Wholesome Irish One-Pot Chicken with Cabbage, Potatoes & Bacon Recipe

If you’ve ever wanted to cozy up with a dish that feels like a warm Irish hug, the Wholesome Irish One-Pot Chicken with Cabbage, Potatoes & Bacon Recipe is exactly what you need. This simple yet soul-satisfying meal combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, earthy cabbage, and comfortingly soft potatoes all cooked together in one pot to create layers of flavors that sing. Perfect for chilly nights or anytime you crave a hearty, wholesome dinner, this recipe makes use of straightforward ingredients to bring out their best qualities in a truly authentic and delicious way.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are incredibly simple but absolutely essential — each one brings its unique flair, from the smokiness of bacon to the subtle earthiness of cabbage and the comforting starchiness of potatoes. Together, they build the perfect harmony of taste, texture, and color in the dish.

• Chicken Thighs: Juicy and flavorful, chicken thighs stay tender even after slow cooking.
• Bacon: Adds a smoky richness and crispy texture that elevates the entire meal.
• Cabbage: Provides a mild earthiness and a slightly sweet crunch when sautéed.
• Potatoes: The ultimate comfort food base, absorbing all the savory flavors around them.
• Onion: Delivers a natural sweetness and depth of flavor as it softens.
• Chicken Stock: Creates a flavorful cooking liquid that ties all ingredients together.
• Thyme: Fresh herb that lifts the dish with gentle aromatic notes.
• Smoked Paprika: Offers a subtle smoky warmth that complements the bacon perfectly.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning for balancing and enhancing all flavors.

How to Make Wholesome Irish One-Pot Chicken with Cabbage, Potatoes & Bacon Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken

Start by combining thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper into a dry rub, then generously coat each chicken thigh. This simple seasoning layers your chicken with warm, smoky notes and herbal undertones that will shine after baking.

Step 2: Crisp the Bacon

Cook your bacon strips in an oven-safe sauté pan over medium heat until they’re perfectly crispy. Once done, set them aside and keep the delicious bacon fat in the pan—this flavorful fat will be the secret ingredient that infuses the rest of your dish with incredible taste.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Using the reserved bacon fat, sear the seasoned chicken thighs for about 4-5 minutes on each side until beautifully golden brown. This step locks in the juices and creates a crust that contrasts wonderfully with the tender meat inside.

Step 4: Sauté the Cabbage

Add chopped cabbage to the pan and sauté it for 2-3 minutes until just wilted. This quick cooking makes the cabbage tender while keeping a bit of its sweet crunch, soaking up leftover bacon fat and flavor.

Step 5: Combine Potatoes, Onions, and Stock

Next, toss in the diced potatoes and chopped onion, then pour in the chicken stock. Stir everything gently to mix the veggies with the savory liquid, creating a cozy bed for your chicken and bacon.

Step 6: Assemble and Bake

Return the crispy bacon back to the pan, nestle the seared chicken thighs on top, and slide the whole pan into a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven. Bake for 45-50 minutes until the chicken reaches a mouthwatering internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the potatoes are tender.

How to Serve Wholesome Irish One-Pot Chicken with Cabbage, Potatoes & Bacon Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like parsley or chives work beautifully as a garnish, adding a burst of green color and freshness that contrasts the richness of the bacon and chicken. A light sprinkle of cracked black pepper on top also adds a little extra zing right before serving.

Side Dishes

This dish is wonderfully filling on its own, but if you want to round out your meal, consider serving it alongside a crisp garden salad or some crusty Irish soda bread. These companions add texture and freshness, balancing the hearty one-pot comfort.

Creative Ways to Present

For a more festive presentation, serve the chicken thighs atop the cooked vegetables arranged family-style on a rustic wooden platter. Alternatively, plate individual portions garnished with lemon wedges for a pop of brightness that cuts through the savory flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying this Wholesome Irish One-Pot Chicken with Cabbage, Potatoes & Bacon Recipe, store leftovers in an airtight container and chill in the refrigerator. The flavors deepen with time, and it keeps well for up to 3 days, making for an excellent next-day meal.

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully. To freeze, let the food cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It will safely keep for up to 2 months. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through. Avoid microwaving too long to maintain the texture of the chicken and potatoes perfectly.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts or drumsticks can work, but thighs stay juicier and tend to handle the slow cooking with better texture, so adjust cooking times accordingly.

Is there a substitute for bacon?

If you prefer something lighter, turkey bacon is a great alternative. For a vegetarian twist, skip the bacon and use vegetable broth for a deliciously different flavor profile.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your chicken stock is free from gluten-containing additives. Always check labels to be sure.

How spicy is the dish with smoked paprika?

Smoked paprika adds smokiness and warmth without significant heat, so this dish remains mild and family-friendly. You can adjust the seasoning to your taste.

What if I don’t have an oven-safe sauté pan?

No worries! You can brown the ingredients in a regular pan and transfer everything to a baking dish before placing in the oven. Just remember to scrape in all the delicious browned bits for extra flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Wholesome Irish One-Pot Chicken with Cabbage, Potatoes & Bacon Recipe is a shining example of how simple ingredients and loving preparation come together to create a comforting meal full of heart and soul. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience its cozy magic. Trust me, once you taste that perfect blend of smoky, tender, and savory goodness, it’s going to become your go-to recipe for those nights you want to feel truly home.

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