Buttermilk Ranch Roasted Chicken with Potatoes

I had never been big on using chicken thighs in a dish because I didn’t like the way they turned out. Maybe it’s just me, but I have always used chicken breast. I know why chefs say they like to use chicken thighs, because they don’t dry out, but I never cared for them. This dish changed my thoughts. Tender, moist slow roasted chicken with a buttermilk ranch dressing slathered over it and potatoes. This is so good! Yes, it takes a couple of hours to cook and some attention but it is so worth it. Maybe not a meal for a busy week night but definitely a lazy weekend meal. It is important to use a dressing that has real buttermilk in it. If you prefer to make your own, check out the one I make myself often. Enjoy!


10 Pieces bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and/or legs
2 Tbsp. olive oil or avocado oil
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. onion powder
1/2 tsp. white pepper
1/2 tsp. black pepper
3 lbs. small red potatoes
1 1/2 C. buttermilk ranch dressing

Add chicken, oil, salt, garlic powder, onion powder and peppers to a large bowl and toss to coat. Really work it with your hands and massage the spices into the chicken.

Spray one large baking pan (18×13 or two smaller pans (13×9) with cooking spray. Arrange chicken pieces evenly in pan(s) and bake at 325 degrees for 45 minutes.

Meanwhile, clean potatoes. Leave the smaller potatoes whole and cut the larger ones in half. You don’t want anything bigger than 2″ in diameter.

Remove pan(s) from oven. Arrange potatoes evenly around chicken pieces. Return pan(s) to oven and continue cooking for 30 minutes.

Remove pan(s) from oven. Baste chicken and potatoes with buttermilk ranch dressing. Sprinkle potatoes with a little a little coarse grain salt. Return pan(s) to oven and continue cooking for 30 more minutes.

Remove pan(s) from oven. Increase oven temperature to 375 degrees. Baste chicken and potatoes with buttermilk ranch dressing again. Return pan(s) to oven and continue cooking for 15-30 minutes or until chicken is golden brown.

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