Are you tired of bland, boring dinners that leave you wanting more? Get ready to transform your weeknight meal into a culinary masterpiece with this incredibly easy and irresistible Baked Chicken Thighs and Potatoes Casserole! Imagine tender, juicy chicken with crispy golden potatoes, all infused with the magical flavor of ranch seasoning - this recipe is about to become your new family favorite that looks like it came straight from a gourmet kitchen, but takes minimal effort to prepare.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 4 potatoes, cubed
- 1 packet ranch seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Ensure the oven rack is positioned in the middle for even cooking.
- Wash and dry the potatoes thoroughly. Cut them into 1-inch cubed pieces, ensuring uniform size for consistent cooking.
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps achieve crispy skin.
- In a large mixing bowl, toss the potato cubes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, half the ranch seasoning packet, salt, and pepper. Mix until potatoes are evenly coated.
- Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with the remaining olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Spread the seasoned potato cubes evenly across the bottom of the baking dish.
- Rub the chicken thighs with remaining ranch seasoning, salt, and pepper. Place the seasoned chicken thighs on top of the potatoes.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and potatoes are golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or green onions if desired, and serve hot.
Tips
- Pat your chicken and potatoes completely dry before seasoning to ensure maximum crispiness and better seasoning adhesion.
- Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for the most flavorful and juicy results. The bones help retain moisture during cooking.
- For extra crispy potatoes, spread them in a single layer without overcrowding the baking dish. This allows proper air circulation and browning.
- Invest in a meat thermometer to accurately check chicken doneness. Always aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is succulent and flavorful.
- For added variety, experiment with different herb and spice blends instead of ranch seasoning, like Italian herbs or Cajun seasoning.
- If you prefer a lighter version, you can use skinless chicken thighs and reduce the olive oil to minimize calories.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 160kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 20mg
