One-Pan Chicken & Potatoes is the kind of comforting, reliable dinner that never goes out of style. Juicy chicken breast and tender, well-seasoned potatoes cook together in a single pan, soaking up flavor from olive oil, garlic, and paprika. It’s simple, filling, and perfect for busy weeknights when you want a homemade meal without a pile of dishes.
With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe delivers big flavor with very little effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pan Meal – Easy cooking, easy cleanup
- Simple Ingredients – Pantry staples only
- Hearty & Filling – Protein and potatoes in one dish
- Family-Friendly – Mild, comforting flavors
- Weeknight Ready – No complicated steps
- Customizable – Add herbs or veggies if you like
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: About 40 minutes
Ingredients
- 2–3 chicken breasts
- 1½ lb potatoes, cut into chunks
- 2–3 tbsp olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
Optional Add-Ins:
Fresh herbs (parsley, thyme), onion slices, bell peppers
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Brown the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Add chicken to the pan and cook until golden on both sides. Remove and set aside. - Add the Potatoes
Add potatoes to the same pan. Season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Stir to coat in the oil and pan juices. - Combine & Cook
Place the chicken back into the pan on top of the potatoes. Cover the skillet and reduce heat to medium-low. - Simmer Until Tender
Cook until the potatoes are fork-tender and the chicken is fully cooked, turning potatoes occasionally for even cooking. - Serve Hot
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve straight from the pan.
How to Serve
- Classic: Serve as-is for a complete meal
- Fresh Touch: Garnish with parsley or lemon juice
- With Sauce: Add a dollop of sour cream or garlic sauce
- Side Option: Pair with a simple green salad
Helpful Tips
- Cut potatoes evenly so they cook at the same rate
- Don’t overcrowd the pan, use a wide skillet
- Keep the pan covered to help potatoes cook through
- Let chicken rest a few minutes before serving
- Adjust spices to taste for mild or bold flavor
Variations
- Spicy Version: Add chili flakes or cayenne
- Herb Chicken & Potatoes: Add rosemary or thyme
- Cheesy Finish: Sprinkle with grated Parmesan
- Mediterranean Style: Add oregano and olives
- Extra Veggies: Add carrots or green beans
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate: Up to 3 days in an airtight container
- Freeze: Up to 2 months
- Reheat: Stovetop or oven with a splash of water or oil
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes, thighs work great and stay extra juicy.
What potatoes are best?
Yukon gold or baby potatoes are ideal.
Can I make this ahead?
Yes, it reheats well for meal prep.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Absolutely, simple seasoning makes it perfect for kids.
Conclusion
One-Pan Chicken & Potatoes is a timeless, no-fuss recipe that delivers comfort and flavor in every bite. With tender chicken, perfectly cooked potatoes, and simple seasoning, it’s a dependable dinner you’ll come back to again and again, especially on busy nights.
