Description
A comforting one-pot meal featuring seared chicken thighs and tender baby potatoes in a creamy ranch-Parmesan sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or another neutral oil)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 3–4 lb total)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic (about 3 cloves)
- 1 ounce dry ranch seasoning mix (one packet)
- 1 1/2 pounds baby gold potatoes, halved
- 1 cup chicken broth (low-sodium if preferred)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for color)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Instructions
- Heat a 4–6 quart Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and butter.
- Pat the chicken thighs very dry with paper towels. Season evenly with salt and pepper. Place skin-side down in the hot pot and sear until deep golden, about 5 minutes. Flip and sear the other side for 2 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a plate.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and sauté 30–60 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the ranch seasoning and cook for about 30 seconds to toast the spices.
- Add the halved potatoes, then pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom.
- Nestle the chicken thighs back into the pot, skin-side up. Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 35–40 minutes, or until the chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F and the potatoes are tender.
- Uncover, stir in the grated Parmesan, and simmer uncovered for 5 minutes to thicken the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and a pinch of red pepper flakes before serving.
Notes
For lower fat, swap half-and-half for heavy cream but expect a thinner sauce. Use boneless thighs for a shorter cooking time; reduce simmering by about 10 minutes. Gluten-free: check ranch packet labels.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American