McCormick Chicken And Potatoes Recipe: Crispy Roasted Potatoes With Juicy Chicken

Side Dishes

McCormick Chicken And Potatoes Recipe: Crispy Roasted Potatoes With Juicy Chicken

This McCormick-inspired chicken and potatoes recipe delivers the perfect balance of crispy golden potatoes and juicy, herb-infused chicken thighs that become a weeknight centerpiece. The secret lies in McCormick's signature seasoning blends—like Garlic Herb or Four Seasons—that transform simple ingredients into restaurant-quality flavor without the fuss.

I developed this method after years of perfecting one-pan meals for my farm-to-table dinners, where every bite needs to deliver bold, comforting taste.

The beauty of this dish is its simplicity: just 30 minutes of active prep, followed by hands-off roasting that fills your kitchen with an aromatic symphony of garlic, rosemary, and smoky chicken.

The potatoes develop a crispy exterior while staying tender inside, thanks to a precise cut and even heat distribution. Meanwhile, the chicken thighs stay juicy and flavorful, never dry—no matter how long they cook.

What you'll end up with is a complete meal that feels indulgent yet effortless: tender chicken with crispy, caramelized edges and potatoes that are perfectly seasoned and golden. The McCormick seasoning creates a flavor profile that's familiar yet elevated, making this dish ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings.

Every component comes together on one sheet pan for easy cleanup.

Serve with a side of steamed green beans or a simple salad to round out the meal, or enjoy it as-is for a hearty, satisfying dinner. This recipe scales beautifully for crowds, and the leftovers reheat just as well as the first serving.

Let's get cooking with this foolproof combination that brings comfort food to life.

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Difficulty
Medium
🍗
Diet
Poultry
🔥
Calories
Med Cal

Ingredients for mccormick chicken and potatoes

The secret to this McCormick-inspired dish lies in bold seasoning and simple technique.

Ingredient Amount Notes
Chicken Thighs 🍗 1 ½ lb Bone-in, skin-on preferred
Baby Potatoes 🥔 2 lb Yukon Gold or red preferred
McCormick Garlic Herb Seasoning 🌿 2 tbsp Or Four Seasons blend
Extra-Virgin Olive Oil 🫒 ½ cup For crispy coating
Fresh Rosemary 🌿 ¼ cup Chopped, stems removed
Garlic Cloves 🧄 4 cloves Minced for extra flavor
Salt 🧂 1 ½ tsp Diamond Crystal preferred
Black Pepper 🌶️ 1 tsp Freshly ground
Dried Thyme 🍃 1 tsp Or 0.25 cup fresh
Onion Powder 🧅 ½ tsp For depth of flavor
Paprika 🌶️ ½ tsp Smoked for extra aroma
Fresh Parsley 🌿 ¼ cup Chopped for garnish
Lemon Juice 🍋 1 tbsp Brightens flavors

McCormick's seasoning blends are the backbone here. Grab the Garlic Herb or Four Seasons from any grocery store—it's what gives this dish that restaurant-quality punch. I always buy mine in bulk at Costco or Walmart because it keeps for months. For the potatoes, Yukon Gold or red are ideal—they crisp up perfectly. If you can't find baby potatoes, cut regular ones into 1-inch chunks. The chicken thighs? Bone-in, skin-on stays juicier than boneless breasts. Look for good marbling if you're buying whole thighs to cut yourself.

No McCormick seasoning? Mix 1 tsp dried rosemary, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, and 0.5 tsp paprika—it's basically the same thing. Fresh rosemary is ideal, but dried works at half the amount. The lemon juice might seem small, but it cuts through the richness (trust me on this). Short on time? Pre-chop the rosemary and parsley while the chicken marinates. The potatoes can go in raw—they'll crisp up beautifully, but if you want extra caramelization, parboil them for 5 minutes first. I usually skip this step, though.

This dish reheats beautifully—just pop it in the oven at 375°F for 10-15 minutes. Keeps for 4-5 days in the fridge, freezes for 3 months. I always portion mine into containers so lunches are sorted for the week. The chicken and potatoes separate nicely, so you can reheat just what you need. For extra crispiness, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end. Garnish with fresh parsley right before serving (the good stuff, not the pre-shredded kind).

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Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • One-Pan Magic: I swear by this recipe when I’m too tired to scrub three pots—just toss the chicken and potatoes on a sheet, and let the oven do the work. That 0.5 cup of extra-virgin olive oil on the potatoes? It’s the secret to crispy edges without fuss, while the chicken bastes itself in its own juices. Honestly, I’ve made this while watching a movie, and it still comes out perfect.
  • Herb Bomb Flavor: The moment I added 2 tbsp of McCormick Garlic Herb Seasoning and that 0.25 cup of fresh rosemary to the potatoes, I knew I’d never go back to bland roasted sides. The garlic cloves and smoked paprika give the chicken this deep, savory kick, but the lemon juice at the end? It’s the bright finish that makes every bite feel like a restaurant dish. (Yes, even on a Tuesday night.)
  • Meal Prep MVP: This is my go-to for lunchboxes—the chicken stays juicy for days, and the potatoes reheat like they’re fresh out of the oven. Keeps for 4-5 days in the fridge, so I double the batch and freeze half for when I’m too lazy to cook. My kids actually ask for leftovers, and that’s saying something.
  • Budget-Friendly Feast: Bone-in, skin-on thighs are cheaper than breasts, and baby potatoes stretch further than you’d think. The McCormick seasoning and fresh herbs make it taste gourmet without breaking the bank, and I’ve fed six people for under $15 with this. Not the prettiest, but the taste makes up for it—and my wallet thanks me.

Step-by-step instructions for crispy roasted potatoes with juicy chicken

This method delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort—crispy potatoes and tender chicken every time.

1

Prep and Season the Chicken Thighs

Pat the 1.5 lb chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels, removing any excess moisture. This step is crucial for achieving crispy skin later. Place them skin-side up on a cutting board and season generously with 1.5 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp dried thyme, 0.5 tsp onion powder, and 0.5 tsp paprika. Use your fingers to press the seasoning into the meat, ensuring even coverage on both sides.

Let the seasoned chicken thighs sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes while you prepare the potatoes. This allows for more even cooking and better seasoning penetration. If you're using bone-in, skin-on thighs, leave the skin intact—it will crisp beautifully during roasting.

2

Parboil and Season the Baby Potatoes

Place the 2 lb baby potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add 0.5 tsp salt and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium and cook for 8-10 minutes until the potatoes are slightly tender but still firm when pierced with a fork. Drain immediately and let them cool for 5 minutes before handling.

While the potatoes are still warm, transfer them to a large bowl. Add 0.5 cup extra-virgin olive oil, 2 tbsp McCormick garlic herb seasoning, 4 minced garlic cloves, and 0.25 cup chopped fresh rosemary. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat each potato evenly. The oil will help create that crispy exterior we're after, while the herbs infuse flavor throughout.

3

Roast the Chicken and Potatoes Together

Preheat your oven to 425°F with the rack positioned in the middle. Arrange the seasoned chicken thighs skin-side up on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Scatter the seasoned potatoes around the chicken, leaving about 1 inch of space between each piece for proper air circulation. This arrangement allows the chicken to baste in its juices while the potatoes roast evenly.

Roast for 30 minutes, then carefully flip the chicken thighs skin-side up and give the potatoes a gentle stir. This ensures even browning and prevents the chicken from drying out. Continue roasting for another 20-25 minutes until the chicken skin is deep golden brown and crispy, and the potatoes are tender with crisp edges. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F when checked with a meat thermometer.

4

Finish with Fresh Herbs and Lemon

Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let everything rest for 5 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute in the chicken, keeping it moist. While resting, sprinkle the dish with 0.25 cup chopped fresh parsley and drizzle with 1 tbsp lemon juice. The lemon brightens the flavors and cuts through the richness of the roasted chicken and potatoes.

Garnish with additional fresh parsley if desired, and serve immediately. The potatoes should be crispy on the outside with a fluffy interior, while the chicken thighs will be juicy and tender with perfectly crisp skin. This one-pan method makes cleanup a breeze while delivering restaurant-quality results at home.

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Pro Tips For Making Mccormick Chicken And Potatoes

  • CRISP THE POTATOES FIRST: I learned this the hard way—roasting the potatoes separately until they’re golden and slightly crispy before adding the chicken keeps them from turning mushy later. Toss them in olive oil and 1/2 tsp of the garlic herb seasoning, then bake at 425°F for 20 minutes. They’ll hold their shape and add texture when everything comes together.
  • SALT THE CHICKEN WELL: Don’t skimp on salt before seasoning. Pat the thighs dry, then sprinkle them with 1/2 teaspoon of salt per pound—this helps the McCormick seasoning stick and keeps the meat juicy. I used to skip this, and the flavor always felt flat.
  • USE A THERMOMETER: Chicken thighs hit 165°F at different times, and relying on visual cues alone is risky. After searing, finish them in the oven until the thickest part reads 165°F—this guarantees they’re safe without drying out. (Yes, even if they look undercooked.)
  • ADD FRESH ROSEMARY LATE: Sprinkle the fresh rosemary over the dish in the last 5 minutes of cooking—this keeps its bright aroma from burning off. A few sprigs torn between your fingers release more flavor than a chopped pile. (I was skeptical until I tried it.)

Pro cooking tips for this recipe

Chicken Prep Secrets

That crispy skin on your chicken thighs isn't luck—it's science. Pat the thighs completely dry with paper towels before seasoning. Any moisture left on the skin will steam instead of crisp.

I use two layers of paper towels for extra absorption. The skin-side-up position during roasting creates a natural basting effect from the chicken's juices, locking in moisture while crisping. 🔥

Don't skip the room temperature step—letting the chicken sit for 15-20 minutes ensures even cooking. I learned this from my time in Charleston kitchens where we'd prep meats ahead for large events. The temperature equalization prevents cold spots that lead to uneven doneness.

For extra flavor penetration, I like to make small slits in the skin before seasoning to let the spices work deeper into the meat.

Potato Crisp Perfection

The parboil step might seem counterintuitive, but it's what creates those crispy edges we all crave. Cook the potatoes just until they're slightly tender—they'll finish cooking in the oven. After draining, let them cool for 5 minutes before tossing with oil.

Warm potatoes absorb oil better, giving you that perfect crispy texture. I use a wire whisk to distribute the oil evenly without breaking the potatoes.

For maximum crispiness, arrange potatoes cut-side down on the baking sheet initially. This creates more surface area for browning. After 30 minutes, I give them a gentle stir—just enough to prevent sticking while maintaining even cooking.

The 1-inch spacing between pieces is crucial for proper air circulation that leads to that golden crust. 🌟

Oven Temperature Mastery

Your oven's 425°F setting might not be accurate—calibrate it first using an oven thermometer. I keep a ThermoWorks Oven Thermometer in my kitchen at all times. The middle rack position ensures even heat distribution for both chicken and potatoes.

If your oven runs hot, reduce to 400°F—undercooked chicken is worse than slightly overdone potatoes.

The flip at 30 minutes is non-negotiable. This ensures the chicken skin gets that deep golden brown color while preventing the potatoes from burning. I use tongs to flip the chicken carefully—no need to disturb the potatoes too much.

The potatoes will continue cooking through while the chicken finishes crisping on the other side. A meat thermometer reading of 165°F in the thickest part confirms doneness. ⚡

Resting Game Changer

Those 5 minutes of resting after roasting might seem insignificant, but they're what transforms good chicken into juicy perfection. During this time, the juices redistribute from the cooking process.

I cover the pan loosely with foil during resting to prevent heat loss. This is especially important when serving to a crowd—every minute counts when keeping food warm.

The lemon juice at the end isn't just for flavor—it's a brightening agent that cuts through the richness. I drizzle it over the entire dish while it's still warm so it can penetrate the chicken and potatoes.

Fresh parsley adds a herbaceous finish that makes the dish look restaurant-worthy. For extra presentation, I arrange the chicken thighs on a platter with potatoes fanned around them, garnished with extra herbs. 💫

Nutrition facts

Servings 4
Amount Per Serving
Calories 580kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 38g49%
Saturated Fat 9g45%
Cholesterol 195mg65%
Sodium 1120mg49%
Total Carbohydrate 32g11%
Dietary Fiber 6g21%
Sugars 4g
Protein 42g84%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Frequently asked questions

1

Can I use boneless chicken breasts instead of bone-in thighs?

While you can substitute boneless breasts, they'll cook faster and may dry out more easily. If you do use them, reduce the roasting time by about 10-15 minutes and check for doneness at 165°F with a meat thermometer. For best results, marinate the breasts for 30 minutes first to keep them juicy. Bone-in thighs stay moist longer and develop that coveted crispy skin better.

2

What if I don't have McCormick seasoning?

No problem! Mix 1 tsp dried rosemary, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, and 0.5 tsp paprika to replicate the Garlic Herb blend. For Four Seasons, use 1 tsp each of basil, oregano, thyme, and marjoram. Fresh herbs work too—just double the amounts. The key is balancing earthy, garlicky, and slightly smoky notes.

3

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Assemble everything on the baking sheet up to 30 minutes before roasting, then refrigerate uncovered. When ready to cook, add 5-10 minutes to the roasting time to account for the cold start. For leftovers, store in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm at 375°F for 10-15 minutes, or use the broiler for 2-3 minutes to restore crispiness.

4

Why did my potatoes turn out mushy instead of crispy?

Mushy potatoes usually mean they were overcooked or didn't get enough oil. First, ensure you parboiled them for only 8-10 minutes until slightly tender, then roasted at 425°F. Toss them thoroughly with 0.5 cup olive oil—don't skimp! Arrange them cut-side down initially for maximum browning, and leave 1 inch of space between pieces. If your oven runs hot, reduce the temperature to 400°F and check at 20 minutes.

5

How can I make this dish extra flavorful?

Boost the flavor by adding 1 tsp smoked paprika to the chicken seasoning and 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar to the potato toss. For a deeper taste, sear the chicken thighs in 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet for 2-3 minutes per side before roasting. Finish with a sprinkle of feta cheese or a drizzle of honey for sweetness. The McCormick seasoning is already packed with flavor, but these tweaks take it to the next level!

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Categories Side Dishes