Skillet-Roasted Chicken & Potatoes

4 people

DINNER

Ina Garten Modern Comfort (p. 108)

Ingredients

Skin-on chicken thighs - 3 lbs

Buttermilk - 2 12 cups

Dijon mustard - 2 tbl

Paprika - 18 tsp

White wine - 1 tbl

Thyme - 3 sprigs

Gold potatoes - 1 lb

Garlic - 3 cloves

Chives - 3 sprigs

Prep

Buttermilk - shake well

Thyme - mine to yield 1 1/2 tsp

Gold potatoes - unpeeled, slice 1/4-inch thick

Garlic - mince to yield 1 tbl

Chives - mince to yield 1 tbl

Instructions

At least 4 hours before serving, sprinkle the chicken all over with 1 tsp salt and 12 tsp pepper. Place in a 1-gallon sealable plastic bag and pour in the buttermilk. Seal the bag and massage it lightly to be sure the chicken is coated with the buttermilk. Place in the refrigerator to marinate.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Pour 2 tbl olive oil in an unheated 12-inch cast-iron skillet and tilt the pan so the oil covers the bottom. Lift the thighs out of the buttermilk, letting any excess butttermilk drip off, and place them in the skillet, skin side up, in one layer. Discard the marinade. In a small bowl, combine the mustard and wine and brush it on the top of the chicken. Sprinkle with the thyme, paprika, 1 tsp salt and 12 tsp pepper. Place the skillet in the oven and roast the chicken for 30 minutes.

Using tongs, transfer the chicken to a plate and put the potatoes, garlic, 1 tsp salt, and 12 tsp pepper into the skillet. Toss to coat with the pan juices then spread the potatoes out. Return the chicken to the skillet, placing it on the potatoes. Roast 30 minutes longer, until the chicken registers 155 degrees on an instant-read thermometer. Transfer just the chicken to a plate and cover loosely with aluminum foil to keep warm. Return the skillet to the oven, raise the temperature to 425 degrees, and roast the potatoes for 15 minutes, until they're tender and starting to brown. Return the chicken to the pan and sprinkle with the chives, and extra salt. Serve hot from the skillet.