Chicken and Potato Bake: A Comforting One-Pan Family Favorite
Chicken and Potato Bake is the kind of meal that never goes out of style. It’s warm, filling, and deeply comforting—perfect for busy weeknights, Sunday dinners, or anytime you want a no-fuss meal that delivers big flavor. With tender chicken, soft potatoes, and a creamy, savory sauce, this dish brings everything together in one pan for easy cooking and minimal cleanup.
What makes this recipe especially appealing is its versatility. You can adjust the seasoning, swap vegetables, or make it creamy or crispy depending on your preference. Whether you’re cooking for a family or preparing meals ahead of time, this chicken and potato bake is a reliable, crowd-pleasing option.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Simple, budget-friendly ingredients
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One-pan convenience
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Creamy, flavorful sauce
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Customizable with herbs and vegetables
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Perfect for leftovers and meal prep
This bake combines classic flavors in a way that feels both nostalgic and satisfying.
Ingredients
Serves 4–6.
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1½–2 lbs (700–900 g) chicken thighs or breasts (bone-in or boneless)
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2 lbs (900 g) potatoes, peeled or unpeeled and sliced
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1 medium onion, sliced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream or half-and-half
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½ cup (120 ml) chicken broth
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1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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1 teaspoon paprika
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1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
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½ teaspoon garlic powder
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Fresh parsley or thyme, for garnish
How to Make Chicken and Potato Bake
1. Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a large baking dish or casserole pan with olive oil or cooking spray.
Wash and slice the potatoes into even rounds or chunks to ensure they cook evenly. Slice the onion and mince the garlic.
2. Season the Chicken
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and dried thyme. Proper seasoning at this stage ensures deep flavor throughout the dish.
3. Layer the Potatoes
Arrange the sliced potatoes evenly across the bottom of the baking dish. Scatter the onions and garlic over the potatoes, then drizzle with olive oil and lightly season with salt and pepper.
4. Make the Creamy Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together the cream and chicken broth until well combined. Pour the mixture evenly over the potatoes. This creates a rich, flavorful base that keeps everything moist as it bakes.
5. Add the Chicken
Place the seasoned chicken on top of the potatoes. The juices from the chicken will drip down during baking, adding even more flavor to the dish.
6. Cover and Bake
Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes. This allows the potatoes to soften and the chicken to cook through without drying out.
7. Add Cheese and Finish Baking
Remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top, and return the dish to the oven uncovered. Bake for an additional 15–20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and lightly golden and the potatoes are fork-tender.
For a crispier top, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end—watch closely to avoid burning.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken and Potato Bake is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with simple sides:
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Steamed green beans or broccoli
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Crisp garden salad
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Garlic bread or dinner rolls
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Roasted carrots or asparagus
Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme for color and freshness.
Tips for the Best Chicken and Potato Bake
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Slice potatoes evenly so they cook at the same rate
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Use thighs for extra juiciness, especially if baking longer
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Don’t skip covering the dish during the first bake—it keeps everything tender
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Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving so the sauce thickens slightly
Variations and Add-Ins
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Cream of mushroom version: Replace cream and broth with 1½ cups cream of mushroom soup
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Garlic parmesan: Add grated Parmesan and extra garlic to the sauce
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Vegetable boost: Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach
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Spicy twist: Add red pepper flakes or smoked paprika
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Herb-forward: Use fresh rosemary or thyme for deeper flavor
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) or in the microwave until warmed through. Add a splash of broth or cream if needed to loosen the sauce.
A Reliable, Comfort-Food Classic
Chicken and Potato Bake is the kind of recipe that earns a permanent spot in your dinner rotation. It’s cozy, satisfying, and endlessly adaptable—perfect for feeding a family or enjoying leftovers the next day. With tender chicken, creamy potatoes, and golden cheese, this dish delivers comfort in every bite.