Irish Chicken with Cabbage and Potatoes

If you’re looking for a meal that warms the heart and brings everyone together, then this Irish Chicken with Cabbage and Potatoes is just what you need! This dish is like a cozy hug on a plate, filled with tender chicken thighs, savory cabbage, and hearty potatoes. It’s perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a busy weeknight or a gathering with family and friends. The best part? Everything cooks together in one pan, making clean-up a breeze!

This recipe is special to me because it combines simple, wholesome ingredients into something truly comforting. Every bite brings a sense of nostalgia, reminding me of family dinners where laughter and stories were shared around the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-pan wonder: This dish makes cooking and cleaning so easy. Everything bakes together beautifully!
• Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the delicious flavors of chicken, cabbage, and potatoes.
• Make-ahead friendly: Prepare it ahead of time for an effortless dinner that can be enjoyed later.
• Hearty and satisfying: With its rich flavors and filling ingredients, this meal will keep everyone satisfied.
• Versatile ingredients: You can easily adjust the vegetables or seasonings to suit your family’s taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our ingredients! This recipe uses simple, wholesome items that you may already have in your kitchen.

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 preferences:

• Swap the protein: Try using drumsticks or even bone-in chicken breasts if you prefer.
• Add more veggies: Toss in carrots or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Make it spicy: Add some crushed red pepper flakes for a kick!
• Go vegetarian: Replace the chicken with chickpeas or your favorite plant-based protein for a hearty veggie version.

How to Make Irish Chicken with Cabbage and Potatoes

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Preheating ensures that everything cooks evenly from the start.

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Rub

In a small bowl, mix all the dry rub ingredients. This blend of thyme, smoked paprika, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper adds wonderful flavor to the chicken. Evenly coat the chicken pieces with this mixture; set them aside while we get everything else ready.

Step 3: Cook the Bacon

In a large oven-safe sauté pan, cook the bacon until it’s crisp. This step not only adds great flavor but also leaves behind some delicious bacon fat in the pan. Remove the bacon from the pan and let it drain on paper towels while keeping some of that savory fat.

Step 4: Sear the Chicken

Now it’s time to sear the seasoned chicken thighs in the bacon fat until they are browned on both sides. Don’t worry about cooking them through at this point; we want them nice and golden as they will finish cooking in the oven.

Step 5: Sauté the Cabbage

Drain most of the remaining bacon grease from the pan but leave just enough to sauté. Add in your chopped cabbage and cook for about 2–3 minutes until it’s slightly wilted. This brings out its natural sweetness!

Step 6: Combine Everything Together

Next, add in those lovely sliced potatoes and onions along with half a cup of chicken stock. Scrape up any browned bits at the bottom of the pan—these add so much flavor! Stir everything well so it’s nicely combined.

Step 7: Add Bacon Back In

Chop up that crispy bacon you set aside earlier and return it to the pan with all those colorful veggies. Mix it all together; this step enhances both texture and taste!

Step 8: Arrange Chicken on Top

Now place your seared chicken on top of this tasty vegetable mixture. This allows all those delicious flavors to meld during baking.

Step 9: Bake It Up!

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 kitchen will be irresistible!

And there you have it—your very own Irish Chicken with Cabbage and Potatoes ready to be served! Enjoy every bite with loved ones gathered around your table.

Pro Tips for Making Irish Chicken with Cabbage and Potatoes

Cooking should be a joyful experience, and these tips will help you perfect your Irish Chicken with Cabbage and Potatoes!

• Use bone-in chicken: Opting for bone-in rather than boneless chicken thighs adds extra moisture and flavor, ensuring your dish is juicy and delicious.

• Don’t skip the searing: Searing the chicken in bacon fat locks in the flavors and creates that beautiful golden crust. This step adds depth to your dish that makes all the difference.

• Choose fresh ingredients: Fresh cabbage, potatoes, and herbs enhance the overall taste of your meal. They lend bright flavors and textures that elevate this rustic dish.

• Adjust seasoning to taste: Everyone’s palate is different. Taste your vegetable mixture before adding the chicken to ensure it’s seasoned perfectly to your liking.

• Let it rest after baking: Allowing the chicken to rest for a few minutes after removing it from the oven helps redistribute the juices, making every bite tender and flavorful.

How to Serve Irish Chicken with Cabbage and Potatoes

Serving this hearty dish can be as delightful as cooking it! With a few thoughtful touches, you can impress family and friends alike.

Garnishes

• Chopped parsley: Sprinkling freshly chopped parsley over the top adds a vibrant color contrast and enhances the freshness of the dish.
• Lemon zest: A light sprinkle of lemon zest just before serving brings a bright acidity that beautifully balances the richness of the chicken.

Side Dishes

• Crusty bread: Serve with slices of warm, crusty bread for dipping into any juices left on your plate; it’s an irresistible combination!

• Roasted carrots: Sweet, caramelized roasted carrots bring a lovely sweetness to complement the savory chicken while adding color to your plate.

• Steamed green beans: Crisp-tender green beans provide a crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with the tender cabbage and potatoes.

• A simple green salad: A fresh green salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette can cleanse your palate between bites, making for a well-rounded meal.

Enjoy creating this comforting Irish Chicken with Cabbage and Potatoes! It’s sure to become a favorite at your family dinners.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Irish Chicken with Cabbage and Potatoes recipe is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a hearty, home-cooked dish throughout the week. Here’s how to store and preserve your delicious creation.

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 thoroughly before freezing.
• Portion into freezer-safe containers or resealable 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 warmed through, about 25-30 minutes.
• Alternatively, reheat in a microwave-safe dish for a quicker option, stirring halfway through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this recipe that may help you out!

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

Absolutely! While chicken thighs are recommended for their tenderness and flavor, you can use drumsticks or even chicken breasts if you prefer. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure everything is cooked through.

How can I make this Irish Chicken with Cabbage and Potatoes recipe gluten-free?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use a gluten-free chicken stock. Always check labels on any packaged ingredients to ensure they meet your dietary needs.

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

This dish stands well on its own but pairs nicely with a crisp green salad or some crusty bread for dipping. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a side of roasted carrots or green beans!

How can I adapt the seasoning in Irish Chicken with Cabbage and Potatoes?

Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste! Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper can bring some heat, while fresh herbs like parsley or dill can add brightness to the dish.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! To create a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken thighs with hearty vegetables like mushrooms or eggplant. Use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock, and replace bacon with smoked tempeh for added depth of flavor.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Irish Chicken with Cabbage and Potatoes recipe as much as I do! It’s a comforting meal that brings warmth to any dinner table. Whether you’re enjoying it on a cozy weeknight or sharing it with loved ones, this dish is sure to become a favorite. Happy cooking!