Oven-Baked Chicken Thighs with Potatoes

Craving a cozy, fuss-free dinner that delivers bold flavor with minimal effort? These Oven-Baked Chicken Thighs with Potatoes are the ultimate comfort meal. Imagine crispy, golden chicken thighs paired with tender, flavorful baby potatoes, all infused with a fragrant herb-garlic marinade. Perfect for busy weeknights, relaxed family dinners, or anytime you want a hearty meal without the hassle, this one-pan wonder is a true crowd-pleaser. With just 10 minutes of prep and minimal cleanup, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality dinner right at home.

Ingredients & Their Roles

Chicken thighs (6 bone-in, skin-on): Provides juicy, flavorful protein. The skin crisps up in the oven, adding a satisfying texture.
Baby potatoes (800g / 1.75 lbs, halved or quartered): These small potatoes cook evenly and absorb the herb-garlic flavors for tender, flavorful bites.
Olive oil (3 tablespoons): Helps the chicken and potatoes brown beautifully and carries the herbs for maximum flavor.
Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Adds aromatic depth and a punch of savory flavor.
Fresh rosemary (1 tbsp or 1 tsp dried): Infuses the dish with earthy, fragrant herbal notes.
Thyme (1 teaspoon): Complements the rosemary with a subtle, woodsy aroma.
Paprika (1 teaspoon): Adds color, warmth, and a gentle smoky flavor.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing the flavors.
Lemon juice (optional, juice of 1 lemon): Adds a bright, zesty finish that cuts through the richness of the chicken.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Begin by setting your oven to 200°C (400°F). Lightly grease a large baking dish or line it with parchment paper to make cleanup effortless. Preheating ensures the chicken starts cooking immediately for a golden, crispy exterior.

Step 2: Make the Herb-Garlic Marinade

In a large mixing bowl, combine:

3 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves minced garlic
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary (or 1 teaspoon dried)
1 teaspoon thyme
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper (start with ½ teaspoon each)

Stir until fully combined. This marinade is your flavor powerhouse, coating every chicken thigh and potato in rich, aromatic goodness.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken and Potatoes

After preparing the herb-garlic marinade, it’s time to coat your chicken and potatoes evenly. Place the chicken thighs and halved potatoes into the large bowl with the marinade. Toss everything gently using your hands or a spatula, making sure:

Each chicken thigh is fully coated with the olive oil, garlic, and herb mixture.
The potatoes are evenly coated, ensuring they absorb all the aromatic flavors during baking.

Pro Tip: Don’t overcrowd the bowl when tossing. Work in batches if needed to ensure every piece is coated evenly.

Step 4: Arrange in the Baking Dish

Transfer the coated chicken thighs and potatoes into your prepared baking dish. Arrange them in a single layer for even cooking. Make sure there’s a little space between each chicken thigh to allow the heat to circulate, which helps achieve a crisp skin. The potatoes can be nestled around the chicken.

Step 5: Optional Lemon Boost

If using lemon juice, drizzle it over the chicken and potatoes just before baking. The lemon adds brightness, balances the richness, and infuses the dish with a subtle tangy aroma that makes every bite irresistible.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven at 200°C (400°F). Bake for 35-45 minutes or until:

The chicken thighs are cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
The skin is golden and crispy.
The potatoes are fork-tender and lightly browned.

Pro Tip: Halfway through baking, gently toss the potatoes and baste the chicken with the pan juices. This ensures even browning and maximum flavor absorption.

Pro Tips for Maximum Flavor

Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful meat.
Pat chicken dry before coating with marinade to achieve a crispier skin.
Mix fresh and dried herbs for a balanced flavor profile.
Let the dish rest 5 minutes after baking to lock in juices.

Step 7: Serving Suggestions

Once your Oven-Baked Chicken Thighs with Potatoes are golden and tender, it’s time to serve this comforting meal. Here are some ways to elevate your dinner:

Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped rosemary, thyme, or parsley over the top for an aromatic and visually appealing finish.
Side Vegetables: Pair with roasted carrots, green beans, or a crisp salad to create a balanced, colorful plate.
Pan Juices: Spoon some of the flavorful pan juices over the chicken and potatoes to enhance the taste.
Accompaniments: Serve alongside garlic bread or a warm dinner roll to soak up all the savory juices.

Step 8: Creative Variations

Customize this one-pan meal to suit your taste or make it even more indulgent:

Spicy Twist: Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the marinade for a subtle heat.
Veggie Boost: Add bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini to roast alongside the potatoes.
Herb Infusion: Experiment with oregano, basil, or tarragon for unique flavor profiles.
Cheesy Finish: Sprinkle grated Parmesan over the potatoes during the last 10 minutes of baking for a golden, crispy topping.
Lemon Zest: Add a sprinkle of fresh lemon zest just before serving to brighten the flavors.

Step 9: Presentation Tips

Beautiful presentation makes a home-cooked meal feel restaurant-worthy. Consider the following:

Use a large, shallow serving platter to display the chicken thighs and potatoes in a single layer.
Garnish with sprigs of fresh rosemary or thyme for a rustic, elegant touch.
Arrange potatoes around the chicken for a visually appealing contrast.
Drizzle a little extra pan juice over the top just before serving for shine and flavor.

Why This Recipe is Loved

There’s a reason Oven-Baked Chicken Thighs with Potatoes is a favorite in kitchens everywhere. Here’s why it stands out:

Minimal Prep: Only 10 minutes of hands-on time is needed to make a complete, flavorful meal.
One-Pan Magic: Everything bakes together, creating a harmonious blend of flavors with little cleanup.
Juicy, Flavorful Chicken: Bone-in, skin-on thighs stay tender, juicy, and packed with savory goodness.
Perfectly Roasted Potatoes: Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and infused with herb-garlic flavor.
Customizable: Easily adjust herbs, spices, and vegetables to suit your family’s taste.

Pro Tips for Perfection

Pat Chicken Dry: Removing excess moisture ensures the skin crisps beautifully in the oven.
Even Sizing: Cut potatoes into uniform pieces for consistent roasting and even cooking.
High Heat Baking: Bake at 400°F (200°C) to achieve golden, crispy chicken without drying out the meat.
Rest Before Serving: Let the chicken rest 5 minutes to lock in juices and maintain tenderness.
Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh rosemary or thyme elevates aroma and flavor far above dried alternatives.

Final Persuasive Summary

In just under an hour, you can create a dinner that tastes like it took all day to prepare. Oven-Baked Chicken Thighs with Potatoes combines crisp, golden chicken, tender, flavorful potatoes, and aromatic herbs into a comforting, one-pan wonder that satisfies every appetite. Whether it’s a busy weeknight, a family gathering, or a casual weekend meal, this recipe delivers simplicity, flavor, and elegance all at once.

Don’t settle for ordinary—embrace a dish that’s easy to prepare, customizable to your taste, and universally loved by anyone who sits at your table. Add this recipe to your rotation, and it’s guaranteed to become a go-to favorite, earning raves from family, friends, and anyone lucky enough to take a bite.

Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with Potatoes