Description
This one-pan dinner features crispy-skinned chicken thighs braised in a creamy ranch-spiced sauce with tender baby gold potatoes.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 3–4 lb)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic (about 3 cloves)
- 1 ounce dry ranch seasoning mix (1 packet)
- 1 1/2 pounds baby gold potatoes, halved
- 1 cup chicken broth (low-sodium recommended)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil and butter in a large Dutch oven or heavy skillet over medium-high until the butter foams.
- Pat chicken thighs dry and season evenly with salt and black pepper. Place skin-side down and sear for about 5 minutes, until the skin is deep golden brown and releases easily. Flip and sear 1–2 minutes on the other side. Transfer chicken to a plate.
- Reduce heat to medium-low. Add the minced garlic and sauté 30 seconds until fragrant (don’t let it burn). Sprinkle in the ranch seasoning and cook 30 more seconds to bloom the spices.
- Add the halved potatoes, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up browned bits from the pan to deglaze and incorporate flavor.
- Nestle the seared chicken back into the sauce, skin-side up. Bring to a gentle simmer, then cover and cook on low for 35–40 minutes, until the chicken registers 165°F on an instant-read thermometer and the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Remove the lid, stir in the grated Parmesan, and simmer uncovered 4–5 minutes to thicken the sauce. Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Garnish with chopped parsley and red pepper flakes if using. Serve hot.
Notes
For a lighter sauce, use half-and-half and simmer longer to reduce, or use a mix of milk + 2 teaspoons cornstarch to thicken. Swap boneless, skin-on thighs if you prefer less fat; cooking time will be slightly shorter.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American