Irish Chicken with Cabbage and Potatoes

If you’re looking for a dish that warms the heart and fills the belly, you’ve come to the right place. This Irish Chicken with Cabbage and Potatoes is not just a recipe; it’s a hug on a plate! It brings together tender chicken thighs, savory cabbage, and comforting potatoes in one delightful pan. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings, this dish is sure to become a staple on your dinner table.

What makes this recipe truly special is how effortlessly the flavors blend together as they cook. The smokiness of paprika and the herbs create an inviting aroma that will have everyone asking for seconds. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll understand why this is one of my all-time favorites!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks in one pan, making cleanup a breeze!
• Family-Friendly: Kids love it! The combination of chicken, veggies, and potatoes appeals to all ages.
• Flavorful & Hearty: Smoky paprika and fresh herbs make every bite deliciously comforting.
• Easy Preparation: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this tasty meal in no time.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make it ahead of time and enjoy leftovers for lunch or dinner!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients is half the fun! For this hearty meal, you’ll need simple and wholesome items that are easy to find. Here’s what you’ll need to create your own Irish Chicken with Cabbage and Potatoes:

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

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to mix things up based on what you have on hand or your personal tastes.

• Swap the protein: Use chicken breasts or even turkey thighs if that’s what you prefer.
• Add more veggies: Toss in carrots or bell peppers for added color and nutrition.
• Make it spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little kick!
• Go vegetarian: Replace chicken with hearty mushrooms or chickpeas for a delicious meat-free option.

How to Make Irish Chicken with Cabbage and Potatoes

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your dish cooks evenly from start to finish.

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Rub

In a small bowl, mix together all the dry rub ingredients. This blend of thyme, smoked paprika, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper adds so much flavor to the chicken. Evenly coat each piece of chicken with this rub; set aside while you prepare the other ingredients.

Step 3: Cook the Bacon

In a large oven-safe sauté pan over medium heat, cook the bacon until it’s nice and crispy. The bacon adds not only flavor but also some lovely fat that we’ll use later. Once done, remove it from the pan and let it drain on paper towels while keeping that flavorful fat in there.

Step 4: Sear the Chicken

Next up is searing! In that same pan with bacon fat (how delicious does that sound?), add your seasoned chicken pieces. Sear them until they’re golden brown on both sides—this step creates those beautiful flavors we love. Remember not to cook them through; we’ll finish cooking them later!

Step 5: Sauté the Cabbage

After removing the chicken from the pan, drain most of the bacon grease but leave just enough to sauté your cabbage. Add it in there along with some salt and pepper—sautéing for about 2–3 minutes until slightly wilted brings out its natural sweetness.

Step 6: Assemble It All Together

Now add those lovely sliced potatoes and onions into the mix along with half a cup of chicken stock. Scrape up any tasty bits stuck to the bottom of the pan; those are packed with flavor! Stir everything well before chopping up your crispy bacon and mixing it back into the veggies.

Step 7: Bake It Up!

Arrange your seared chicken thighs right on top of that vegetable mixture. Pop your pan into the preheated oven to bake for about 45–50 minutes or until your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). The smell as it bakes will have everyone gathering around!

And there you have it—a comforting Irish Chicken with Cabbage and Potatoes that’s perfect for any occasion! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Irish Chicken with Cabbage and Potatoes

Creating a comforting meal like Irish Chicken with Cabbage and Potatoes is all about the details! Here are some pro tips to help you achieve the best results.

• Use fresh herbs: Fresh thyme can elevate the flavors of your dish, giving it a vibrant taste that dried herbs might not achieve.

• Let the chicken rest: After baking, let the chicken thighs rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps retain their juices, ensuring moist and tender meat.

• Monitor cooking time: Ovens can vary in temperature, so use a meat thermometer to check that your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). This ensures perfectly cooked chicken every time.

• Customize the vegetables: Feel free to add more veggies such as carrots or bell peppers. They not only enhance color but also contribute additional nutrients and flavors.

• Save leftovers wisely: If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of chicken stock to keep everything moist.

How to Serve Irish Chicken with Cabbage and Potatoes

Serving this hearty dish can be as delightful as making it! The rustic charm of Irish Chicken with Cabbage and Potatoes makes it perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners. Here are some ideas on how to present your dish beautifully.

Garnishes

• Fresh parsley: A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley adds a pop of color and complements the flavors beautifully.
• Lemon wedges: Offering lemon wedges on the side gives guests a bright, zesty option to enhance their plates.

Side Dishes

• Crusty bread: Serve with warm crusty bread for dipping into the savory juices of the dish—perfect for soaking up every last bite!
• Green salad: A simple green salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the main dish.
• Roasted carrots: Sweet roasted carrots bring natural sweetness and pair wonderfully with the savory flavors in your chicken dish.
• Steamed green beans: Bright green beans add a crisp texture that balances out the heartiness of the chicken and potatoes.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Irish Chicken with Cabbage and Potatoes will not only be delicious but beautifully presented too! Enjoy sharing this delightful meal with your loved ones.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Irish Chicken with Cabbage and Potatoes recipe is perfect for meal prep, as it tastes even better the next day when the flavors have had time to meld. You can easily make it in advance and enjoy its hearty goodness throughout the week.

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

• Portion out the leftovers into freezer-safe containers.
• Label each container with the date and contents.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen portions in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes.
• Alternatively, you can reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delightful dish:

Can I use different cuts of chicken in the Irish Chicken with Cabbage and Potatoes recipe?

Absolutely! While chicken thighs provide great flavor and moisture, you can use chicken breasts or drumsticks if you prefer. Just adjust cooking times as needed.

What can I substitute for bacon in this Irish Chicken with Cabbage and Potatoes recipe?

If you’re looking for a bacon alternative, try using smoked turkey or plant-based bacon. Both options will add a smoky flavor without using pork.

Is this Irish Chicken with Cabbage and Potatoes recipe suitable for a family dinner?

Yes! This one-pan dish is not only hearty but also feeds a crowd, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings.

How long does it take to cook Irish Chicken with Cabbage and Potatoes?

The total time for cooking this delicious dish is around 1 hour and 15 minutes, including preparation and baking time.

Can I add other vegetables to this Irish Chicken with Cabbage and Potatoes recipe?

Definitely! Feel free to include other vegetables like carrots or bell peppers to enhance the nutrition and flavor profile of your meal.

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel inspired to make this Irish Chicken with Cabbage and Potatoes recipe! It’s a wonderful dish that brings warmth and comfort to any table. Whether you’re sharing it with loved ones or enjoying it as leftovers throughout the week, it’s sure to become a favorite. Enjoy every bite!