Barefoot Contessa’s One-Pan Wonder: Skillet Chicken & Potatoes Recipe

Sizzling and golden, these skillet-roasted chicken thighs and potatoes dance with flavors straight from the Barefoot Contessa’s kitchen.

Ina Garten’s style shines through every bite of this rustic, comforting dish.

Tender chicken melds perfectly with crispy potato edges, creating a meal that promises pure satisfaction.

Herbs and seasonings weave magic into each ingredient, turning simple components into a restaurant-worthy feast.

The one-pan wonder eliminates complicated cleanup while delivering maximum taste.

Weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings become instantly special with this foolproof recipe.

You’ll love how effortlessly delicious can be when skilled hands work their culinary magic.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes

Calories: 540 kcal

Servings: 4

Everything in Barefoot Contessa Skillet-Roasted Chicken Thighs And Potatoes

• Chicken Thighs: Rich, juicy cut with deep flavor that becomes tender when marinated, choose bone-in and skin-on for maximum succulence and crispy texture.
• Buttermilk: Magical tenderizing liquid that helps break down chicken proteins, ensuring incredibly soft meat with subtle tangy undertones.

• Dijon Mustard: Zesty condiment that adds sharp complexity and helps create delectable golden crust on chicken.
• White Wine: Brings elegant acidity and depth, helping balance the richness of the dish.
• Thyme: Earthy herb that infuses subtle woodland notes, perfectly complementing roasted meats.
• Paprika: Warm spice offering gentle smokiness and beautiful reddish color to the chicken.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning that amplifies natural flavors and creates perfect balance.

• Potatoes: Hearty, starchy vegetable that soaks up delicious pan juices, select waxy varieties for best roasting results.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that provides robust, pungent undertones and enhances overall dish complexity.
• Olive Oil: Smooth, heart-healthy fat that ensures even cooking and helps achieve golden, crispy exterior.
• Parsley: Fresh herb that adds bright, clean finish and vibrant green color.
• Chives: Delicate onion-like herb offering mild, fresh garnish and elegant presentation.

Gear You’ll Need for Barefoot Contessa Skillet-Roasted Chicken Thighs And Potatoes

• Cast-iron skillet: Heavy-duty pan essential for even cooking and crispy results.
• Instant-read thermometer: Crucial for checking chicken's internal temperature accurately.
• Large resealable plastic bag: Perfect for marinating chicken evenly.
• Small bowl: Needed for mixing mustard and wine glaze.
• Cutting board: Used for preparing potatoes and herbs.
• Sharp knife: Required for slicing potatoes and chopping herbs.
• Tongs: Helpful for handling chicken and potatoes in the skillet.
• Pastry brush: Used for coating chicken with mustard and wine mixture.
• Aluminum foil: Needed to loosely cover chicken while resting.

Step-by-Step Method for Barefoot Contessa Skillet-Roasted Chicken Thighs And Potatoes

Comfort Kitchen Chicken Party

• Flavor Prep

Hours before mealtime, shower chicken with salt and pepper. Bathe the meat in tangy buttermilk inside a sealed bag, letting magic happen in the refrigerator.

• Oven Warmup

Fire up the oven to a toasty temperature. Grab a hefty cast-iron skillet and splash some olive oil across its surface.

• Seasoning Celebration

Pull chicken from its buttermilk bath, letting excess drip away. Paint the meat with zesty Dijon and white wine mixture. Sprinkle herbs and spices generously across the surface.

• First Roasting Wave

Slide the skillet into the hot oven. Let the chicken sizzle and transform for half an hour, developing deep golden colors and rich flavors.

• Potato Entrance

Gently nestle sliced potatoes around the chicken. Toss them in pan juices, creating a delicious landscape of crispy edges and tender centers.

• Final Roasting Journey

Continue cooking until chicken reaches perfect internal temperature. Potatoes will turn golden and irresistibly crisp.

• Herb Finale

Dust the entire dish with fresh parsley and chives. Serve directly from the skillet, letting everyone dive into this comforting meal.

Kitchen Tips & Swaps for Barefoot Contessa Skillet-Roasted Chicken Thighs And Potatoes

• Replace chicken thighs with bone-in chicken breasts or drumsticks, adjusting cooking time to ensure proper internal temperature and prevent dryness.
• Experiment with different fresh herbs like rosemary, oregano, or sage instead of thyme to create unique flavor profiles that match your taste preferences.
• Mix in different potato types like sweet potatoes, red potatoes, or fingerling potatoes for added texture and color variation in the dish.
• Substitute buttermilk with yogurt, kefir, or a mix of lemon juice and olive oil to introduce tangy or Mediterranean-inspired flavor dimensions.

Presentation Ideas for Barefoot Contessa Skillet-Roasted Chicken Thighs And Potatoes

• Elevate Your Dining Experience: Serve the skillet-roasted chicken thighs and potatoes directly from the cast-iron pan for a rustic, family-style presentation that keeps the dish warm and showcases the beautiful golden-brown colors.
• Pair with Fresh Sides: Complement the rich, hearty chicken with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette or some steamed seasonal vegetables to balance the meal's robust flavors.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Choose a medium-bodied white wine like Chardonnay or a light red such as Pinot Noir to enhance the herb-infused chicken and create a delightful culinary harmony.
• Bread Basket Bonus: Include crusty bread or warm dinner rolls to soak up the delicious pan juices and mustard-wine sauce, ensuring no flavor goes to waste.

How to Store Barefoot Contessa Skillet-Roasted Chicken Thighs And Potatoes

• Refrigerate Quickly: Store leftover chicken and potatoes in an airtight container within two hours of cooking to maintain food safety and prevent bacterial growth.
• Maximize Freshness: Keep refrigerated meals for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the best taste and texture when reheated gently in the oven or microwave.
• Smart Reheating Technique: Warm chicken and potatoes in a preheated oven at 160°C for 10-15 minutes to restore crispy skin and prevent drying out.
• Freeze for Future Meals: Wrap individual portions tightly in freezer-safe containers or bags, storing for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Rustic Barefoot Contessa Skillet-Roasted Chicken Thighs And Potatoes Recipe

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4.8 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s skillet-roasted chicken thighs and potatoes blend rustic simplicity with elegant flavor. Mediterranean herbs and crispy skin make this dish a comforting classic that nourishes both body and soul.

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Ingredients

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• 4 large bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (1.1 to 1.3 kg or 2.4 to 2.9 lbs)
• 600 ml (20.3 fl oz) buttermilk, shaken
• 450 g (1 lb) medium Yukon Gold or Maris Piper potatoes, unpeeled, sliced 6 mm (¼ inch) thick
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 2 tbsps Dijon mustard
• 2 tbsps minced fresh parsley
• 1 tbsp dry white wine (such as Chablis)
• 1 tbsp minced garlic (about 3 cloves)
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh chives
• 1 ½ tsps fresh thyme leaves
• 1 tsp kosher salt (plus extra for seasoning)
• ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper (plus extra for seasoning)
• 1/8 tsp sweet Hungarian paprika

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Instructions

1. Marinate: Immerse chicken in buttermilk, seasoned with salt and pepper, refrigerate for 4-12 hours to enhance flavor and tenderness.
2. Prepare Skillet: Warm oven to 356°F (fan) or 392°F (conventional). Generously oil a cast-iron skillet, creating a perfect roasting surface.
3. Season Chicken: Extract chicken from marinade, letting excess drip away. Arrange skin-side up in skillet. Brush with Dijon-white wine mixture, then dust with thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Initial Roast: Slide skillet into oven, roast for 30 minutes until chicken develops a golden, crispy exterior.
5. Add Vegetables: Remove skillet, surround chicken with sliced potatoes and minced garlic. Coat vegetables in pan juices.
6. Complete Roasting: Return to oven for another 30 minutes. Confirm chicken’s internal temperature reaches 154°F using a meat thermometer.
7. Crisp Potatoes: Extract chicken, tent with foil. Boost oven temperature to 464°F, roast potatoes for 15 minutes until golden and crunchy.
8. Serve: Reunite chicken and potatoes in skillet. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and chives, add final salt seasoning. Present directly from pan for a rustic, inviting meal.

Notes

• Marinate Strategically: Buttermilk bath tenderizes chicken and infuses deep flavor, so plan ahead and soak meat for 4-12 hours before cooking.
• Select the Right Skillet: Cast-iron delivers perfect heat distribution and creates a crispy exterior, enhancing overall dish texture and taste.
• Temperature Precision Matters: Use an instant-read thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 154°F, ensuring juicy meat without overcooking.
• Crisp Potato Technique: Finishing potatoes at high heat guarantees a golden, crunchy exterior while maintaining a soft interior.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 540
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 130 mg