Garlic Roasted Chicken & Potatoes

Tender chicken and golden potatoes roasted with garlic and maple syrup for a savory-sweet comfort meal.

There’s something magical about a meal that comes together in one pan: it’s convenient, deeply flavorful, and always satisfying. When the oven does most of the heavy lifting, it’s a win for busy weeknights, cozy Sunday dinners, or even informal gatherings. This Garlic Roasted Chicken & Potatoes recipe checks all those boxes — it’s rustic, hearty, and delivers the comforting flavors of slow-cooked garlic, crisp-skinned chicken, and buttery roasted potatoes with a sweet maple kiss.

Whether you’re cooking for family, meal prepping for the week, or simply craving something soul-warming, this dish brings together the richness of roasted chicken, the earthiness of garlic, and the subtle sweetness of maple syrup in a symphony of balanced flavors.

 Ingredients (US Cups & Measurements)

This recipe serves 6 people generously. The ingredients are easy to find and forgiving — you can swap in what you have on hand, and still get amazing results.

• 3 lbs chicken drumsticks and thighs (bone-in, skin-on for best flavor)

• 6 medium garlic cloves, unpeeled (whole)

• 6 medium potatoes, cut into chunks (Yukon Gold or Russet work well)

• ¼ cup unsalted butter (½ stick)

• 1 tbsp pure maple syrup (or substitute with honey)

• 1½ tsp salt, divided

• 1 tsp black pepper, freshly ground

 Preparation & Cooking Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 1 hour

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

• Difficulty Level: Easy

• Servings: 6

• Calories: Approximately 464 kcal per serving

 How to Prepare Garlic Roasted Chicken & Potatoes

Follow this step-by-step guide to achieve golden, crispy chicken and tender potatoes coated in a buttery, garlicky glaze with a maple twist.

 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high roasting temperature ensures the chicken skin crisps up beautifully while the potatoes develop a rich golden crust.

Step 2: Prepare the Roasting Pan

Place the ¼ cup unsalted butter directly into a large roasting pan (or a deep baking dish). Place it in the oven for 2–3 minutes until fully melted. Once melted, carefully remove the pan and tilt it gently to coat the entire bottom.

This pre-melting step helps the butter spread evenly across the base, creating a rich, non-stick surface for roasting.

Step 3: Add Ingredients

Into the buttered pan, add:

• Chicken thighs and drumsticks (skin-side up)

• Chunked potatoes

• Whole garlic cloves (leave them unpeeled for sweet, roasted flavor)

Season evenly with:

• 1½ tsp salt

• 1 tsp black pepper

Toss everything in the butter using tongs or clean hands, making sure the chicken and potatoes are evenly coated.

Step 4: First Roast – 40 Minutes

Roast the chicken and potatoes for 40 minutes, uncovered. Halfway through roasting (at about 20 minutes), flip the chicken and potatoes to ensure even browning and caramelization.

Basting Tip: Every 15 minutes or so, use a spoon or baster to drizzle the buttery pan juices over the chicken and potatoes. This keeps them juicy and flavorful.

Step 5: Add Maple Syrup

After 40 minutes, carefully remove the pan and brush each piece of chicken with maple syrup (or honey if substituting). This step adds a delightful touch of sweetness and enhances browning.

Spoon some of the buttery-garlic juices from the bottom of the pan over the potatoes.

Step 6: Final Roast – 20 Minutes

Return the pan to the oven and roast for an additional 20 minutes (uncovered), or until:

• The chicken is golden brown, cooked through, and registers 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part (use a meat thermometer).

• The potatoes are fork-tender and slightly crisp on the edges.

Step 7: Serve & Enjoy

Let the roasted chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Then:

• Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves out of their skins. The garlic will be soft, sweet, and spreadable — perfect for smearing on the chicken or stirring into the potatoes.

• Drizzle remaining pan juices over the dish for extra flavor.

Serve straight from the pan for a rustic presentation or transfer to a large platter. Pair with crusty bread or a light salad to complete the meal.

 Pro Tips for Perfect Garlic Roasted Chicken & Potatoes

1. Garlic Handling Tip

Leave the garlic cloves whole and unpeeled during roasting. This prevents burning and allows the garlic to steam and caramelize inside its skin. When squeezed out, the garlic is buttery and mellow — a sweet surprise on your plate.

2. Best Potato Choices

• Yukon Gold: Creamy inside and golden on the outside. Great for absorbing pan juices.

• Red Potatoes: Hold their shape better if you want defined chunks.

• Russet: Fluffy interior, but can fall apart more easily.

Cut potatoes into roughly 1½-inch chunks for even cooking.

3. Maple Syrup Matters

Use real maple syrup — not pancake syrup. The complex sweetness adds depth without making the dish overly sugary. Honey works too, but gives a slightly floral flavor.

4. Butter = Flavor

Don’t skimp on the butter. It creates the golden crust on the potatoes and gives the chicken its roasted richness. If preferred, you can use olive oil for a lighter version, but the flavor will be slightly different.

5. Extra-Crispy Chicken Skin

For a crispy finish, broil the chicken for the last 3–5 minutes. Watch closely to avoid burning. This step is especially useful if your skin hasn’t crisped up completely during roasting.

 Meal Pairing Ideas

While this dish is complete on its own, here are a few optional sides and pairings:

• Fresh Green Salad: Arugula, spinach, or romaine with a citrus vinaigrette.

• Steamed Green Beans or Asparagus: Light vegetables balance the richness of the meal.

• Crusty Bread: Mop up all that garlicky butter from the pan!

• Apple Cider or Dry White Wine: These complement the sweet-savory profile of the maple glaze.

 Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Approximate values for 1 of 6 servings:

• Calories: 464 kcal

• Protein: 29 g

• Fat: 27 g

• Carbohydrates: 25 g

• Sugar: 3 g

• Fiber: 3 g

• Sodium: 670 mg

 Nutritional values will vary slightly based on exact ingredient brands and portion sizes.

Storage & Reheating Tips

Refrigerating Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheating Tips

• Oven: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes. Add a splash of chicken broth or water if it seems dry.

• Microwave: Cover with a damp paper towel and heat in 60-second intervals.

The chicken may not retain its crispness in the microwave, but the flavor will still be delicious!

 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Ingredients: Pantry staples come together for big flavor.

• One-Pan Meal: Less cleanup, more enjoyment.

• Customizable: Swap out root vegetables or add carrots, onions, or sweet potatoes.

• Comforting & Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for cozy nights or casual dinner guests.

• Delicious Leftovers: Even better the next day.

 Final Thoughts

Garlic Roasted Chicken & Potatoes is one of those rare dishes that feels both indulgent and wholesome. It’s the kind of meal you make when you want to fill your home with warmth — the buttery aroma of roasting garlic, the sizzle of chicken fat rendering in the oven, and the golden edges of potatoes crisping to perfection.

The real magic here lies in the balance of flavors: savory from the chicken, earthy from the potatoes, sweet from the maple, and rich from the garlic butter. Every bite is layered with texture and taste — crispy, creamy, juicy, and melt-in-your-mouth tender.