Name: Braised Chicken with Potatoes: Comfort Food Made Simple
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 4 pieces Bone-In, Skin-On Chicken Thighs (Boneless, skinless thighs optional but adjust cooking time.); 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt (Adjust based on dietary needs.); 1 teaspoon Freshly Cracked Black Pepper (Use to taste.); 1 pound Baby Yukon Gold Potatoes (Substitute with any small waxy potato if needed.); 2 tablespoons Extra-Virgin Olive Oil (Can replace with butter for a richer taste.); 2 pieces Large Shallots (Yellow onions can work as a substitute.); 3 cloves Garlic (No substitutions recommended.); 1 cup Chicken Stock (Opt for low-sodium varieties if necessary.); 1 piece Lemon (Lime can be used but flavor may differ.); 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice (Freshly squeezed for best flavor.); 2 tablespoons Salted Butter (Unsalted butter can be used, just add salt to taste.); 1/4 cup Finely Chopped Fresh Chives (Green onions can be substituted if necessary.)

As I flipped through my collection of cherished recipes, one particular dish whispered nostalgia into my heart: Braised Chicken with Potatoes and Chive Butter Sauce. This one-pot wonder takes me back to Sunday dinners filled with laughter and warmth. Picture tender chicken thighs, perfectly braised until falling off the bone, mingling with buttery Yukon Gold potatoes, all enveloped in a velvety chive butter sauce. Not only does this meal transform simple ingredients into a heartwarming feast, but it also makes cleanup a breeze—a true time-saver for busy weeknights! Whether you're cooking for your family or hosting friends, this comforting dish promises to create lasting memories around the table. Ready to dive into the delicious details? Let’s get started!

Why is this recipe a must-try?

One-Pot Wonder: This one-pot dish saves you from extra cleanup and lets you enjoy every moment spent with family.
Heartwarming Comfort: Tender chicken and creamy potatoes come together in a velvety chive butter sauce, creating a dish that wraps you in warmth.
Flavor Explosion: With herbs like garlic and chives, this recipe elevates simple ingredients to a new level of taste.
Versatile Variations: Swap in boneless thighs or mix in your favorite vegetables; this dish easily adapts to your family’s preferences. For more delicious ideas, check out our Creamy Mushroom Chicken or Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti!
Perfect for Gatherings: Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a feast with friends, this meal brings everyone together for shared joy and laughter.

Braised Chicken with Potatoes Ingredients

For the Chicken
• Bone-In, Skin-On Chicken Thighs – Provides moisture and rich flavor; you can use boneless, skinless thighs if preferred, but adjust cooking time.
• Kosher Salt – Enhances flavor; feel free to adjust based on dietary needs.
• Freshly Cracked Black Pepper – Adds a touch of heat; use to taste.

For the Potatoes
• Baby Yukon Gold Potatoes – Adds a creamy texture and absorbs sauce flavors beautifully; substitute with any small waxy potato if needed.

For the Sauce
• Extra-Virgin Olive Oil – Used for browning the chicken and potatoes; can be replaced with butter for a richer taste.
• Large Shallots – Offers sweetness and depth to the sauce; yellow onions can work as a substitute.
• Garlic – Essential for aromatic richness; no substitutions recommended for the best flavor.
• Chicken Stock – Adds moisture and depth; opt for low-sodium varieties if you’re watching your salt intake.
• Lemon – Provides a bright acidity and freshness; lime can be used in a pinch, noting that the flavor may differ.
• Lemon Juice – Adds brightness to the finish; freshly squeezed is the best choice for flavor.
• Salted Butter – Creates a rich sauce; unsalted butter can be used as well, just add salt to taste.

For Garnish
• Finely Chopped Fresh Chives – Adds vibrant color and fresh flavor; green onions can be substituted if necessary.

Embrace the magic of braised chicken with potatoes and let dinner be a delightful experience filled with comforting flavors!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Braised Chicken with Potatoes

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven heats, prepare your baby Yukon Gold potatoes by boiling them in a large pot of salted water for about 5 minutes, just until slightly tender. Once cooled, drain and cut them in half to get them ready for browning later.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken
In a large, ovenproof skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs generously with kosher salt and place them skin-side down in the hot skillet. Brown the chicken for 4-5 minutes until the skin is golden and crisp, then flip and cook for an additional 3 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Potatoes
In the same skillet, using the flavorful drippings left behind, add the halved Yukon Gold potatoes cut-side down. Cook for about 5 minutes, until golden brown, then set the potatoes alongside the chicken. This step infuses the potatoes with the delicious taste of the braised chicken with potatoes.

Step 4: Sauté Shallots and Garlic
Next, add the chopped large shallots to the skillet and sauté until they are lightly browned, around 3-4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This aromatic base is crucial for the rich flavor of your chive butter sauce.

Step 5: Add Stock and Nestle Ingredients
Pour in 1 cup of chicken stock, ensuring you scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Now, nestle the browned chicken thighs and golden potatoes back into the pan, placing lemon slices on top to infuse a fresh, zesty flavor throughout the braised chicken with potatoes.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Cover the skillet with a lid and transfer it to your preheated oven. Bake for 35 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). The chicken should be tender and the flavors well combined, with the potatoes soaking up the delicious juices.

Step 7: Finish the Sauce
Once cooked, carefully remove the skillet from the oven. Stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice and 2 tablespoons of salted butter until the mixture is well combined and the butter melts into a velvety sauce. Return the braised chicken to the pan, ensuring everything is nicely coated.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Finally, sprinkle finely chopped fresh chives over the dish for a pop of color and aromatic freshness. Serve the braised chicken with potatoes family-style over a bed of rice or alongside crusty bread to soak up the delightful chive butter sauce. Enjoy the heartwarming comfort of this one-pot dinner!

What to Serve with Braised Chicken with Potatoes

Imagine a warm kitchen filled with delightful aromas, where each bite of tender chicken and buttery potatoes transports you to a place of comfort and joy.

Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up the rich chive butter sauce, crusty bread adds a satisfying crunch to your meal. A rustic baguette or sourdough loaf pairs beautifully and enhances the dining experience.
Garlic Roasted Asparagus: Bright and earthy, this side brings an added crunch and fresh flavor complementing the tender chicken. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt before roasting for a vibrant touch.
Creamy Polenta: Smooth and rich, polenta serves as a perfect base for the chicken and sauce, soaking up all the delectable flavors. The creamy texture contrasts delightfully with the tender chicken.
Green Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette: A refreshing salad adds balance to the hearty meal. Toss together mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty lemon vinaigrette to uplift the flavors on your plate.
Chardonnay or Light Red Wine: A chilled glass of Chardonnay or a light-bodied red wine will complement the dish effortlessly. Their acidity mirrors the lemon, enhancing each bite of chicken and potatoes.
Apple Crisp: For dessert, an apple crisp brings a hint of sweetness and comforting warmth, making it a delightful finish. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to create a delightful harmony of flavors.

Bringing these elements together will elevate your dinner experience, seamlessly combining comfort, flavor, and joy around the table.

Expert Tips for Braised Chicken with Potatoes

Choose the Right Pot: Use a Dutch oven or heavy lidded pot for braising; it retains moisture and ensures even cooking throughout the dish.

Brown in Batches: Don’t crowd the skillet when browning chicken; working in batches prevents steaming and allows for that beautiful, crispy skin.

Adjust Cooking Times: If using boneless, skinless thighs, reduce the cooking time by about 10 minutes to avoid drying out the meat.

Crispy Skin Option: For a truly crispy skin, consider leaving the lid off for the last 10 minutes of baking, allowing the skin to crisp up beautifully.

Let it Rest: After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to ensure juicy, tender bites.

Celebrate the delightful flavors of your braised chicken with potatoes with confidence using these tips!

Braised Chicken with Potatoes Variations

Feel free to personalize this comforting dish to suit your taste and dietary needs!

Boneless Thighs: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a quicker cook time while still delivering tender results.
Vegetarian Option: Swap chicken for hearty mushrooms or chickpeas to enjoy a delicious plant-based twist that still satisfies.
Herb Medley: Use a blend of fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme instead of chives, adding earthy notes to your dish.
Root Vegetable Boost: Add chopped carrots, parsnips, or turnips for extra flavor and nutrition, creating a colorful medley.
Spicy Kick: For those who crave heat, toss in sliced jalapeños or sprinkle with red pepper flakes before baking to amp up the flavor.
Creamy Garlic Sauce: Stir in a splash of cream after baking for a luxuriously creamy sauce that complements the tender chicken beautifully.
Zesty Citrus: Replace lemon with lime or orange slices for a unique citrus twist, changing the dish's profile while maintaining brightness.

You can also explore delicious pairings by serving alongside our Roasted Sweet Potatoes or Sheet Pan Broccoli. Let your creativity shine through in the kitchen!

Make Ahead Options

These Braised Chicken with Potatoes are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can season and brown the chicken thighs up to 24 hours in advance, allowing the flavors to deepen overnight. Additionally, prepare the Yukon Gold potatoes by boiling and cutting them, then refrigerate them in an airtight container to prevent browning. When you're ready to serve, simply follow steps 4-8, adding the browned chicken and potatoes to the skillet with the sautéed aromatics, and bake as instructed. This prep method ensures a cohesive flavor profile and saves you time on busy weeknights, guaranteeing a hearty family meal that’s just as delicious!

How to Store and Freeze Braised Chicken with Potatoes

Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Make sure the dish cools completely before sealing to maintain moisture.

Freezer: To freeze, portion the braised chicken with potatoes into freezer-safe containers, ensuring a tight seal. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer, preserving its comforting flavors.

Reheating: To reheat, gently warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through, adding a splash of chicken stock if needed to keep it moist.

Thawing: When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge. Avoid reheating from frozen to ensure optimal texture in your braised chicken with potatoes.

Braised Chicken with Potatoes Recipe FAQs

What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
I recommend using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for the best moisture and flavor. However, boneless, skinless thighs can be used; just be sure to reduce the cooking time by about 10 minutes to prevent drying out.

How should I store leftover braised chicken with potatoes?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Allow the dish to cool completely before sealing, ensuring moisture is locked in and flavors remain intact.

Can I freeze braised chicken with potatoes?
Absolutely! Portion the dish into freezer-safe containers and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Make sure they're tightly sealed to avoid freezer burn. When you're ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

What can I substitute for Yukon Gold potatoes?
If you're out of baby Yukon Gold potatoes, you can use any small waxy potato such as red or fingerling potatoes. These alternatives will still absorb the delicious butter sauce and add a creamy texture to your dish.

How do I reheat braised chicken with potatoes without losing moisture?
When reheating, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and gently warm the dish for about 20-25 minutes until heated through. Adding a splash of chicken stock can help maintain its moisture and keep everything nice and tender.

What dietary considerations should I keep in mind?
This recipe includes chicken and butter, which can be high in fat and calories. For healthier options, consider using skinless chicken breasts and unsalted butter. Always check for any allergies related to the ingredients, such as dairy for those who are lactose intolerant. Enjoying this dish in moderation is the key!