Irish Chicken with Cabbage and Potatoes

If you’re looking for a cozy meal that warms your heart and fills your belly, then this Irish Chicken with Cabbage and Potatoes is just what you need. This dish has become a favorite in our home, bringing everyone together around the dinner table. It’s not only delicious but also simple to make, making it perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. The combination of tender chicken thighs, savory cabbage, and hearty potatoes creates a comforting experience that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

I love how this recipe is full of wholesome ingredients and packed with flavor. Plus, it all cooks in one pan, which means less cleanup for you—what’s not to love? Let’s dive into why this dish will soon become a staple in your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-pan wonder: Everything cooks together in one pan, saving you time on both cooking and cleanup.
• Family-friendly: Even picky eaters can’t resist the flavors of tender chicken and delicious vegetables.
• Simple ingredients: You probably already have most of these wholesome ingredients at home.
• Make-ahead option: Prep it early in the day for an easy dinner when you get home!
• Comforting flavors: The smoky paprika and herbs create a rich flavor profile that’s truly satisfying.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is half the fun! For this Irish Chicken with Cabbage and Potatoes recipe, you won’t need anything fancy—just good quality basics that come together beautifully.

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 quite flexible! Feel free to mix things up based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.

• Swap the protein: Use chicken breasts or even turkey thighs if you prefer a different type of meat.
• Change the veggies: Add carrots or green beans for extra color and nutrition.
• Add some spice: Toss in some red pepper flakes if you’d like to kick up the heat!
• Substitute for bacon: Try using smoked tempeh or turkey bacon for a lighter version without sacrificing flavor.

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 chicken cooks evenly and helps develop those lovely flavors while it bakes.

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Rub

In a small bowl, mix all the dry rub ingredients together. This blend of thyme, smoked paprika, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper adds depth to the dish. Once mixed well, coat the chicken pieces evenly with this flavorful rub. Letting them sit while you prepare everything else allows those spices to infuse better.

Step 3: Cook the Bacon

In a large oven-safe sauté pan over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. The rendered fat will add incredible flavor to your vegetables later. Once cooked to perfection, remove it from the pan and let it drain on paper towels while leaving some of that delicious fat behind.

Step 4: Sear the Chicken

Next up is searing! In that same pan with bacon fat still present (yum!), place your seasoned chicken thighs. Sear them until browned on both sides—not fully cooked—just enough to get that lovely golden color that enhances flavor. Remove them from the pan once done; they’ll finish cooking in the oven.

Step 5: Sauté the Vegetables

Now it’s time for those veggies! Drain most of the bacon grease but leave just enough in there to sauté your chopped cabbage for about 2-3 minutes until slightly wilted. This step adds sweetness to the dish as it cooks down.

Step 6: Add Potatoes and Onions

Add your sliced potatoes and onions along with half a cup of chicken stock into the pan. Scrape any browned bits off the bottom—those are packed with flavor! Stir everything together so that each ingredient gets coated nicely.

Step 7: Combine Everything

Chop up your crispy bacon and toss it back into the pan with those sautéed vegetables. Then it’s time to nestle your seared chicken right on top of this beautiful mix.

Step 8: Bake It All Together

Finally, transfer your pan into that preheated oven! Bake everything for about 45-50 minutes or until each piece of chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Your kitchen will smell heavenly as this dish comes together!

And there you have it—a delightful Irish Chicken with Cabbage and Potatoes that’s sure to impress everyone at your table!

Pro Tips for Making Irish Chicken with Cabbage and Potatoes

Cooking this comforting dish is a breeze, but a few helpful tips can make it even more delightful!

• Use Bone-In Chicken Thighs: Bone-in chicken thighs not only add more flavor but also stay juicy during cooking, ensuring your dish is tender and succulent.

• Don’t Rush the Searing: Taking the time to sear the chicken properly develops a rich, golden-brown crust that enhances the overall flavor of your meal. This step is essential for that delicious depth of taste.

• Customize Your Vegetables: Feel free to add other root vegetables like carrots or parsnips to the mix for additional sweetness and texture. This adds variety and makes your dish even heartier.

• Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Everyone has different preferences, so don’t hesitate to adjust the seasoning according to your taste. A pinch more salt or paprika can elevate the flavors just how you like them.

• Rest Before Serving: Letting the dish sit for about 5-10 minutes before serving allows the juices to redistribute in the chicken, resulting in a more flavorful bite!

How to Serve Irish Chicken with Cabbage and Potatoes

Serving this Irish-inspired dish can be both fun and creative! Presenting it beautifully will surely impress your family and friends while enhancing their dining experience.

Garnishes

• Chopped Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds vibrant color and a hint of freshness that brightens up the dish.

• Lemon Wedges: Offering lemon wedges on the side allows guests to squeeze some juice over their servings, adding a zesty contrast to the richness of the chicken and potatoes.

Side Dishes

• Crusty Whole Wheat Bread: A slice of hearty whole wheat bread pairs perfectly with this dish, providing a satisfying way to soak up any delicious juices left on your plate.

• Creamy Mashed Cauliflower: This low-carb alternative to mashed potatoes brings a smooth, creamy texture that complements the rustic flavors without overwhelming them.

• Roasted Root Vegetables: Tossed in olive oil with rosemary and thyme, roasted root veggies like carrots and parsnips make an excellent side, adding sweetness and contrasting textures.

• Green Beans Almondine: Lightly sautéed green beans with slivered almonds add crunch and color while balancing out the richness of the chicken with a fresh note.

With these tips on serving suggestions, you can create a memorable meal that showcases the heartwarming flavors of Irish cuisine! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Irish Chicken with Cabbage and Potatoes recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it in advance and enjoy the flavors throughout the week. Here’s how to store it properly.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the dish to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer leftovers to airtight containers.
• Refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Portion the chicken and vegetables into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Label with the date and contents.
• Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes.
• Alternatively, use a microwave, heating in short intervals until hot.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delightful dish!

Can I substitute the chicken thighs in Irish Chicken with Cabbage and Potatoes?

Absolutely! You can use chicken breasts or drumsticks if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time as needed, ensuring all chicken reaches 165°F (75°C).

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

This dish is hearty enough on its own, but you could pair it with a simple green salad or crusty bread to soak up the flavors.

Can I make Irish Chicken with Cabbage and Potatoes ahead of time?

Yes! This recipe is great for meal prep. Simply follow the storage instructions above to enjoy it later in the week.

Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?

For a vegetarian version, consider using vegetable broth instead of chicken stock and substituting chickpeas or lentils for the chicken. You can also add more vegetables like carrots or bell peppers.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in creating this cozy dish that brings warmth to your table. The combination of tender chicken, savory cabbage, and hearty potatoes makes it truly special. Enjoy making this comforting meal for your loved ones – it’s bound to become a family favorite! Happy cooking!