Ingredients
Protein and Vegetables
- 4-6 bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks
- 2 russet potatoes, peeled and roughly chopped
- 2 leeks, sliced into rounds
Oils and Seasonings
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for tossing veggies)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Marinade
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
- 3 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped, plus more for garnish
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the chicken and vegetables.
- Prepare Vegetables: Roughly chop the peeled russet potatoes and slice the leeks into rounds. Place them in a large braiser pan or skillet. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and season lightly with salt and pepper. Toss gently to coat all pieces evenly.
- Arrange Chicken: Place the bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks on top of the potatoes and leeks in the pan, ensuring even spacing for thorough cooking.
- Make Marinade: In a separate bowl, whisk together the 1/4 cup olive oil, 1/4 cup lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, orange zest, lemon zest, crushed garlic, fresh parsley, dill, thyme, salt, black pepper, and paprika until smooth and well combined.
- Apply Marinade: Pour the prepared marinade evenly over each piece of chicken, making sure they are all well coated. Pour any remaining sauce over the vegetables beneath for extra flavor.
- Bake Covered: Cover the pan with a lid or foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes. This will cook the chicken through and begin tenderizing the potatoes.
- Finish Baking Uncovered: Increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C), remove the cover, and bake uncovered for an additional 30-45 minutes. The potatoes should be fork-tender by this time.
- Broil for Crispiness: For a crispy top, place the pan under the broiler for 2-3 minutes at the end of cooking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Serve: Spoon some of the glaze over each chicken piece before serving, and garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley for a vibrant finish.
Notes
- Bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks provide more flavor and stay juicier compared to boneless cuts.
- Adjust baking time as needed depending on your oven and the size of the chicken pieces; always check that chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Using fresh herbs and zest greatly enhances the brightness of the dish.
- Covering the pan during the first baking stage helps lock in moisture for tender chicken and vegetables.
- To make cleanup easier, use a braiser pan or a heavy oven-safe skillet with a lid.
- Broiling at the end gives a beautiful crisp exterior without overcooking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American