Last updated on December 24, 2025

There’s something deeply comforting about the aroma of roast chicken wafting through the kitchen as it cooks, evoking memories of family dinners and warm, cozy nights. I remember the first time I tried my hand at a one-pan meal; I was intimidated. Would the chicken turn out dry? Would the potatoes cook through? Would my family think I had finally lost my culinary touch? Well, a few splatters and minor mishaps later, I emerged victorious, with a golden-brown chicken and tender potatoes that sang with flavor. If you’re feeling the same pangs of uncertainty around making One Pan Chicken and Potatoes, fear not! I’m here to guide you step by step through a recipe that assures simplicity and flavor.

1. Why I Love This Recipe of One Pan Chicken and Potatoes

What makes this One Pan Chicken and Potatoes recipe special to me is its sheer adaptability and practicality. I love that it allows me to bring everyone together without spending hours in the kitchen. The ease of cooking everything in one dish means fewer dishes to wash and more time spent sitting around the table with loved ones.

Beginner cooks especially appreciate this dish because it doesn’t involve any complicated techniques or fancy ingredients. The warming flavors of olive oil, lemon, and garlic mix beautifully, making it almost impossible to go wrong. There’s something emotionally satisfying about pulling a simple yet gorgeous meal out of the oven, ready to share. This dish encapsulates the notion of home-cooked warmth and love—a sentiment that resonates well beyond the last bite.

2. Ingredients You’ll Need for One Pan Chicken and Potatoes

Creating this dish is truly straightforward. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essentials

8 chicken thighs and drumsticks (about 2 1/2 pounds): An ideal combination that provides a mix of dark and light meat, resulting in juicy, tender chicken.
1 1/2 pounds baby potatoes (halved): These little gems add heartiness to the meal and soak up all the delicious flavors.
1/4 cup olive oil: Adds richness and helps the spices coat the chicken and potatoes beautifully.
1/4 cup lemon juice: This brightens up the dish and gives it a lovely zesty flavor.
6 garlic cloves (pressed): An essential ingredient that adds depth and a wonderful aroma.
1 teaspoon 7 spice: This Middle Eastern spice blend elevates the dish with warm, aromatic flavors.
1 teaspoon paprika: Gives a beautiful color and a mild smokiness.
2 teaspoons salt: Essential for flavor enhancement.
1 teaspoon black pepper: A simple seasoning that rounds out the dish.

Optional Add-ons

Feel free to customize the dish! Consider adding:

Vegetables like carrots or bell peppers: They will roast alongside the chicken and potatoes and contribute more flavor.
Fresh herbs, such as rosemary or thyme: These can bring an extra layer of aroma and flavor.

Substitutions and Shortcuts

If you don’t have 7 spice, you can substitute it with a mix of cinnamon, cumin, allspice, and nutmeg for a similar warmth.
Using chicken breasts instead of thighs and drumsticks is also a healthy alternative, just be sure to adjust the cooking time as they cook faster.

3. How to Make One Pan Chicken and Potatoes Step-by-Step

Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of preparing this delightful dish.

Preheat your oven: Set it to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures the chicken cooks evenly and gets a nice crisp skin.
Prepare the chicken and potatoes: Take your chicken and baby potatoes, and dry them thoroughly using a paper towel. This is a crucial step to ensure a nice, crispy texture once everything is cooked.
Arrange in the baking dish: Place the chicken and halved baby potatoes in a 9 x 13 oven-safe rimmed baking dish. This space allows everything to roast evenly.
Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, pressed garlic, 7 spice, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This mixture is what will elevate our dish with zesty, aromatic flavors.
Coat the chicken and potatoes: Drizzle the prepared sauce over the chicken and potatoes. Don’t be shy—use your hands to massage the sauce into the chicken and potatoes so they are all evenly coated. This step is a bit messy, but it’s all part of the fun!
Bake: Pop the dish into the preheated oven and bake it uncovered for 55-65 minutes. You’re looking for the potatoes to become fork-tender and the chicken to be cooked through, with a golden color.
Broil for extra crispiness (optional): If you’d like an extra bit of color on the chicken, turn your oven to broil for about 3-5 minutes. Keep an eye on it—this can happen quickly!
Rest the chicken: Once you take it out of the oven, let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes. This is an important step; it helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring it stays moist.
Garnish and serve: Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top for a pop of color and added freshness before serving.

4. Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making One Pan Chicken and Potatoes is a straightforward process, but there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for.

Not Drying the Meat and Potatoes

Many home cooks skip the step of drying off their chicken and potatoes. This can lead to steamed, mushy results rather than crispy, well-roasted flavors. Take that extra moment to towel-dry everything.

Overcrowding the Pan

If your chicken and potatoes are jam-packed in the baking dish, they won’t roast properly. Air needs to circulate around the pieces to achieve that delicious, crispy exterior. If you have too much for one pan, consider using two.

Not Resting the Chicken

I know it’s tempting to dive right in, but letting the chicken rest is essential for juiciness. Cutting into it too soon will let all those flavorful juices escape, leaving you with dry meat.

5. Serving Suggestions for One Pan Chicken and Potatoes

There are countless ways to enjoy One Pan Chicken and Potatoes, making it a versatile dish that can easily suit various occasions.

With a Fresh Salad

Pairing this hearty dish with a light salad makes for a complete meal. A simple arugula or mixed greens salad dressed with a lemon vinaigrette brightens up the heartiness of the chicken and potatoes.

With Garlic Bread

For an indulgent twist, serve with warm, toasted garlic bread. It’s perfect for scraping up every last bit of that delicious chicken and potato goodness from your plate!

With Seasonal Vegetables

Consider serving this alongside a side of seasonal roasted vegetables. Asparagus, green beans, or sautéed spinach can round out the meal nicely, bringing in additional flavors and textures.

Conclusion

Now that you know how easy it truly is to create this One Pan Chicken and Potatoes dish, I hope you feel inspired to give it a try. It’s a cozy, classic recipe that isn’t just beginner-approved but can be adjusted to suit your taste preferences. The possibilities for customization are endless, whether it’s through adding new spices, veggies, or side dishes.

So gather your ingredients and let this one-pan wonder impress your family and friends. You’ve got this!

FAQs About One Pan Chicken and Potatoes

Can I substitute chicken breasts for the thighs and drumsticks in One Pan Chicken and Potatoes?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as chicken breasts tend to cook faster.
How long should I bake One Pan Chicken and Potatoes?
Bake uncovered for 55-65 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the potatoes are tender.
What can I serve with One Pan Chicken and Potatoes?
This dish pairs beautifully with a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread.
Can I make One Pan Chicken and Potatoes ahead of time?
While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the chicken and potatoes the day before, store them in the fridge, and then bake them when you’re ready to eat.
Is One Pan Chicken and Potatoes a healthy meal?
Absolutely! With lean chicken, plenty of baby potatoes, and fresh garlic, it’s a nutritious option. You can also add more veggies to boost its health factor.

One Pan Chicken and Potatoes

1. Why I Love This Recipe of One Pan Chicken and Potatoes