How to Make Italian Chicken and Potatoes: Easy One Pan Family Dinner

How to Make Italian Chicken and Potatoes: Easy One Pan Family Dinner

This is the kind of dish my grandmother used to make for us growing up. It’s a simple, one-pan meal made with real ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen. My family had a farm in Sicily, which is why we ate this so often. It's called Pollo alla Contadina, which means "Farmer" or "Country-style" chicken. In the countryside, you ate off the land, and that is exactly what authentic Italian home cooking is all about.

You won't find this dish in a fancy restaurant; this is a true homestyle meal. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight dinner because you likely already have the carrots, celery, onions, and potatoes in your pantry—you just need to pick up some chicken! Whether you use all legs, all thighs, or a mix of both, this slow-simmered one-pot chicken dinner stays incredibly tender and juicy every time!

Ingredients
8 chicken legs (bone-in, skin-on)
2 lbs golden yukon potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 yellow onion, diced
3 carrots, diced
3 celery stalks, diced
1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 cup water
1 knob of butter
Extra virgin olive oil
Salt & black pepper
Fresh basil

Instructions
1. In a large pot or deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken legs and sear until the skin is golden brown on all sides.
2. Add the diced onion, carrots, celery, and the knob of butter to the pot. Sauté until the vegetables soften and become aromatic.
3. Stir in the tomato paste and sauté for about a minute to caramelize it. Season generously with salt and pepper, then pour in 1 cup of water.
4. Cover the pot with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer gently for 30 minutes.
5. Add the cubed potatoes and peas to the pot. Stir gently to coat them in the sauce. Cover again and cook for another 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and the chicken is falling off the bone.
6. Remove from heat and top with fresh basil leaves.

⭐ Instructions:
0:00 My Grandmother's Chicken
0:32 Searing the Chicken for Golden Skin
1:07 Adding in the Vegetables
1:42 Adding in Tomato Paste and Seasoning
2:17 Adding in the liquid
2:35 The First Simmer (30 Minutes)
3:00 Adding Potatoes and Peas
3:50 Testing and Topping off with Basil
5:00 Previewing and Plating
5:56 Falling-off-the-bone Chicken
6:14 The Perfect Weeknight Meal and Giovanni

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
✅ Authentic Italian Countryside Flavor: Hearty, tender chicken and potatoes in a savory, slow-simmered sauce.
✅ One-Pan Dinner: Maximum flavor with zero cleanup struggle.
✅ Pantry Friendly: Made with simple, real ingredients you always have on hand.

Comment Below:
Every family has their own version of chicken and potatoes. Does your family add different herbs, or maybe a splash of wine? Let me know in the comments, I love reading your family traditions! 👇🇮🇹

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