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Easy One-Pot Easter Chicken Dinner with Creamy Mashed Potatoes

easy one-pot Easter chicken dinner - featured image

A comforting and fuss-free one-pot chicken dinner with creamy mashed potatoes that cooks together for a flavorful, easy meal perfect for Easter or any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs / 700g)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin if you have it)
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika preferred)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 lbs (900g) Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and quartered
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces (room temperature)
  • ½ cup whole milk or heavy cream (or dairy-free milk like oat or almond for vegan)
  • ¼ cup sour cream (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Optional garnishes: fresh parsley, chopped; grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Rub olive oil all over, then season with salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, and minced garlic. Set aside.
  3. Peel and quarter Yukon Gold potatoes. Place in a large pot, cover with cold water, add a pinch of salt, and bring to a boil over high heat. Boil for 15-20 minutes until fork-tender.
  4. While potatoes boil, heat oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Place chicken thighs skin-side down and cook for 5-7 minutes until skin is golden and crisp. Flip and cook another 3 minutes.
  5. Transfer skillet with chicken to the preheated oven and roast for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  6. Drain potatoes well and return to pot or warm bowl. Add butter, warm milk or cream, and sour cream if using. Mash until creamy but with a little texture. Season with salt and pepper.
  7. Serve chicken thighs with a generous scoop of creamy mashed potatoes. Spoon pan juices over chicken and potatoes. Garnish with fresh parsley and Parmesan if desired.

Notes

Dry chicken skin thoroughly for crispiness. Use room temperature butter and warm milk for creamy mashed potatoes. Avoid overmixing potatoes to prevent gluey texture. Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked to 165°F (74°C). For crispier skin, broil for 1-2 minutes watching closely. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pot chicken dinner, creamy mashed potatoes, easy Easter recipe, comfort food, simple chicken dinner, one-pot meal, family dinner