Description
A one-pot creamy Dutch oven meal featuring golden, seared chicken thighs and tender baby potatoes in a rich ranch-and-Parmesan sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2–2.5 lb total)
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 ounce dry ranch seasoning mix (1 packet)
- 1 1/2 pounds baby gold potatoes, halved
- 1 cup chicken broth (use low-sodium to control salt)
- 1 cup heavy cream (substitute half-and-half for a lighter sauce)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for brightness)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Instructions
- Heat a 5–7 quart Dutch oven over medium-high. Add olive oil and butter. Heat until butter melts and the fat shimmers.
- Pat the chicken very dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Place chicken thighs skin-side down in the hot pot. Sear about 5 minutes until the skin is golden and releases easily. Flip and cook 2 more minutes. Transfer chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and sauté 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the ranch seasoning and cook about 30 seconds to bloom the spices.
- Add the halved potatoes and toss to coat in the flavored fat. Pour in the chicken broth and cream, scraping the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon to deglaze and lift browned bits.
- Nestle the chicken back into the pot, skin-side up. Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook 35–40 minutes, or until the chicken reaches 165°F and the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Remove the lid. Stir in the grated Parmesan and cook uncovered about 5 minutes to thicken the sauce. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
- Serve hot, sprinkled with chopped parsley and red pepper flakes if desired.
Notes
If you don’t have baby potatoes, small Yukon Golds or fingerlings work well. For dairy-free, swap cream for full-fat canned coconut milk and omit Parmesan (flavor will change).
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American