There’s something deeply comforting about the smell of chicken roasting in the oven with fragrant herbs, golden crispy skin, and tender potatoes that soak up all those savory juices. This Oven-Baked Chicken Thighs with Potatoes recipe is the kind of meal that feels like home — minimal effort, maximum flavor, and the perfect balance between juicy meat and hearty potatoes.
Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner, a weekend family meal, or hosting friends, this dish works beautifully. With a short prep time and an oven doing most of the work, you can sit back and relax while your kitchen fills with the irresistible aroma of rosemary, garlic, and roasted chicken.
Ingredients
- 6 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
- 800g (1.75 lbs) baby potatoes, halved or quartered
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Juice of 1 lemon (optional, for a fresh, zesty finish)
Instructions
Step 1 – Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). This ensures the chicken will roast at the perfect temperature for crispy skin and juicy meat.
Step 2 – Prepare the Potatoes
Place the halved or quartered baby potatoes in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, add half the minced garlic, half the rosemary, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss until the potatoes are evenly coated with the oil and seasonings.
Step 3 – Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels — this step helps the skin crisp up beautifully. Rub them with the remaining olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Step 4 – Arrange in a Baking Dish
Place the seasoned potatoes in a large baking dish or roasting pan. Nestle the chicken thighs among the potatoes, skin-side up.
Step 5 – Bake
Transfer to the preheated oven and bake for 40–50 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature 75°C / 165°F) and the skin is crispy. The potatoes should be tender and golden.
Step 6 – Optional Lemon Finish
For extra brightness, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken and potatoes before serving.
Tips for the Best Results
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: This allows air to circulate for even browning.
- Crispier potatoes: Flip the potatoes halfway through baking so they get golden on all sides.
- Add vegetables: You can toss in carrots, bell peppers, or onions for more flavor and color.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is already a complete meal, but you can make it even more special by serving with:
- A crisp green salad
- Steamed broccoli or green beans
- Warm crusty bread to soak up the juices