Chicken and Potato Bake: A Simple & Comforting One-Pan Meal!
Get ready for an easy, satisfying, and flavorful dinner with this Chicken and Potato Bake! This dish brings together tender chicken, hearty potatoes, and green beans, all baked together on one pan for minimal cleanup and maximum deliciousness. It’s the perfect weeknight solution when you want a wholesome meal without a lot of fuss.
This bake is a true crowd-pleaser, offering a comforting blend of textures and savory flavors. The chicken stays juicy, the potatoes get tender and slightly caramelized, and the green beans add a fresh touch, making it a complete meal straight from the oven.
Ingredients:
- 2-3 chicken breasts, cubed (about 1.5 lbs, boneless, skinless)
- 3-5 small to medium potatoes, diced (e.g., Yukon Gold, red potatoes, or small russets, about 1.5 lbs)
- 1 ½ cans green beans, drained (or about 3 cups fresh or frozen green beans)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a blend of dried thyme, oregano, and basil)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional: ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese for topping
Equipment:
- Large baking sheet (rimmed)
- Large mixing bowl
- Spatula or tongs
- Measuring spoons
- Cutting board and knife
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven & Prep Pan: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). For easier cleanup, you can line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper, though it’s not strictly necessary.
- Prepare Potatoes & Chicken: In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced potatoes and cubed chicken breasts. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Sprinkle with ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ¼ teaspoon paprika, ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning, and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Toss well to ensure everything is evenly coated.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Spread the seasoned chicken and potatoes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Try to give them some space so they can roast and brown, rather than steam.
- First Bake: Bake for 20 minutes.
- Add Green Beans & Finish Bake: While the chicken and potatoes are baking, drain the canned green beans (or if using fresh/frozen, you might want to blanch them briefly). In the same large mixing bowl (no need to wash it), toss the drained green beans with the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ¼ teaspoon paprika, ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. After the first 20 minutes of baking, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Stir the chicken and potatoes, then add the seasoned green beans to the pan. Toss gently to combine all ingredients on the baking sheet. Return to the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C), the potatoes are tender and golden, and the green beans are slightly softened and heated through.
- Optional Cheese & Serve: If desired, sprinkle the ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese over the bake during the last 5 minutes of cooking for a cheesy crust. Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving hot.
Tips & Variations:
- Vary the Veggies: Feel free to swap green beans for other quick-cooking vegetables like broccoli florets, bell peppers, or asparagus. Add them in the last 15-20 minutes of baking.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat, or use different herb blends like Cajun seasoning or a lemon-herb mix.
- Juicier Chicken: For even juicier chicken, consider brining the chicken breasts for 30 minutes to an hour before cubing and seasoning.
- Crispier Potatoes: For extra crispy potatoes, ensure they are diced to a consistent size and tossed well with oil. You can also give them a head start by baking them alone for 10 minutes before adding the chicken and green beans.
- Sheet Pan Meals: This recipe is perfect for sheet pan cooking, minimizing dishes and making cleanup a breeze.
Enjoy your wholesome and delicious Chicken and Potato Bake! What other one-pan wonders are your go-to?