Get ready for a rustic, flavorful, and incredibly easy dinner that cooks all in one pan! This One-Pan Cowboy Garlic Chicken & Potatoes with Buttery Herb Sauce brings together tender, skillet-seared chicken thighs and perfectly roasted baby potatoes, all bathed in a rich, aromatic garlic-herb butter sauce with a hint of smoky spice. It’s a hearty, wholesome meal that delivers big on flavor with minimal cleanup, making it an absolute weeknight winner!
Why I Love This Recipe
This dish is a true revelation for easy weeknight cooking. What I love most is how it combines the best of pan-searing and oven-roasting, resulting in crispy-skinned chicken thighs and tender potatoes all infused with incredible flavor. The buttery herb sauce, brightened with lemon, ties everything together, making every bite utterly delicious. The “Cowboy” element comes from that touch of smoked paprika and chili flakes, giving it a hearty, slightly rustic appeal. It’s incredibly satisfying, requires minimal fuss, and looks impressive enough for company, yet it’s simple enough for any night!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this fantastic one-pan meal:
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1.5 lbs baby potatoes, halved
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Swaps and Notes
- Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are ideal for this recipe as they stay incredibly juicy and flavorful. Bone-in, skin-on thighs can also be used, but will require slightly longer cooking. Chicken breasts can work, but watch closely to avoid overcooking and drying out.
- Baby Potatoes: Red, yellow, or white baby potatoes work perfectly. You can also use small Yukon Gold or red potatoes, cut into 1-inch chunks.
- Olive Oil & Butter: The combination provides both high-heat searing capabilities and rich flavor.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides the best aromatic punch.
- Smoked Paprika: This is key for the “cowboy” flavor. Don’t substitute with regular paprika if you want that smoky depth.
- Herbs: Dried rosemary and thyme are robust and flavorful. Fresh herbs can be used – about 1 tablespoon of fresh chopped rosemary and 2 teaspoons of fresh chopped thyme.
- Chili Flakes: Adjust to your preferred spice level, or omit if you’re sensitive to heat.
- Chicken Broth: Low-sodium chicken broth gives you more control over the saltiness. Vegetable broth can be substituted.
- Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens the whole dish at the end, cutting through the richness. Don’t skip it!
- Fresh Parsley: Adds a fresh, vibrant finish and color.
Directions
Let’s get this delicious One-Pan Cowboy Garlic Chicken & Potatoes cooking!
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Season Chicken: Pat the boneless, skinless chicken thighs very dry with paper towels. This helps ensure a good sear. Season both sides generously with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Sear Chicken: In a large, oven-safe skillet (cast iron works wonderfully here), heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the seasoned chicken thighs in the skillet. Sear for 3–4 minutes per side until beautifully browned and a golden crust forms. The chicken won’t be cooked through at this point. Transfer the seared chicken thighs to a clean plate and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic & Prep for Potatoes: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the same skillet (no need to clean it; those browned bits are flavor!). Reduce the heat to medium. Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add Potatoes & Herbs: Add the halved baby potatoes to the skillet. Sprinkle with the dried rosemary, dried thyme, chili flakes (if using), and an additional pinch of salt and black pepper. Stir everything well to coat the potatoes evenly in the buttery garlic mixture.
- Add Broth & Nestle Chicken: Pour in the 1/2 cup of low-sodium chicken broth and give it a stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Nestle the seared chicken thighs back into the skillet on top of the potatoes, ensuring they are slightly submerged in the broth and not completely covered by potatoes.
- Bake in Oven: Transfer the entire oven-safe skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when a meat thermometer is inserted into the thickest part, and the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Finish & Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven. Drizzle the cooked dish generously with the juice of 1/2 a lemon. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy your delicious one-pan meal hot!
Tips for Success
- Dry Chicken for Sear: Patting the chicken thighs very dry before seasoning and searing is crucial for achieving that beautiful golden-brown crust.
- Hot Skillet for Sear: Ensure your skillet is hot before adding the chicken to get a good sear.
- Don’t Overcrowd Skillet: If your skillet isn’t large enough to hold the chicken and potatoes in a single layer (or close to it), use two skillets or cook in batches. Overcrowding leads to steaming instead of roasting.
- Check Chicken Temperature: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is safely cooked to 165°F (74°C).
- Rest (Optional but good): While this recipe doesn’t explicitly state it, letting the chicken rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven can help keep it even juicier.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This One-Pan Cowboy Garlic Chicken & Potatoes is a complete meal in itself, but a few simple additions can make it even better:
- Green Salad: A simple, crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the hearty main.
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up any extra buttery herb sauce.
- Roasted Veggies: If you want more vegetables, a side of roasted green beans or asparagus would complement the flavors.
- For other incredibly flavorful and easy one-pan meals, you might also love our Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole.
Storage and Leftover Tips
This dish makes fantastic leftovers, perfect for quick lunches!
- Refrigeration: Store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Gently reheat individual portions in the microwave or in a skillet on the stovetop over medium-low heat until warmed through. You might add a tiny splash of chicken broth to loosen the sauce if needed. For best results, spread on a baking sheet and reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes to re-crisp potatoes and chicken.
- Freezing: Freezing is generally not recommended for cooked potatoes as their texture can become mealy upon thawing. The chicken can be frozen, but the dish as a whole is best enjoyed fresh or from refrigeration.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you loved the easy, flavorful, and complete nature of this One-Pan Cowboy Garlic Chicken & Potatoes, you’ll definitely want to explore some of our other fantastic, fuss-free recipes:
- For another fantastic skillet meal packed with Southern flair, try This Tomato Skillet with Okra and Sausage Is My Favorite Quick Dinner Packed with Southern Flavor.
- If you’re a fan of rich, savory comfort in a bowl, our This Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo Is My Favorite Bowl of Southern Comfort is a must-try.
- And for another go-to comforting meat dish, check out These Easy Turkey Wings Are My Favorite Comfort Food for Lazy Sundays.
- Finally, for a super easy way to feed a crowd, don’t miss These Sheet Pan Quesadillas Are My Favorite Way to Feed a Crowd Fast!
Final Thoughts
This One-Pan Cowboy Garlic Chicken & Potatoes with Buttery Herb Sauce is a true culinary gem – simplifying weeknight cooking without compromising on flavor or satisfaction. It’s hearty, incredibly delicious, and the perfect solution for a comforting meal with minimal effort. This dish is sure to become a beloved staple in your home!
Give this recipe a try and let me know how much you enjoy this flavorful one-pan wonder! What’s your favorite one-pan meal? Share your ideas in the comments below! And for more amazing, easy-to-follow recipes that bring joy to your kitchen, be sure to visit Chefmaniac.com. Happy cooking!
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