Side Dishes
Mastering a McCormick chicken and potatoes recipe transforms weeknight dinners into restaurant-worthy meals with minimal effort. This one-pan roast combines tender chicken thighs with crispy herbed potatoes, all seasoned with McCormick’s signature garlic herb blend for that familiar, comforting flavor.
I developed this technique after years of perfecting one-pan meals that deliver professional results at home.
The secret lies in the crispy edges—achieved by roasting the potatoes first, then adding chicken to the same pan. McCormick’s seasoning blend ensures every bite carries that classic herbed garlic flavor without overpowering the natural taste of the chicken and potatoes.
With just 30 minutes of active time, you’ll have a complete, foolproof meal ready to serve.
By the end, you’ll have golden, crispy potatoes with tender chicken pieces resting on top, all infused with aromatic herbs and garlic. The flavors meld beautifully, creating a dish that’s hearty enough for a family dinner but simple enough for a weeknight.
This recipe proves that restaurant-quality meals don’t require complicated techniques—just the right seasoning and a little patience.
Serve with a side salad or steamed green beans to round out the meal. The leftovers reheat perfectly, making this an ideal option for meal prep. Here’s everything you need to bring this classic dish to life in your own kitchen.
Ingredients for mccormick chicken and potatoes
The perfect balance of crispy potatoes and tender chicken, all tied together by McCormick's signature herbed garlic blend.
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken Thighs (Bone-In, Skin-On) 🍗 | 1 ½ lb | Cut into even 3-inch pieces |
| Russet Potatoes 🥔 | 2 lb | Cut into 1-inch chunks (skin-on) |
| McCormick Garlic Herb Seasoning Blend 🧂 | 2 tbsp | Original blend preferred |
| Extra-Virgin Olive Oil 🫒 | ⅓ cup | High-quality, fruity variety |
| Fresh Rosemary 🌿 | ¼ cup | Finely chopped (or 1 tbsp dried) |
| Fresh Thyme 🌿 | 0.17 cup | Leaves only, finely chopped |
| Garlic Cloves 🧄 | 4 cloves | Minced or finely grated |
| Salt 🧂 | 1 ½ tsp | Diamond Crystal kosher salt |
| Freshly Ground Black Pepper 🌶️ | 1 tsp | Coarsely ground |
| Unsalted Butter 🧈 | 2 tbsp | Cold, cubed (for crispiness) |
| Fresh Parsley 🌿 | ⅛ cup | Chopped, for garnish (optional) |
| Lemon Juice 🍋 | 1 tbsp | Freshly squeezed |
The chicken thighs are non-negotiable here—they stay juicy while the potatoes crisp. Look for bone-in, skin-on thighs at your local butcher or grocery store's meat counter for that extra flavor. I always grab mine from Whole Foods or Costco when possible, but the regular supermarket variety works just fine. For the potatoes, Russets are your best bet—they're high in starch, which gives you that perfect crispy exterior. If you're short on time, pre-cut frozen potatoes work in a pinch, but fresh is definitely better. The McCormick seasoning blend is what makes this dish sing—grab the original garlic herb blend if you can find it, not the garlic herb with parsley version.
No fresh rosemary or thyme? Dried works at one-third the amount, but trust me, fresh has that extra punch. Short on olive oil? Avocado oil works just as well, but don't substitute with vegetable oil—it lacks that fruity depth. The garlic can be roasted whole for a milder flavor, but minced or grated gives you that intense aroma right away. If you're watching your fat intake, you can skip the butter and just use a little more olive oil, but those cold butter cubes are what make the potatoes truly crispy. And if you're feeling fancy, a splash of white wine instead of lemon juice adds a nice brightness.
This dish reheats beautifully—just pop it in the oven at 375°F for 10-15 minutes until everything is heated through. The potatoes will crisp up again, and the chicken stays juicy. For meal prep, portion it into glass containers so you can reheat just what you need. The seasoning blend keeps its flavor for up to a year if stored in a cool, dark place, but the fresh herbs should be used within 5 days. If you're making this ahead, let it come to room temperature before roasting—it makes all the difference in the crispiness of the potatoes.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- One-Pan Magic: I swear by this recipe when I’m too tired to scrub pots—just toss everything on a sheet pan, roast, and walk away. The potatoes crisp up while the chicken gets juicy, all thanks to that McCormick seasoning doing the heavy lifting.
- Skin-On Crispy Perfection: That bone-in, skin-on chicken? Chef’s kiss. The skin gets golden and crackly while the meat stays tender inside—no dry, sad chicken here. The rosemary and garlic herb blend turn it into something that tastes like it belonged in a restaurant.
- Weeknight to Dinner Party: Honestly, this is my lazy night and my “impress the in-laws” dish. For weeknights, it’s a 40-minute meal; for company, I add a sprinkle of fresh rosemary and call it fancy. Same recipe, two vibes.
- Budget-Friendly Leftovers: Chicken thighs are cheaper than breasts, and potatoes stretch forever. I make a double batch on Sundays—one dinner is fresh, the next gets reheated into hash or a hearty salad. No waste, all flavor.
Step-by-step instructions for roasted chicken and potatoes with herbed garlic crisp
This one-pan method delivers perfectly crispy chicken skin and tender potatoes with minimal effort.
Prep Ingredients for Maximum Flavor Development
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F while you prepare the ingredients. Cut the 1.5 lb chicken thighs into even 3-inch pieces, ensuring the skin remains intact. This size guarantees even cooking and optimal crispiness. For the 2 lb russet potatoes, cut them into 1-inch chunks, leaving the skin on for texture and nutrients.
In a small bowl, combine the 2 tbsp McCormick Garlic Herb Seasoning Blend, 1.5 tsp salt, and 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper. This blend will infuse the chicken and potatoes with aromatic depth. Finely chop the 0.25 cup fresh rosemary and 0.17 cup fresh thyme, then mince the 4 cloves garlic. These fresh herbs and garlic will elevate the dish with bright, herbal notes that complement the savory chicken and potatoes.
Cube the 2 tbsp unsalted butter and set aside to stay cold—this will create a crispy, golden finish on the chicken. Finally, zest the lemon (if desired) and squeeze 1 tbsp lemon juice to add a bright, acidic contrast to the rich flavors. The lemon juice also helps tenderize the chicken slightly during the roasting process.
Build Layers for Even Cooking and Crispy Texture
Place the chicken pieces in a single layer on a large, oven-safe skillet or cast-iron pan. Arrange them skin-side up, leaving about ½ inch of space between each piece. This spacing ensures they crisp rather than steam. Drizzle 0.16 cup (about half) of the 0.33 cup extra-virgin olive oil evenly over the chicken, coating the skin thoroughly. This high-quality oil enhances the flavor and promotes browning.
In a separate bowl, toss the potato chunks with the remaining 0.17 cup extra-virgin olive oil, the garlic-herb seasoning blend, and half of the chopped rosemary and thyme. Spread the potatoes evenly around the chicken in the pan, creating a single layer. The potatoes should nestle against the chicken but not overcrowd it—this ensures they crisp on the bottom while roasting evenly.
Here's the thing—don't skip the lemon juice yet. After the potatoes are arranged, sprinkle the 1 tbsp lemon juice evenly over the chicken and potatoes. This acidity not only brightens the flavors but also helps break down the chicken skin slightly, allowing it to crisp more effectively during roasting.
Roast Until Golden and Tender
Transfer the skillet to the preheated 425°F oven and roast for 25 minutes. This initial high-heat phase is critical—it renders the chicken fat and begins to crisp the skin. After 25 minutes, carefully flip the chicken pieces and sprinkle the remaining chopped rosemary, thyme, and the cubed 2 tbsp unsalted butter over everything. The butter will melt and baste the chicken, creating a luscious, golden crust.
Return the skillet to the oven and continue roasting for another 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken skin is deep golden brown and crispy, and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. You'll know the chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F at the thickest part. The potatoes should be fork-tender with slightly crisp edges.
Real talk: Your oven might run hot, so start checking at the 20-minute mark if you're concerned about burning. If the potatoes brown too quickly, tent the pan with foil to prevent over-browning while the chicken finishes cooking. The goal is tender potatoes with crispy skin on the chicken and slightly crisp edges on the potatoes.
Finish with Fresh Herbs and Rest
Once the chicken and potatoes are perfectly cooked, remove the skillet from the oven. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute in the chicken, ensuring every bite is moist and flavorful. During this time, sprinkle the 0.13 cup chopped fresh parsley evenly over the top for a pop of color and freshness.
Serve the chicken and potatoes directly from the skillet, using a spatula to lift the crispy edges. The potatoes should be tender with a slight crispness, while the chicken skin should be shatteringly crisp and the meat juicy. The herbed garlic crisp on the chicken adds a textural contrast that makes this dish truly special.
For an extra touch, drizzle any accumulated pan juices over the top before serving. These juices are packed with flavor from the roasting process and will elevate the dish even further. This one-pan method ensures minimal cleanup while delivering a restaurant-quality meal that's sure to impress.
Pro Tips For Making Mccormick Chicken And Potatoes
- CRISP THE SKIN FIRST: Before tossing the thighs in the McCormick blend, sear the skin-side down in a cold pan over medium heat. The skin will render fat and crisp up way faster—no more rubbery chicken. (Yes, it takes 8-10 minutes, but it’s worth it.)
- CUT POTATOES UNEVENLY: Russets break apart when roasted, so slice them into 1.5-inch chunks with some jagged edges. The rough surfaces caramelize better and soak up that garlic-herb oil like a sponge. (I learned this after three batches of mushy spuds.)
- DON’T OVERMIX THE SEASONING: Sprinkle the McCormick blend directly onto the chicken and potatoes—don’t pre-mix it into oil. The herbs cling better to the skin and potatoes, and you avoid a dull, pasty flavor. (I used to drown it in oil, and the seasoning just disappeared.)
- REST UNDER FOIL: After roasting, tent the pan with foil for 5 minutes before serving. The chicken stays juicy, and the potatoes absorb the rendered fat instead of drying out. (Your future self will thank you—trust me.)
Pro cooking tips for great mccormick chicken and potatoes
Herb-Packed Seasoning Mastery
The McCormick Garlic Herb Seasoning Blend is the backbone of this dish, but don’t just sprinkle it—bloom it first. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in your pan over medium heat for 1 minute before adding the seasoning.
This releases the flavors and prevents clumping. I learned this trick from my time in Charleston, where we’d always toast spices to deepen their aroma. 🌿
For extra depth, combine the seasoning with ½ tsp smoked paprika (if you have it). This adds a subtle smokiness that pairs perfectly with the crispy chicken skin. I keep a small jar of Penzeys Smoked Paprika in my kitchen for this exact purpose—it’s a game-changer for one-pan roasts.
Potato Texture Control
Cutting potatoes into even 1-inch chunks ensures they cook uniformly, but here’s the secret: soak them in cold water for 10 minutes before roasting. This removes excess starch, preventing gumminess.
Drain and pat very dry with a towel—wet potatoes steam instead of crisp. I use paper towels because they absorb better than cloth towels.
For extra crispy edges, arrange potatoes in a single layer on the pan’s edges first. The heat concentrates there, creating a golden crust. If your pan is too small, roast potatoes in batches on a separate sheet pan at 450°F for 20 minutes before adding chicken.
Chicken Skin Perfection
Bone-in, skin-on thighs are non-negotiable for crispy skin, but the real trick is patting the skin dry with paper towels before seasoning. Any moisture = steam = soggy skin.
I also like to score the skin lightly with a sharp knife in a crosshatch pattern—this helps render fat evenly and creates more surface area for browning.
For maximum crisp, add the chicken to the pan after the potatoes have roasted for 15 minutes. The residual heat will render the skin’s fat faster, creating a shatteringly crisp texture.
If your chicken isn’t crisp enough, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end—just watch it like a hawk to avoid burning.
Butter Basting Technique
The cold cubed butter I mentioned isn’t just for flavor—it’s a basting tool. When you flip the chicken at the 25-minute mark, scatter those butter cubes over everything. As they melt, they baste the chicken and potatoes, creating a luscious, golden finish.
I use European-style unsalted butter (like Plugrá) because it has a higher fat content and lower water content, which means better browning.
Pro tip: If your butter melts too quickly, reduce the oven temp to 400°F for the final 10 minutes of cooking. This gives the butter time to baste without burning. The result? Chicken skin so crisp it’ll make your guests ask for seconds.
Resting for Juiciness
Skipping the 5-minute rest is a rookie mistake. During this time, juices redistribute in the chicken, preventing dryness. I’ve seen home cooks rush this step and end up with tough, dry meat. Trust me—patience pays off. While resting, tent the pan loosely with foil to keep things warm.
For extra flavor, drizzle the pan juices over the dish before serving. These juices are packed with roasted garlic, herb, and chicken fat—don’t waste them! If you’re serving this at a gathering, I recommend pre-plating the chicken and potatoes separately for a restaurant-worthy presentation.
Nutrition facts
Frequently asked questions
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this recipe?
Chicken thighs work best because they stay juicy and crispy while roasting. Chicken breasts will dry out more easily. If you must use breasts, brining them for 30 minutes in a solution of ¼ cup salt per 4 cups water helps retain moisture, and reduce the oven temperature to 375°F to prevent overcooking.
What if I don’t have McCormick seasoning? Can I substitute?
Mix 1 tsp dried rosemary, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1 tsp dried parsley, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp onion powder, and ½ tsp salt for a homemade blend. For extra depth, add ¼ tsp smoked paprika. The key is balancing herbs and garlic for that signature flavor.
How do I make this dish ahead of time for meal prep?
Roast the potatoes separately at 425°F for 20 minutes, then store in an airtight container. Cook the chicken separately and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat both in the oven at 375°F for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. For best texture, reheat chicken skin-side up to restore crispiness.
Why is my chicken skin not crispy?
Moisture is the enemy! Pat the skin completely dry with paper towels before seasoning, and avoid overcrowding the pan. For extra crisp, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end (watch closely!). Also, ensure your oven reaches 425°F—a cooler oven won’t render the fat properly.
Can I make this dish in a slow cooker?
Not ideal for crispy skin, but you can adapt it! Brown the chicken in a skillet first, then transfer to the slow cooker with potatoes, seasoning, and ½ cup broth or water. Cook on Low for 4-5 hours, then broil for 5 minutes to crisp the skin. The potatoes will be soft, not crispy, but the flavors will still shine.
