Irish Chicken with Cabbage and Potatoes

If you’re looking for a warm and comforting meal that feels like a hug on a plate, you’ve come to the right place. This Irish Chicken with Cabbage and Potatoes is one of my favorite go-to recipes, especially on busy weeknights or during family gatherings. The combination of tender chicken thighs, savory cabbage, and hearty potatoes makes this dish not only delicious but also wonderfully satisfying.

This recipe holds a special place in my heart because it reflects the simple yet flavorful essence of home-cooked comfort food. Plus, everything cooks together in one pan, making cleanup a breeze—what’s not to love?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-pan wonder: Everything cooks in one dish, saving you time on cleanup and allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
• Family-friendly: This hearty meal is sure to please everyone at the table, from kids to grandparents.
• Easy preparation: With just a few simple steps, you can have a delicious dinner ready without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Flavorful ingredients: The smoky paprika and fresh herbs create a delightful aroma that fills your kitchen as it bakes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our ingredients! This recipe uses simple, wholesome items that you likely have on hand or can easily find at your local market.

For the Dry Rub:

• 1 ½ teaspoons thyme
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Chicken and Vegetables:

• 8 chicken thighs (or preferred cuts)
• 5 slices bacon, cooked and fat reserved
• ½ head cabbage, roughly chopped
• 4 potatoes, peeled and sliced into ¼-inch rounds
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• ½ cup chicken stock
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Variations

One of the best parts about this recipe is how flexible it is. Feel free to customize it based on what you have at home!

• Swap the protein: Try using bone-in chicken breasts or drumsticks for a different flavor profile.
• Add more veggies: Toss in some carrots or bell peppers for extra color and nutrition.
• Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat in your dishes.
• Herb it up: Experiment with other herbs like rosemary or oregano for varied flavors.

How to Make Irish Chicken with Cabbage and Potatoes

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your dish cooks evenly throughout once it’s ready to go in.

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Rub

In a small bowl, mix together all your dry rub ingredients. Evenly coat each piece of chicken with this flavorful mixture. Not only does this step enhance the taste of the chicken, but it also helps form a delicious crust when baked.

Step 3: Cook the Bacon

In a large oven-safe sauté pan, cook the bacon until it’s nice and crisp. Remove it from the pan and place it on paper towels to drain. Leaving some bacon fat in the pan will add wonderful flavor as we move forward.

Step 4: Sear the Chicken

Now it’s time to sear your seasoned chicken thighs in that lovely bacon fat until they’re browned on both sides. Don’t worry about cooking them all the way through; they will finish baking in the oven.

Step 5: Sauté the Cabbage

Next, drain most of that bacon grease but leave just enough for flavor. Add your chopped cabbage and sauté for about 2–3 minutes until it’s slightly wilted. This step softens the cabbage while enhancing its sweetness.

Step 6: Add Potatoes and Onions

Add those sliced potatoes and onions along with half a cup of chicken stock to your sauté pan. Scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom; these add depth to our dish! Stir everything well so it’s nicely combined.

Step 7: Combine Ingredients

Chop up your crispy bacon and return it to the pan with all those veggies. Give everything another good stir before arranging your seared chicken pieces on top of this colorful mixture.

Step 8: Bake It All Together

Transfer your pan into that preheated oven! Bake for about 45–50 minutes or until your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). The aroma wafting through your home will make waiting almost unbearable!

And there you have it! A delightful Irish Chicken with Cabbage and Potatoes that’s perfect for sharing with family or enjoying as leftovers during busy days ahead. Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Irish Chicken with Cabbage and Potatoes

Creating a delicious meal is all about the little details, and I’m here to help you nail this comforting dish!

• Use fresh herbs: Opting for fresh thyme instead of dried can elevate the flavor profile and provide a vibrant aroma that makes your kitchen feel like an Irish pub.

• Sear the chicken well: Browning the chicken in bacon fat adds depth and richness to the dish. It also creates a beautiful crust that locks in moisture, ensuring juicy meat.

• Don’t skip the scraping: When adding the potatoes and cabbage, be sure to scrape the bottom of the pan. This releases flavorful bits stuck from searing, enhancing your dish’s overall taste.

• Let it rest: Allowing the chicken to rest for a few minutes after baking helps redistribute the juices. This simple step will result in tender, moist chicken that everyone will love.

• Customize your veggies: Feel free to add or substitute other vegetables like carrots or parsnips. This versatility allows you to tailor the dish to your family’s preferences while still keeping it hearty and satisfying.

How to Serve Irish Chicken with Cabbage and Potatoes

Presentation can make all the difference! Serving this dish beautifully will impress your family or guests, making mealtime even more special.

Garnishes

• Chopped parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness that brightens up the dish.
• Lemon wedges: Serving lemon wedges on the side provides a zesty option for those who enjoy a bit of acidity to balance out the rich flavors.
• Cracked black pepper: A light dusting of freshly cracked black pepper just before serving enhances flavor and adds a nice finishing touch.

Side Dishes

• Crusty bread: A warm loaf of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover juices on your plate—ideal for those who love to savor every bite!

• Steamed green beans: Bright green beans add a lovely crunch and vibrant color, providing balance alongside the richness of chicken and potatoes.

• Colcannon: This traditional Irish dish made with mashed potatoes, cabbage, and butter complements our main recipe beautifully, creating an authentic experience.

• Simple mixed greens salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens dressed lightly in vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the hearty flavors of this meal.

Now you’re all set! Enjoy making this delightful Irish Chicken with Cabbage and Potatoes—it’s bound to become a family favorite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Irish Chicken with Cabbage and Potatoes recipe is fantastic for meal prepping! Not only does it taste amazing, but it’s also easy to store and reheat, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the dish to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Ensure the dish has cooled completely before freezing.
• Place in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes.
• You can also microwave portions on medium heat until hot, stirring occasionally.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this delicious recipe!

Can I use different cuts of chicken for Irish Chicken with Cabbage and Potatoes?

Absolutely! While chicken thighs are recommended for their tenderness, you can use drumsticks or even chicken breasts. Just adjust the cooking time as needed based on the cut.

What can I serve with Irish Chicken with Cabbage and Potatoes?

This dish is quite filling on its own, but you could enhance your meal with a simple side salad or some crusty bread. A light dessert would also be a delightful addition!

How long does Irish Chicken with Cabbage and Potatoes last in the fridge?

When stored properly in an airtight container, this dish will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Just make sure it’s cooled completely before sealing it up!

Can I customize the vegetables in this recipe?

Certainly! Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or parsnips. Just keep an eye on cooking times to ensure everything is perfectly tender.

Final Thoughts

This Irish Chicken with Cabbage and Potatoes recipe is truly special because it brings comfort and warmth to your dining table. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do! It’s perfect for sharing with family or friends, creating memories over a hearty meal. Don’t hesitate to try it out – you’re going to love every bite!