James Beard’s Farmer’s Chicken Recipe is warm, simple and full of homestyle comfort. This dish feels like country cooking at its best. The chicken becomes juicy, tender and full of herb flavor.
James Beard’s Farmer’s Chicken Recipe is great for family dinners or Sunday meals. You do not need fancy tools or rare ingredients.
This recipe is calm, slow and filled with love. Try this James Beard’s Farmer’s Chicken Recipe and enjoy real cozy food.
My Experience With This Recipe
I grew up loving rustic chicken meals. This one felt very close to my heart. The smell filled my kitchen and made everyone smile. The meat turned soft and flavorful with every bite.
I loved how simple the work was. No stress, no rush, just gentle cooking time. It reminded me of farm kitchens and wooden tables. This recipe quickly became a favorite at my home.
Recipe Card info
- Recipe Name: James Beard’s Farmer’s Chicken Recipe
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 60 mins
- Total Time: 75 mins
- Course: Main Course
- Cuisine: American country style
- Calories: 420 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Large skillet or Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring spoons
- Measuring cups
- Wooden spoon
- Oven-safe dish if needed
- Tongs
Ingredients You Need for James Beard’s Farmer’s Chicken Recipe
- 4 bone-in chicken thighs and legs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 2 potatoes, diced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Season the chicken
Pat chicken dry with paper towels, then rub with salt and pepper. This helps the skin brown well and keeps the meat flavorful inside. - Heat the pan
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet. Keep medium heat so the butter does not burn while melting gently together. - Brown the chicken
Place chicken pieces skin side down first. Cook until golden and crisp, then turn. Remove when nicely browned on both sides. - Cook the onions
Add sliced onions to the same pan. Stir slowly. They pick up chicken bits and become sweet, soft and full of flavor. - Add garlic
Stir in garlic for a short time. Do not burn it. Cook only until fragrant, because burned garlic tastes bitter and unpleasant. - Add carrots and potatoes
Place carrots and potatoes into the pan. Stir everything together. The vegetables will soak up juices and become very tender later. - Return chicken to pan
Put browned chicken back on top of vegetables. Nestle pieces gently so juices drip down and season everything evenly during cooking. - Add herbs
Sprinkle thyme and rosemary over chicken and vegetables. These herbs bring warm farm flavor that makes this dish taste rustic. - Pour broth
Add chicken broth gently around the pan. Do not cover chicken skin fully. This keeps skin crisp while meat stays moist. - Simmer the dish
Cover pan loosely and cook on low heat. Let everything simmer slowly until chicken is cooked through and vegetables feel soft. - Check doneness
Make sure juices run clear and meat is tender. If needed, cook longer. Slow gentle heat gives the best taste and texture always. - Garnish and serve
Turn off heat, sprinkle parsley and let rest briefly. Serve hot and enjoy cozy homemade comfort food with family or friends.
Recipe Tips
- Dry chicken skin helps better browning
- Do not rush browning time
- Use bone-in chicken for richer flavor
- Add mushrooms if you like earthier taste
- Fresh herbs give stronger aroma
- Adjust salt slowly to avoid oversalting
- Let chicken rest before serving
Nutrition Information
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 kcal |
| Protein | 32 g |
| Fat | 24 g |
| Carbohydrates | 18 g |
Serving Suggestions
Serve this lovely chicken over mashed potatoes, rice or buttered noodles. The broth from the pan makes a wonderful sauce. Spoon it over the meat and vegetables for extra flavor.
A simple green salad or crusty bread also works well. This meal feels warm, filling and perfect for relaxed evenings with family at the table.
Best Sides To Serve With
Great sides include mashed potatoes, garlic bread, steamed green beans, roasted vegetables or buttered noodles.
A light cucumber salad also balances the rich chicken nicely. Corn on the cob or coleslaw gives a farmhouse feel. Choose simple sides that do not hide the star dish.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge. They keep well for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Add a little broth or water if it seems dry. Do not overheat or the chicken may turn tough. Freeze portions if you want longer storage time.
James Beard’s Farmer’s Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in chicken thighs and legs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 large onion sliced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 3 carrots sliced
- 2 potatoes diced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Season the chicken
- Pat chicken dry with paper towels, then rub with salt and pepper. This helps the skin brown well and keeps the meat flavorful inside.
Heat the pan
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet. Keep medium heat so the butter does not burn while melting gently together.
Brown the chicken
- Place chicken pieces skin side down first. Cook until golden and crisp, then turn. Remove when nicely browned on both sides.
Cook the onions
- Add sliced onions to the same pan. Stir slowly. They pick up chicken bits and become sweet, soft and full of flavor.
Add garlic
- Stir in garlic for a short time. Do not burn it. Cook only until fragrant, because burned garlic tastes bitter and unpleasant.
Add carrots and potatoes
- Place carrots and potatoes into the pan. Stir everything together. The vegetables will soak up juices and become very tender later.
Return chicken to pan
- Put browned chicken back on top of vegetables. Nestle pieces gently so juices drip down and season everything evenly during cooking.
Add herbs
- Sprinkle thyme and rosemary over chicken and vegetables. These herbs bring warm farm flavor that makes this dish taste rustic.
Pour broth
- Add chicken broth gently around the pan. Do not cover chicken skin fully. This keeps skin crisp while meat stays moist.
Simmer the dish
- Cover pan loosely and cook on low heat. Let everything simmer slowly until chicken is cooked through and vegetables feel soft.
Check doneness
- Make sure juices run clear and meat is tender. If needed, cook longer. Slow gentle heat gives the best taste and texture always.
Garnish and serve
- Turn off heat, sprinkle parsley and let rest briefly. Serve hot and enjoy cozy homemade comfort food with family or friends.
Notes
- Dry chicken skin helps better browning
- Do not rush browning time
- Use bone-in chicken for richer flavor
- Add mushrooms if you like earthier taste
- Fresh herbs give stronger aroma
- Adjust salt slowly to avoid oversalting
- Let chicken rest before serving
FAQs about James Beard’s Farmer’s Chicken Recipe
Can I use boneless chicken instead?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken, but flavor may be lighter. Bone-in adds deeper taste and keeps meat moist during slow cooking time.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, this recipe reheats very well. You can cook it earlier, chill it, and warm later. The flavors often deepen and blend beautifully overnight.
Can I cook this in the oven?
Yes, after browning you can bake it covered. Use a Dutch oven or oven-safe pan. Slow oven heat creates tender meat and soft vegetables easily.
Can I change the vegetables?
You can add peas, celery or turnips if you like variety. Just keep pieces similar in size. That way everything cooks evenly and together.
Conclusion
James Beard’s Farmer’s Chicken Recipe is simple, rustic and full of heart. It shows how basic ingredients can become special comfort food. Now you know how to make James Beard’s Farmer’s Chicken at home with ease.
The ingredients for James Beard’s Farmer’s Chicken Recipe are simple and friendly. Try it soon, share it with loved ones and enjoy the warm, homestyle taste every single time.
Sara Collins is a food blogger at TastyDive. She shares simple and family-friendly recipes made with everyday ingredients. Her mission is to help home cooks enjoy tasty meals without stress.
