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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#chickenrecipe #chickendinner #italianfood
31 Comments
I'm Sicilian too. Where's the garlic ? Though I appreciate that garlic doesn't have to be used in every dish I think that this would be a bit bland without.
Looks SO DELICIOUS!!! I'm An Italian TOO. My Grandmother Cooked Like This Too. She Would Say Mangia, Mangia❤️❤️❤️😋😋😋🙏 My Mother Did Too. I Learned From Them. Miss Them SO MUCH But Know They Are With Us Always Spiritually. God Bless You And Your Family And Any Fur Babies You May Have Too. 👍🥰🙏🙏🙏😇😇😇😋😋😋✌️✌️
Amazing dish can't wait to make it. However, what type of pan are you using? I think its time for me to upgrade my cookware.
My mother is from Sicily and she made this all the time. I love this recipe. Thank you.
Could u please come to my house and cook for me ❤
Where can you get the recipe in writing
We ate this all the time when we were kids (we were poor)….really a poor man’s meal but RICH in flavor. BRAVO.
This looks like an amazing Sunday meal idea 😍 Thank you for these delicious looking recipes 👏
Made this tonight, similar to what i make. Instead of peas, I use green beans. Tyme and rosemary
No garlic, no pepper?
I make this all the time we had a different name in Italian I don't know how to spell it. Jumbroute like a stew .
0:12 which explains why I have this beautiful ass hair
We did this chicken but dglazed with vodka or vermouth.
I'm making this tomorrow night! YUM
I love recipes like this because they’re honest and practical. Brown the chicken, build flavor, let it simmer, then finish it gently—nothing fancy, just good cooking. The potatoes soaking up the sauce is my favorite part.
Curious what others think—would you add garlic to this, or keep it just as simple as grandma made it?
Sending love to this channel, and wishing everyone who reads this a cozy evening and something new learned on YouTube today. 💛
OMG 👏 Thankyou ❤️ This is something my Aunt used to make so it brings lots of memories!🥹 I definitely plan to try one of these days 👏🫶
Quick question, Giovanni? My wife doesn't eat the dark meat at all. Can I sub in some bone-in chicken breast? Or do they take too long to cook through?
I make something similar only I add whole tomatoes do a rustic chop on my veggies and I bake it covered in the oven till golden and crusty .. yum!
Look delicious.
Nice recipe ❤
Looks delicious. I might substitute the peas for zucchini or green beans though, as I don't like peas 😊 Thanks for a clear recipe and instructional video
Simple , delicious and healthy. Thanks for sharing
I made this yesterday. Unbelievable taste. So good.
I would substitute white wine for water not only for taste but gives me reason to buy a bottle. Also I would put garlic and oregano.
Perfect "off the hook" meal yesterday – another keeper! Grazie tanto Giovanni.
oh my god that looks so good
Chicken afritada in Philippines
A chicken leg consists of the thigh and drumstick .
I am making this today! Thanks:)
Making this today for friends.
Italian LOL
Where do I find the recipes for these great dishes you make?