This Garlic Roasted Chicken and Potatoes recipe has been a family favorite for many years. It’s a simple, no-fuss dish that comes together quickly and results in a savory, comforting meal. The garlic cloves, roasted in their skins, turn soft and flavorful, and when spread over the chicken, they add a wonderful depth of taste. Paired with crispy, tender potatoes and a touch of maple syrup for sweetness, this dish is always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
¼ cup butter
6 chicken leg quarters, split into drumsticks and thighs
6 large Yukon Gold potatoes, cut into chunks
24 cloves garlic, unpeeled
Salt and ground black pepper, to taste
¼ cup maple syrup
How To Make Garlic Roasted Chicken and Potatoes:
Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature will give you crispy skin on the chicken and nicely roasted potatoes.
Prepare the Roasting Pan:
Place the butter into a roasting pan and let it melt in the preheating oven. Once melted, carefully swirl the butter to coat the bottom of the pan. This will ensure the chicken and potatoes cook evenly and don’t stick.
Add the Chicken, Potatoes, and Garlic:
Place the chicken drumsticks and thighs, cut potatoes, and unpeeled garlic cloves into the roasting pan. Sprinkle everything with salt and ground black pepper to your liking. Make sure to turn the chicken and potatoes so they are evenly coated with the melted butter.
Roast the Chicken and Potatoes:
Place the pan in the oven and bake for about 40 minutes. During this time, the chicken will begin to cook through, and the potatoes will start to soften. Be sure to baste the chicken, potatoes, and garlic three times with the pan drippings during this roasting period to keep everything moist and flavorful.
Add the Maple Syrup:
After 40 minutes, remove the pan from the oven. Brush the chicken pieces with ¼ cup maple syrup and spoon some of the pan drippings over the potatoes. This step adds a subtle sweetness to the chicken while also enhancing the flavor of the potatoes.
Finish Roasting:
Return the pan to the oven and continue baking for about 20 more minutes. This will allow the chicken to brown and crisp up, and the potatoes to become tender and golden. Check the chicken’s internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer; it should read at least 165°F (74°C) when inserted into the thickest part of a thigh.
Serve and Enjoy:
Once the chicken and potatoes are done, remove them from the oven. To serve, squeeze the roasted garlic from its skins and spread the soft, sweet garlic over the chicken. Pour the pan juices over the chicken and potatoes for an extra burst of flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
This dish is hearty and flavorful on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a mixed greens salad for a refreshing contrast. You could also serve it with some crusty bread to soak up the delicious pan juices. For a more indulgent side, roasted vegetables or a creamy coleslaw would complement the roasted chicken and potatoes perfectly.
Tips and Variations:
Adjust the Number of Potatoes:
If you love potatoes like we do, feel free to add more potatoes to the pan. Just be sure your roasting pan is large enough to fit everything comfortably.
Garlic Adjustment:
The garlic cloves become wonderfully soft and spreadable after roasting. If you love garlic, you could even add more cloves. Roasting garlic mellows its sharpness and creates a sweeter, rich flavor that works beautifully with the chicken.
Maple Syrup Substitutes:
If you’re not a fan of maple syrup, you can substitute it with honey or brown sugar for a different twist. Both will give the dish a slightly different sweetness while still complementing the savory elements.
Add Some Herbs:
For an extra layer of flavor, you can sprinkle some fresh thyme, rosemary, or parsley over the chicken and potatoes before roasting. This will infuse the dish with aromatic herbal notes.
Nutritional Benefits:
Chicken:
A great source of protein, chicken also provides vitamins and minerals such as B6, B12, and zinc, which help support metabolism, immune function, and energy production.
Potatoes:
Potatoes are rich in potassium, vitamin C, and fiber, which help support heart health, digestion, and immune function.
Garlic:
Garlic is known for its health benefits, including boosting the immune system and having anti-inflammatory properties. It’s also a source of antioxidants, which help protect the body from oxidative stress.
Maple Syrup:
While it adds sweetness, maple syrup also contains antioxidants and minerals like manganese and zinc. It’s a healthier option compared to refined sugar.
Nutritional Facts (Approx. per Serving):
Calories: ~400-450 kcal
Protein: ~35 g
Carbohydrates: ~35 g
Fat: ~20 g
Fiber: ~4 g
Sugar: ~5 g (from the maple syrup and potatoes)
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Simple and Quick:
This recipe takes minimal preparation and is perfect for a busy weeknight or a weekend meal. Once everything is in the pan, the oven does the work!
Comfort Food:
Garlic Roasted Chicken and Potatoes is the epitome of comfort food — crispy, flavorful chicken, tender potatoes, and the rich taste of roasted garlic. It’s hearty, satisfying, and full of flavor.
Versatile:
You can easily customize this dish by adding extra vegetables, using different types of potatoes, or switching up the seasonings to suit your taste.
Conclusion:
This Garlic Roasted Chicken and Potatoes recipe is a keeper. The combination of tender chicken, roasted potatoes, and sweet maple syrup makes for a delightful, comforting meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a special occasion, or a casual weeknight meal, this dish is an easy and flavorful choice. Don’t forget to squeeze the roasted garlic onto the chicken for an added burst of rich flavor!
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