If you’re craving a comforting dinner that’s as effortless as it is flavorful, this Easy Italian Chicken and Potatoes is the answer you need. Juicy chicken, golden potatoes, and bright Italian spices all roast together on one pan for a meal that tastes like a cozy Sunday in Italy (even on a Tuesday night!). This is the dish I reach for when I want something family-friendly, crowd-pleasing, and absolutely foolproof. The aroma alone will have everyone excited for dinner, and there’s nothing quite as satisfying as a hearty plate of herb-roasted chicken and potatoes straight from the oven.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of classic ingredients for Easy Italian Chicken and Potatoes, but each brings something important to the table. There’s a perfect balance of texture from the creamy potatoes, savory depth from the chicken, and just the right pop of fresh herb and citrus to make this easy recipe shine.
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (1 ½ pounds): Opt for thighs for extra juiciness, or go with breasts for a lighter, leaner option.
- Baby potatoes (1 ½ pounds, halved): Their small size means they roast up tender with deliciously crisp edges and soak up all those Italian flavors.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Adds richness and helps the seasonings cling, creating a perfectly caramelized finish.
- Italian seasoning (1 tablespoon): The savory blend of herbs infuses both chicken and potatoes with classic Mediterranean notes.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): For an extra savory kick that pairs beautifully with the potatoes and chicken alike.
- Onion powder (1 teaspoon): Layers in mellow sweetness and depth, making the simple ingredients taste extra special.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Brings all the flavors into harmony and helps the edges of the potatoes crisp up nicely.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon): A hint of warmth to balance out all the herbs and aromatics.
- Paprika (½ teaspoon): Adds a subtle smokiness and beautiful color to the finished dish.
- Fresh lemon juice (1 tablespoon): A bright, zesty touch that wakes up all the flavors in every bite.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (¼ cup, optional): Sprinkled on at the end for a nutty, savory oomph (highly recommended!).
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional): For a fresh pop of green and a pretty finish on your Easy Italian Chicken and Potatoes.
How to Make Easy Italian Chicken and Potatoes
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and lightly greasing your largest baking dish or sheet pan. Halve the baby potatoes so they’ll roast quickly and evenly. If you prefer big, rustic chunks, go for it, but halving the potatoes ensures every bite gets those caramelized, golden edges.
Step 2: Whisk Up the Flavorful Marinade
In a big mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, paprika, and lemon juice. This is where the magic happens: the marinade not only seasons but coats every piece of chicken and potato for maximum flavor, with minimal effort.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken and Potatoes
Add the chicken and halved potatoes to your bowl. Toss everything together until both the chicken and potatoes are coated evenly in the marinade. I always recommend rolling up your sleeves and tossing by hand for the most even coverage (and it’s oddly satisfying, too!).
Step 4: Arrange and Roast
Transfer everything to your prepared baking dish, spreading it all out in a single layer so every piece gets direct heat. Pop the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. Flip the potatoes halfway through for even roasting, and keep an eye on the chicken: you’re looking for an internal temperature of 165°F and potatoes that are fork-tender and golden brown.
Step 5: Finish with a Cheesy, Herby Touch
As soon as you pull the pan from the oven, sprinkle grated Parmesan all over the top for a creamy, savory melt. A handful of fresh parsley thrown on right before serving adds gorgeous color and fresh flavor.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy Easy Italian Chicken and Potatoes
Bring the whole pan right to the table, or plate up individual servings while everything is piping hot. The aroma is pure Italian comfort, and the taste delivers every single time!
How to Serve Easy Italian Chicken and Potatoes
Garnishes
To highlight the rustic Italian flair, I love finishing Easy Italian Chicken and Potatoes with a shower of chopped fresh parsley and a dusting of Parmesan. For a little zing, a few extra lemon wedges on the side never hurt, and a drizzle of olive oil will make everything glisten irresistibly.
Side Dishes
This meal is hearty and filling on its own, but for extra color and veg, serve it with roasted green beans, a simple arugula salad, or blistered cherry tomatoes. An Italian loaf for bread-sopping is never out of place either!
Creative Ways to Present
Want to make this dish special for date night or a dinner party? Serve Easy Italian Chicken and Potatoes family-style on a rustic platter surrounded by fresh herbs, or plate the chicken atop a bed of dressed greens with the potatoes on the side for a restaurant-worthy look.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftover Easy Italian Chicken and Potatoes to an airtight container as soon as they’ve cooled to room temperature. Stored in the fridge, they’ll stay delicious for up to 3 days without losing flavor or texture.
Freezing
If you want to prepare ahead, you can freeze the cooked dish in freezer-safe containers. It keeps well for up to 2 months, though the potatoes may soften a bit on thawing. Let everything cool before popping it in the freezer, and be sure to label your containers for easy grab-and-go dinners.
Reheating
For best results, reheat Easy Italian Chicken and Potatoes in a 350°F oven until warmed through, about 15 to 20 minutes. The oven helps revive those crisp, golden edges. In a pinch, the microwave works too, but the potatoes may turn out softer.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in chicken pieces instead of boneless?
Absolutely! Bone-in thighs or drumsticks bring even more flavor and moisture. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time, and always double-check the internal temperature to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
What other vegetables work well in this dish?
Green beans and carrots are classic additions in Easy Italian Chicken and Potatoes; toss them onto the pan during the last 15 minutes of baking. Bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or broccoli florets are also fantastic options for extra color and nutrition.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, simply skip the Parmesan cheese, or use a dairy-free substitute for a similar salty finish. The dish is still loaded with flavor thanks to all those Italian seasonings and herbs!
Can I prep this meal ahead of time?
You sure can! Marinate the chicken and potatoes earlier in the day and keep them covered in the fridge until ready to bake. This lets the flavors soak in even more and makes dinnertime a breeze.
How do I achieve extra crispy potatoes?
For super crispy potato edges, broil the whole pan for the last 2 to 3 minutes of cooking. Just watch closely so nothing burns, and enjoy those gorgeous, golden brown potatoes every time.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend Easy Italian Chicken and Potatoes enough for busy nights or when you just need a reliable, delicious meal. With its irresistible flavors, minimal clean-up, and crowd-pleasing appeal, it’s a recipe that truly makes dinnertime special. Give it a try soon and watch it become a new favorite in your kitchen!
Print
Easy Italian Chicken and Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Italian Chicken and Potatoes recipe is a simple yet flavorful dish that is perfect for a weeknight dinner. Tender chicken and baby potatoes are seasoned with Italian herbs and baked to perfection, creating a delicious meal the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Chicken and Potatoes:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 ½ pounds baby potatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Optional:
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F and lightly grease a large baking dish or sheet pan.
- Season Chicken and Potatoes: In a large bowl, mix olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, paprika, and lemon juice. Add chicken and potatoes, toss to coat.
- Bake: Transfer to the baking dish, spread in a single layer. Bake for 35–40 minutes, flipping potatoes halfway through, until chicken reaches 165°F and potatoes are tender.
- Finish and Serve: Optionally, sprinkle with Parmesan and parsley before serving.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, broil for the last 2–3 minutes.
- Add veggies like green beans or carrots during the last 15 minutes of baking.
- Works well with bone-in chicken thighs—adjust cook time slightly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
