A comforting, rustic Polish-inspired dish featuring golden roasted chicken thighs, tender potatoes, caramelized onions, and aromatic herbs. Simple, hearty, and perfect for a cozy family dinner.
Description
This dish embodies the essence of traditional Polish home cooking: minimal ingredients, deep flavor, and wholesome warmth. The chicken becomes crispy on top and juicy inside, while the potatoes absorb all the savory seasonings. It’s an effortless one-pan meal that tastes like something straight from a countryside kitchen.
Introduction
Polish cuisine celebrates earthy flavors and simple techniques. In this recipe, chicken thighs are combined with potatoes, onions, garlic, paprika, and classic marjoram — a staple herb in Poland. Everything roasts together in the oven, creating a deeply flavorful meal with almost no hands-on work.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-pan, minimal cleanup
- Authentic Polish flavors
- Crispy chicken + tender potatoes
- Perfect for weeknights or gatherings
- Affordable ingredients
Ingredients
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 5 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into wedges
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tbsp olive oil (or melted butter for richer flavor)
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried marjoram (classic Polish seasoning)
- ½ tsp caraway seeds (optional, but adds authentic flavor)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh dill or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
Grease a large baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
2. Season the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine olive oil, garlic, paprika, marjoram, salt, and pepper.
Add the chicken thighs, potatoes, and sliced onion.
Toss everything until well coated.
3. Arrange for Baking
Place the chicken thighs skin-side up in the baking dish.
Spread the potatoes and onions around them in an even layer.
4. Bake
Roast for 45–50 minutes, flipping the potatoes halfway through.
Bake until the chicken is golden and cooked through and the potatoes are crisp and tender.
5. Finish and Serve
Sprinkle with fresh dill or parsley.
Serve with sour cream or a crisp cucumber salad for a traditional Polish touch.
Variations
1. Honey-Mustard Polish Style
Mix 1 tbsp honey + 1 tbsp mustard into the seasoning blend.
2. Smoky Version
Add ½ tsp smoked paprika or 1 tsp Polish smoked pepper powder if available.
3. Root Vegetable Mix
Add carrots, parsnips, or turnips for a more rustic and hearty dish.
4. Spicy Twist
Add a pinch of chili flakes (not traditional, but tasty).
5. Boneless Chicken Option
Use boneless thighs — reduce baking time to 30–35 minutes.
Tips for Best Results
- Pat the chicken dry for crispier skin.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan — good airflow = better crisping.
- For extra crunch, broil the top for 3–4 minutes at the end.
- If using butter, mix half butter + half oil to prevent burning.
- Add salt generously — potatoes absorb lots of seasoning.
Storage Tips
Refrigerator
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer
Freeze cooked chicken and potatoes for up to 2 months.
Reheat in the oven to keep the skin crispy.
Reheating
- Oven: 180°C (350°F) for 10–15 minutes
- Microwave: Add a splash of water and cover to prevent drying
Nutrition (Approx per serving)
These numbers vary depending on size of chicken thighs.
- Calories: 420–520
- Protein: 26–30g
- Carbs: 25–30g
- Fat: 22–28g
- High in: Potassium, Vitamin B6, iron
- Benefits: Balanced protein + carbs meal with traditional herbs and antioxidants
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken drumsticks?
Yes! Bake the same amount of time — they get beautifully tender.
2. Can I add cabbage or sauerkraut?
Yes, adding cabbage wedges or a small amount of sauerkraut gives a strong Polish touch.
3. Can I prep this ahead of time?
You can marinate the chicken and keep everything ready in the fridge for up to 12 hours.
4. Can I lower the fat?
Use skinless thighs or chicken breasts (adjust time to 30–35 minutes).
5. What side dishes go well with it?
- Cucumber salad (mizeria)
- Fermented beets
- Rye bread
- Pickles
Conclusion
This Polish-Style Oven-Baked Chicken Thighs with Potatoes recipe brings together simplicity, authenticity, and amazing flavor in one pan. Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or anyone craving hearty comfort food.