Ultimate Baked Chicken with Potatoes and Peppers
There’s nothing more satisfying than a meal that feels both wholesome and decadent, and this recipe for Ultimate Baked Chicken with Potatoes and Peppers is the perfect example. It’s a simple, one-pan wonder that brings together juicy chicken drumsticks, beautifully roasted potatoes with crispy edges, and sweet, tender bell peppers and onions. The entire dish is seasoned with a rustic blend of herbs and spices, creating a deeply flavorful meal with minimal cleanup. This is the kind of hearty, comforting food that feels right at home on a cozy evening and is guaranteed to be a hit with the entire family.
Why I love This Recipe
I’m a huge fan of recipes that deliver big on flavor and small on cleanup, and this one is a new favorite in my kitchen. What I love most is the simplicity of the process. Everything gets tossed together in one pan and roasts to perfection, creating a beautiful symphony of textures and tastes. The key is the high-heat roasting, which gives the chicken skin a satisfying crispiness and the potatoes a golden, crunchy exterior. The peppers and onions become wonderfully sweet and tender, and all the juices and flavors from the chicken and seasonings infuse the entire dish. It’s a complete meal that feels special, yet only requires about 20 minutes of prep.
Ingredients
For the Main Bake:
- 6−8 chicken drumsticks
- 4−5 medium potatoes, cubed
- 2 large bell peppers (red and green), chopped
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 4−5 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt and black pepper
Swaps and Notes
- Chicken: While chicken drumsticks are a great choice because they stay juicy and flavorful, you can also use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. The cooking time should remain about the same.
- Potatoes: I recommend using Yukon Gold or similar waxy potatoes for this recipe, as they get wonderfully crispy on the outside while staying fluffy on the inside. You can also use sweet potatoes for a sweeter flavor profile.
- Veggies: The bell peppers and onions are perfect for roasting, as they become sweet and tender. The user’s notes mention adding carrots or zucchini, which would also work wonderfully.
- Seasoning: The blend of smoked paprika and Italian seasoning gives the dish a classic, rustic flavor. The optional chili flakes add a wonderful spicy note. You can also use other herbs like fresh rosemary or thyme.
- Finishing Touches: The user’s notes suggest finishing with fresh parsley or lemon juice. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a beautiful color and a fresh, herbaceous flavor, while a squeeze of lemon juice at the end brightens the entire dish.
List of Steps for the Recipe
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prep the Veggies: In a large baking dish or on a sheet pan, combine the cubed potatoes, chopped bell peppers, and sliced onion. Drizzle with 3 tablespoons of olive oil.
- Season the Dish: Add the minced garlic, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the pan. Use your hands or a spatula to toss everything together until the vegetables are well-coated in the oil and seasonings.
- Arrange the Chicken: Place the chicken drumsticks on top of the vegetables in the pan. Season the chicken with a little more salt and pepper and any remaining seasonings. Make sure the chicken is coated in the seasoning for crispy skin.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Cook for approximately 60 minutes. The chicken should have crispy, golden-brown skin, and the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). The potatoes should be tender on the inside with golden-brown, crispy edges.
- Optional Broil: For extra crispiness, you can broil the dish for the last few minutes of cooking. Watch it closely to prevent burning.
- Serve: Once the dish is cooked through, remove it from the oven. Serve immediately while it’s still hot, and enjoy the delicious rustic flavors.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Use a large enough baking dish or sheet pan to give the chicken and vegetables space. If the pan is too crowded, the ingredients will steam instead of roast, and you’ll miss out on those delicious crispy edges.
- High Heat Roasting: A high oven temperature is crucial for this recipe. It ensures that the potatoes get crispy and the chicken skin becomes golden and delicious.
- Arrange the Chicken on Top: Placing the chicken on top of the vegetables allows the juices from the chicken to drip down and flavor the potatoes and peppers as they cook.
- Cut Potatoes Evenly: Make sure you cut the potatoes into similar-sized cubes. This ensures they all cook at the same rate.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This one-pan chicken and potato dish is a complete meal on its own. The combination of protein, carbs, and vegetables is incredibly satisfying. You can serve it with a side of your favorite dipping sauce for the chicken and potatoes, or garnish it with fresh herbs like parsley or chives.
For a drink pairing, a light beer, a crisp hard apple cider, or even a light-bodied red wine would complement the rustic flavors beautifully.
Nutritional Information
(Please note that this is an estimate and will vary based on specific brands and portion sizes)
This is a balanced and hearty meal. The chicken provides protein, the potatoes provide carbohydrates, and the peppers provide vitamins and fiber. While the skin on the chicken and the oil for roasting add to the calories and fat, it’s a delicious and well-rounded meal. The estimated calories are around 540 per serving.
Storage and Leftover Tips
Leftovers of this dish are wonderful! Store any remaining portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, the best method is to use a toaster oven or air fryer to bring back some of the crispy texture of the potatoes and chicken. You can also reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Final Thoughts
This Ultimate Baked Chicken with Potatoes and Peppers recipe is a timeless classic that showcases the beauty of simple, effortless cooking. It’s a go-to for its deep flavor, minimal cleanup, and family-friendly appeal. I hope you enjoy this easy and delicious one-pan meal. Let me know in the comments how you and your family enjoyed it!
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