into the potatoes below
2. The One-Pan Method: By cooking everything together:
   • The chicken drippings flavor the potatoes
   • The steam from the potatoes helps keep the chicken moist
   • You get the perfect balance of textures in every bite

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Ingredients: Breaking It Down

For the Compound Butter:

• 1 stick butter, softened
• 2 teaspoons dried or fresh chives
• 2 teaspoons dried or fresh parsley
• 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper

Pro Tip: Using fresh herbs will give you the brightest flavor, but dried herbs work beautifully too. If using dried, use the same amount as the recipe indicates – contrary to the usual rule of using less dried than fresh.

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For the Potatoes:

• 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 bag small yellow potatoes
• 1-2 shallots, sliced
• 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Potato Selection Tip: Yellow potatoes are ideal because they have a buttery flavor and maintain their shape while becoming creamy inside when roasted.

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For the Chicken:

• 3-4 bone-in, skin-on whole chicken legs
• Compound butter mixture
• Salt and pepper to taste

Why Chicken Legs?: They’re more flavorful than breasts and stay juicier during the long cooking process. The dark meat is also more forgiving if you accidentally cook it a few minutes too long.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Compound Butter
   • Ensure your butter is properly softened (but not melted)
   • Combine butter, chives, parsley, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl
   • Mix until everything is evenly distributed
   • Set aside at room temperature for easy spreading
2. Prep Your Pan
   • Preheat your oven to 400°F (190°C)
   • Add olive oil to your oven-safe dish or cast iron skillet
   • Ensure the oil covers the entire bottom of the pan in a thin layer
3. Prepare the Potatoes
   • Cut potatoes into uniform bite-sized pieces for even cooking
   • Add them to your prepared dish
   • Pro tip: Try to cut all pieces roughly the same size for even cooking
4. Add Aromatics
   • Slice shallots thinly for even distribution
   • Add minced garlic
   • Toss everything with the potatoes
   • Season generously with salt and pepper
5. Prepare the Chicken
   • Pat chicken legs completely dry with paper towels
   • This step is crucial for achieving crispy skin
   • Create a pocket under the skin for the compound butter
   • Be gentle to avoid tearing the skin

The Art of Assembly and Cooking

1. Butter Application
   • Gently stuff the compound butter under the chicken skin
   • Use your fingers to spread it evenly
   • Give the skin a light butter coating too
2. Final Preparation
   • Arrange chicken legs over the potatoes
   • Season the skin with additional salt and pepper
   • Ensure pieces aren’t touching for even browning
3. Cooking Process
   • Place in preheated oven
   • Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until chicken registers 165°F
   • Potatoes should be tender when pierced with a fork
   • Skin should be golden brown and crispy

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Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Potatoes Not Cooking Evenly: Cut them into more uniform pieces next time
• Skin Not Crispy: Ensure chicken is completely dry before buttering
• Butter Melting Too Quickly: Chill the buttered chicken for 10 minutes before baking

Serving Suggestions

This one-pan chicken and potato bake pairs beautifully with:

• Roasted green vegetables like Brussels sprouts or broccoli
• A crisp green salad with vinaigrette
• Crusty artisan bread for soaking up the pan juices
• A glass of white wine (try Chardonnay or Viognier)

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
• Reheating: Use a 350°F oven until warmed through (about 15-20 minutes)
• Avoid Microwave: It will make the skin soggy

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Make It Your Own

Don’t be afraid to experiment with variations:

• Herb Combinations: Try rosemary, thyme, or sage
• Potato Varieties: Mix in sweet potatoes or fingerlings
• Additional Vegetables: Add carrots, parsnips, or pearl onions
• Spice It Up: Add paprika or cayenne to the compound butter

Final Tips for Success

1. Temperature Matters: Let chicken come to room temperature before cooking
2. Pan Choice: Cast iron is ideal but any oven-safe dish works
3. Seasoning: Be generous with salt and pepper
4. Resting Time: Let rest 5-10 minutes before serving

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Watch Me Make This Recipe

This one-pan chicken and potato recipe represents the best of Southern cooking – simple ingredients transformed into a memorable meal through thoughtful preparation and time-honored techniques. It’s the kind of dish that creates memories around the dinner table and becomes a requested favorite for years to come.

Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or hosting friends, this recipe promises to deliver comfort, flavor, and satisfaction with minimal cleanup. Now that’s what I call Southern hospitality in a pan!

Other recipes you might enjoy:
One Pan Pineapple and Mango Chicken

Foil Roasted Green Beans

Thank you so much for visiting my site, and reading this post! If you liked this recipe please like comment and share! I would greatly appreciate it.

-Sarah

Note: This recipe was developed and tested in our kitchen to ensure perfect results every time. We’d love to hear how it turns out in your kitchen!

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