One-Pot Braised Chicken Thighs with Herbs and Potatoes

Prep: 15 minCook: 25 min4 servingsmediumAmerican
One-Pot Braised Chicken Thighs with Herbs and Potatoes

This hearty one-pot meal combines tender braised chicken thighs with herb-crusted potatoes in a savory broth. The chicken is seasoned with aromatic dried herbs including oregano, rosemary, and thyme, then browned to develop rich flavor before braising. Fresh spinach wilts into the dish at the end, adding color and nutrition, while garlic and onions build a flavorful base. The convenient use of microwave-ready potatoes makes this an accessible weeknight dinner that delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal cleanup. Perfect for busy families seeking a satisfying, complete meal in one skillet.

Ingredients

4 servings
  • 1 package little smoked salt microwave ready little potatoes
    baby potatoes1:1none

    Use any small waxy potatoes

  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried crushed rosemary
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 tsp ground pepper
  • 8 boneless skinless chicken thighs, trimmed
    chicken breasts1:1none

    Reduce cooking time to 6-8 minutes

    Full guide →
  • 2 tsp olive oil, divided
  • ½ yellow onion, diced
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 ½ cups spinach leaves, packed
    kale1:1none

    Remove tough stems and add with chicken to soften

    Full guide →
  • 3 Tbsp flat-leaf parsley, minced

Instructions

  1. 1

    Prepare potatoes according to package directions and set aside

  2. 2

    Combine oregano, rosemary, thyme, salt and pepper in a small bowl

  3. 3

    Place chicken thighs in a bowl, sprinkle herb mixture over chicken and toss to coat

  4. 4

    Heat olive oil in a large non-stick or ceramic skillet over medium-high heat

  5. 5

    Add chicken and cook until browned on both sides

  6. 6

    Transfer chicken to a plate

  7. 7

    Reduce heat to medium and add remaining olive oil

  8. 8

    Add onion and cook until tender

  9. 9

    Add garlic and cook briefly

  10. 10

    Add chicken broth to skillet and bring to a boil, scraping browned bits from bottom

  11. 11

    Return chicken to skillet with any accumulated juices

  12. 12

    Cover and simmer until chicken is cooked through

  13. 13

    Remove from heat and stir in spinach and cooked potatoes

  14. 14

    Garnish with parsley and serve

Tips

Tip 1

Brown the chicken well to develop deep flavor and create fond for the braising liquid

Tip 2

Use boneless thighs instead of breasts as they stay more tender during the braising process

Tip 3

Add the spinach off the heat so it wilts gently without overcooking

Good to Know

Storage

Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days in airtight container

Make Ahead

Season chicken up to 4 hours ahead and refrigerate

Serve With

Serve immediately while hot with crusty bread or over rice

See pairing guide →

Common Mistakes

Watch

Don't overcrowd the pan when browning chicken to avoid steaming

Watch

Don't skip scraping the browned bits as they add essential flavor to the braising liquid

Substitutions

little potatoes
baby potatoes1:1none

Use any small waxy potatoes

chicken thighs
chicken breasts1:1none

Reduce cooking time to 6-8 minutes

Full guide →
fresh herbs
dried herbs3:1none

Use 1 Tbsp each fresh oregano, rosemary, thyme

Full guide →
spinach
kale1:1none

Remove tough stems and add with chicken to soften

Full guide →
Find more substitutions →

FAQ

Can I use bone-in chicken thighs instead?

Yes, increase cooking time to 15-20 minutes and ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F before serving.

What if I don't have microwave potatoes?

Use 1-2 pounds small potatoes, boiled until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes depending on size.

How long will leftovers keep?

Store covered in refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on stovetop with a splash of broth if needed.