Cozy Hearty Chicken and Potato Bake Recipe for Family Dinner

When comfort meets convenience in this hearty chicken and potato bake recipe, home cooks discover a mouthwatering meal that satisfies every craving.

Tender chicken pieces nestle among golden potato chunks, creating a delightful one-pan wonder.

Fragrant herbs and rich seasonings infuse each bite with incredible depth of flavor.

Crisp edges and creamy centers make this dish a true crowd-pleaser for weeknight dinners.

Minimal prep work means you can have this delectable meal on the table in under an hour.

Simple ingredients and straightforward techniques ensure even novice cooks can master this delicious recipe.

Gather your ingredients and prepare for a warm, filling dinner that promises to become a family favorite.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of potatoes for this recipe?

Yes, you can use russet, Yukon gold, or red potatoes. Each variety will bring a slightly different texture and flavor to the dish.

• Is it necessary to peel the potatoes?

No, you can leave the skin on. Potato skins add extra nutrients and provide a nice rustic texture to the bake.

• What if I don't have fresh herbs?

Dried herbs work well too. Use about 1/3 of the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh, as dried herbs have a more concentrated flavor.

• Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the chicken and potato bake up to a day in advance. Assemble everything in the baking dish, cover with foil, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Calories: 575 kcal

Servings: 4

Chicken and Potato Bake – Ingredients Breakdown

• Olive Oil: Ensures smooth, non-stick surface and adds subtle flavor to dish.
• Cooking Spray: Alternative greasing option for easier pan release.

• Chicken Breasts: Lean, tender protein that absorbs seasonings beautifully and creates hearty main component.

• Russet Potatoes: Starchy, fluffy potatoes that create creamy, comforting foundation with excellent absorption of flavors.
• Yukon Gold Potatoes: Buttery, waxy texture that holds shape while providing rich, smooth taste.

• Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile and balances other ingredients.
• Black Pepper: Adds warm, slightly spicy undertone and complements chicken perfectly.
• Garlic Powder: Provides deep, aromatic flavor without fresh garlic texture.
• Dried Thyme: Introduces earthy, herbaceous notes that pair wonderfully with chicken.

• Butter: Creates luxurious, golden surface and adds depth of flavor.
• Heavy Cream: Ensures creamy, luscious texture and prevents dish from becoming dry.

• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully, creating irresistible golden-brown crust.
• Chopped Fresh Parsley: Brings bright, fresh finish and lovely green color contrast.

Gear List for Chicken and Potato Bake

• Large baking dish: 9×13-inch size for perfect layering and even cooking.
• Sharp knife: Essential for slicing chicken and potatoes into uniform pieces.
• Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for chopping ingredients.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions.
• Mixing bowl: Helps combine seasonings and coat chicken and potatoes.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients.
• Aluminum foil: Covers dish during initial baking to retain moisture.

Instructions for Chicken and Potato Bake

• Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 375°F and give your baking dish a quick spray of cooking oil to prevent any sticky situations.

• Slice and Dice

Chop your chicken into bite-sized chunks and cut potatoes into roughly equal pieces so they cook evenly and look gorgeous on the plate.

• Season with Flair

Sprinkle a generous amount of salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs over the chicken and potatoes. Don’t be shy – this is where the happens!

• Mix and Spread

Toss the chicken and potatoes together in a large bowl, making sure every piece gets coated with seasoning. Then spread everything out in a single layer in your prepped baking dish.

• Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the hot oven and let it work its for about 35-45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is golden brown and the potatoes are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

• Rest and Serve

Pull the dish out and let it sit for a few minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring every bite is super flavorful. Plate it up and watch everyone dig in with excitement!

Tips to Make Chicken and Potato Bake Even Better

• Sprinkle breadcrumbs or crushed crackers over the top for an extra crunchy golden layer that adds delightful texture to your chicken and potatoes.
• Prepare the entire dish up to a day in advance and refrigerate, then simply pop it in the oven when you're ready to cook, saving precious time during busy weeknights.
• Swap regular flour for gluten-free flour or cornstarch when seasoning the chicken, and use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this recipe celiac-friendly without losing flavor.
• Toss in additional vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini to increase nutritional value and create a more colorful, wholesome one-pan meal that everyone will love.
• Replace potatoes with cauliflower florets or turnips for a lower-carbohydrate version that still delivers the same comforting, hearty appeal of the original recipe.

Serving the Chicken and Potato Bake Just Right

• Comfort Plate Partner: Serve this hearty bake alongside a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy chicken and potatoes.
• Protein Power-Up: Add a dollop of tangy Greek yogurt or sour cream on top to enhance the dish's creaminess and provide a cool contrast to the warm bake.
• Veggie Boost Companion: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or chives over the finished dish to add a pop of color, fresh flavor, and extra nutrition to this comforting meal.
• Bread Basket Buddy: Pair with warm crusty bread or dinner rolls to soak up the delicious sauce and complete the satisfying dining experience.

Saving Leftovers of Chicken and Potato Bake

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the chicken and potato bake fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap individual portions tightly in aluminum foil or freezer-safe containers, which maintain quality for up to 2 months when frozen at 0°F.
• Warm refrigerated portions in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F to guarantee food safety and maintain crispy edges.
• Prepare the entire dish up to 24 hours in advance, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Remove from the fridge 30 minutes before baking to allow even temperature distribution.

Hearty Chicken And Potato Bake Recipe

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4.8 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Hearty chicken and potato bake brings comfort from Mediterranean kitchens to dinner tables worldwide. Family-friendly casseroles blend tender proteins with roasted vegetables, creating simple yet satisfying meals you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• 4 medium potatoes (approximately 500 g / 17.6 oz), peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup (120 g / 4.2 oz) shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of cheeses)
• 1 cup (240 ml / 8 fl oz) heavy cream or milk
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp dried thyme (or Italian seasoning)
• ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 375°F and lightly grease a rectangular baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking and promote easy cleanup.
2. Protein Preparation: Cube chicken breasts into uniform pieces, ensuring consistent cooking and texture while maximizing flavor absorption.
3. Vegetable Preparation: Chop potatoes into equal-sized chunks to guarantee even roasting and prevent disparate cooking times.
4. Seasoning: Generously coat chicken and potatoes with salt, pepper, dried herbs, garlic powder, and paprika, massaging spices thoroughly to enhance flavor penetration.
5. Assembly and Coating: Spread chicken and potato pieces evenly across the baking dish, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle additional herbs to create a robust flavor profile.
6. Roasting: Bake in the center of the oven for 35-40 minutes, rotating midway to ensure uniform browning and confirming chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
7. Resting: Remove from oven when chicken turns golden and potatoes develop a crispy exterior, then let the dish rest for 5-7 minutes to redistribute juices and intensify flavors before serving.

Notes

• Uniform Cutting: Ensure chicken and potatoes are cut into equal-sized pieces for consistent cooking and texture, preventing raw or overcooked spots.
• Seasoning Technique: Massage spices directly into chicken to maximize flavor absorption and create a more intense taste profile throughout the meat.
• Oil Distribution: Lightly coat ingredients with olive oil to promote even browning and prevent dryness, using just enough to enhance flavor without making the dish greasy.
• Temperature Monitoring: Use a meat thermometer to check chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption, avoiding undercooking while maintaining juiciness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 570
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 35 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 37 g
• Cholesterol: 140 mg