Irish Chicken with Cabbage and Potatoes

If you’re looking for a comforting dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you’ve come to the right place! This Irish Chicken with Cabbage and Potatoes is one of those recipes that brings back cozy memories of family gatherings and hearty meals. It combines tender chicken thighs, savory cabbage, and potatoes, all seasoned beautifully to create a flavorful experience that everyone will love.

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s simple, satisfying, and all cooked in one pan—making cleanup a breeze!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-pan wonder: Easy prep and minimal cleanup make this dish perfect for any night.
• Family favorite: The combination of chicken, cabbage, and potatoes appeals to both kids and adults alike.
• Hearty and wholesome: Packed with nutrients, it’s a filling meal that keeps everyone satisfied.
• Make ahead: Prepare it in advance for an effortless dinner when you’re short on time.
• Delicious flavors: The smoky paprika and thyme add warmth and depth to every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are as wholesome as they come! You probably have most of them in your kitchen already. Let’s gather our simple components for this delightful dish.

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 experiment based on what you have on hand or your family’s preferences. Here are some fun ideas:

• Swap the protein: Try using drumsticks or breasts instead of thighs for a different texture.
• Add more veggies: Toss in carrots or bell peppers for added nutrition and color.
• Change the seasoning: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary or oregano for a unique twist.
• Make it creamy: Stir in some coconut cream towards the end of cooking for a rich finish.

How to Make Irish Chicken with Cabbage and Potatoes

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Before diving into cooking, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that everything cooks evenly once we put it in the oven.

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 will give our chicken fantastic flavor. Evenly coat each piece of chicken with this mixture; it’s key to infusing deliciousness!

Step 3: Cook the Bacon

In a large oven-safe sauté pan, cook your bacon until it’s crispy. Remove it from the pan but keep that lovely bacon fat—it adds amazing flavor to our dish! Place the cooked bacon on paper towels to drain while we move on.

Step 4: Sear the Chicken

Using the reserved bacon fat, sear each piece of chicken until browned on both sides. This step locks in moisture and flavor but remember not to cook them through just yet—we’ll finish them off in the oven!

Step 5: Sauté the Cabbage

Drain most of the bacon grease from your pan but leave just enough to sauté your cabbage. Add it to the pan, cooking for about 2–3 minutes until it starts wilting. This enhances its sweetness and makes it tender.

Step 6: Add Veggies & Stock

Now it’s time to add those sliced potatoes and onions along with half a cup of chicken stock. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan—these add so much flavor! Stir everything together so it’s well mixed.

Step 7: Combine & Bake

Chop your crispy bacon into bits and return it to the pan with all those delicious veggies. Finally, arrange your seasoned chicken on top of this lovely mixture. Pop the whole pan into your preheated oven for about 45–50 minutes or until your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

And there you have it! A delightful meal full of warmth that’s sure to become a beloved staple at your table! Enjoy every bite of this Irish Chicken with Cabbage and Potatoes recipe—it’s comfort food at its finest!

Pro Tips for Making Irish Chicken with Cabbage and Potatoes

Making this comforting dish is simple, but a few tips can take it to the next level!

• Use bone-in chicken thighs: They add more flavor and stay juicy throughout the cooking process, making your dish even more delicious.

• Don’t skip the searing step: Browning the chicken before baking creates a wonderful depth of flavor and ensures that your chicken has a lovely crispy skin.

• Adjust seasoning to taste: Everyone’s palate is different! Feel free to add a pinch more salt or a sprinkle of your favorite herbs to suit your taste preferences.

• Let it rest before serving: Allowing the dish to sit for about 5 minutes after it comes out of the oven helps the juices redistribute, ensuring every bite is moist and flavorful.

• Experiment with vegetables: Don’t hesitate to throw in other veggies like carrots or parsnips. They’ll enhance the flavors and nutrition of your meal!

How to Serve Irish Chicken with Cabbage and Potatoes

This dish not only tastes amazing, but it also makes for a beautiful presentation. Here are some ideas to serve it up nicely!

Garnishes

• Fresh parsley or chives: Chop some fresh herbs to sprinkle on top just before serving. They add a pop of color and freshness that beautifully complements the hearty flavors.

• Lemon wedges: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice enhances the overall flavor profile, adding brightness that contrasts wonderfully with the richness of the chicken and bacon.

Side Dishes

• Crusty whole-grain bread: Perfect for soaking up any delicious juices left on your plate, this bread adds a hearty texture that complements the meal beautifully.

• Roasted root vegetables: Tossing seasonal root veggies like carrots, sweet potatoes, or beets in olive oil with herbs and roasting them alongside your chicken can create an additional layer of flavor.

• Steamed green beans: Their crispness provides a nice contrast to the tender chicken and cabbage, plus they’re quick to prepare!

• Simple green salad: A light side salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and a tangy vinaigrette can help balance out the richness of the main dish while adding crunch.

Enjoy your warm bowl of Irish Chicken with Cabbage and Potatoes, whether it’s for a cozy family dinner or a special gathering!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Irish Chicken with Cabbage and Potatoes recipe is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a hearty, comforting dish throughout the week. With its robust flavors and easy storage options, it’s a practical choice for busy days.

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

• Cool the dish completely before freezing.
• Portion the chicken and vegetables into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• 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 heated through, about 20-25 minutes.
• Alternatively, reheat in the microwave, stirring occasionally until hot.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this recipe.

Can I make Irish Chicken with Cabbage and Potatoes without bacon?

Yes! You can omit the bacon or substitute it with turkey bacon or a plant-based alternative for a similar flavor profile without using pork.

How do I ensure my Irish Chicken with Cabbage and Potatoes stays moist?

Searing the chicken before baking locks in moisture. Also, covering the pan with foil during part of baking can help retain moisture.

Can I use other vegetables in this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to add carrots, parsnips, or any seasonal vegetables that you enjoy alongside cabbage and potatoes.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This recipe is fantastic for meal prep; it stores well and tastes even better after the flavors meld overnight.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in preparing this Irish Chicken with Cabbage and Potatoes recipe! It’s a delightful combination of flavors that brings warmth to any table. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or enjoying it as leftovers throughout the week, I know you’ll love every bite. Happy cooking!