This Baked Pesto Chicken Thighs and Potatoes recipe is a great balance of rich, flavorful chicken and perfectly roasted, golden potatoes. The pesto adds a burst of freshness and herbaceous notes that complement the crispy skin of the chicken. It’s a comforting meal that’s full of flavor and simple to prepare.
The combination of tender chicken and crispy potatoes, roasted together in the same pan, creates the ultimate no-fuss dinner. It’s perfect for busy nights or cozy weekends when you want something easy but incredibly satisfying. You can adjust the seasoning or use a store-bought pesto to make the process even quicker!
Full Recipe:
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4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
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2 tablespoons pesto sauce
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4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
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Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel, and season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried oregano.
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In a bowl, toss the cubed potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Spread them out on the prepared baking sheet in an even layer.
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Place the seasoned chicken thighs on top of the potatoes, skin-side up.
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Brush the chicken thighs generously with pesto sauce, ensuring even coverage.
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Roast in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
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Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes
Kcal: 380 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Baked Pesto Chicken Thighs and Potatoes: A Flavorful One-Pan Meal
Baked Pesto Chicken Thighs and Potatoes is a mouth-watering recipe that brings together tender, juicy chicken and crispy roasted potatoes, all in one pan. It’s a perfect meal for anyone looking for an easy, healthy, and flavorful dinner option. This dish is a great way to infuse your weeknight meals with a touch of Italian flair thanks to the fragrant and rich pesto sauce. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or looking for a simple dish to enjoy on a busy weeknight, this recipe hits all the right notes.
Why This Recipe Works So Well
One of the biggest challenges in meal planning is finding dishes that are both easy to make and packed with flavor. This Baked Pesto Chicken Thighs and Potatoes recipe delivers just that. With minimal preparation and just one pan to clean, it’s a win in both the kitchen and for your taste buds. Chicken thighs are a fantastic option for roasting—they’re flavorful, juicy, and forgiving if you cook them a bit longer than you might a chicken breast. Pairing them with potatoes adds another layer of heartiness, creating a satisfying and balanced meal.
The pesto sauce plays a central role in elevating this dish. Pesto, with its blend of fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, and parmesan, coats the chicken thighs beautifully, infusing them with aromatic flavors. Roasting the chicken and potatoes together in the same pan allows the flavors to meld, with the potatoes soaking up some of the delicious oils and herbs from the chicken.
Perfect for Busy Nights
Baked Pesto Chicken Thighs and Potatoes is an ideal recipe for busy families or individuals who want a quick, no-fuss dinner. It takes less than an hour to prepare, which means you can have a restaurant-quality meal without the hassle. The simplicity of this recipe lies in its one-pan approach, where you don’t have to worry about multiple pots or pans. The chicken and potatoes cook together in the oven, making cleanup a breeze.
This recipe is also perfect for meal prep. You can prepare it in advance, store it in the fridge, and have a healthy meal ready to reheat when needed. This is great for those looking to cut down on time spent cooking during the week while still enjoying a homemade, flavorful dinner.
Customizing the Recipe
While the recipe is delicious as written, you can easily adjust it to suit your personal preferences or dietary needs. For instance, if you’re looking for a more indulgent dish, you can sprinkle cheese over the chicken thighs during the last few minutes of roasting to melt and create a cheesy crust. On the other hand, if you want a lighter version, you can skip the cheese and focus on the pesto’s fresh, zesty flavors.
Feel free to experiment with different pesto variations as well. Traditional basil pesto works beautifully, but you can also try sun-dried tomato pesto, arugula pesto, or even a dairy-free pesto made with nutritional yeast instead of cheese. This flexibility makes the dish adaptable to various dietary preferences, whether you’re gluten-free, vegetarian, or simply looking to try something new.
Nutritional Benefits
One of the reasons this recipe is such a winner is that it’s not only delicious, but it’s also packed with nutritional benefits. Chicken thighs, especially when skin-on, are a great source of protein and healthy fats. They help keep you feeling full and satisfied for longer, making them a great choice for dinner. Potatoes provide a good source of carbohydrates, and when roasted, they retain most of their nutrients, such as fiber, potassium, and vitamin C.
The pesto sauce, which is made from fresh basil, garlic, and olive oil, offers anti-inflammatory properties and is a great source of healthy fats. Olive oil, in particular, is known for its heart-healthy benefits. Using fresh basil not only enhances the flavor but also provides a variety of vitamins and antioxidants.
For those who are concerned with their calorie intake, the beauty of this recipe is that it is easy to adjust portions based on your dietary needs. By controlling the amount of pesto you use, or swapping out potatoes for a lighter vegetable, you can easily tweak the recipe to suit your health goals.
Cooking Tips for Success
To ensure your Baked Pesto Chicken Thighs and Potatoes turn out perfectly every time, there are a few simple tips to keep in mind. First, make sure the chicken thighs are patted dry before seasoning them. This helps to achieve that crispy, golden skin. You also want to ensure the potatoes are cut into even cubes so they cook at the same rate as the chicken.
If you like your potatoes extra crispy, you can roast them for a few minutes before adding the chicken to the pan. This will give the potatoes a head start and ensure they are crispy on the outside while staying tender on the inside.
Make sure to check the internal temperature of the chicken thighs before serving. They should reach 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the meat. If the chicken is cooked through and the skin is crispy, you’re good to go.
The Perfect Side Dishes
While this dish is quite filling on its own, you might want to serve it with a simple side to complement the flavors. A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich, savory flavors of the chicken and potatoes. You could also serve it with roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, or asparagus for an extra dose of nutrition.
If you’re in the mood for something hearty, a side of garlic bread or a crusty baguette would be the perfect accompaniment. The bread is perfect for mopping up any extra pesto sauce from the plate, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Conclusion: A Delicious and Effortless Meal
Baked Pesto Chicken Thighs and Potatoes is an ideal dish for anyone seeking a quick, satisfying, and flavorful meal. The combination of tender chicken, crispy potatoes, and fresh pesto makes this dish a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or hosting a family dinner, this recipe provides a hearty, delicious meal without a lot of hassle. The versatility of the dish makes it easy to customize to your taste, and its nutritional benefits make it a great choice for a well-rounded meal.
If you’re looking for a recipe that is both easy to prepare and full of flavor, Baked Pesto Chicken Thighs and Potatoes is an excellent choice. The rich, fragrant pesto adds layers of flavor to the tender chicken, while the roasted potatoes provide a satisfying, crispy contrast. It’s a meal that’s sure to become a favorite in your dinner rotation.
