Chicken Thighs: We recommend using bone-in and skin-on chicken thighs. The bone contributes significantly to the richness of the flavor, while the skin crisps up beautifully during cooking, adding an irresistible texture and sealing in the chicken’s natural juices for maximum moisture and succulence. Opt for thighs that are similar in size for even cooking.

Potatoes: Diced potatoes are a must for this hearty dish. They absorb the savory flavors from the chicken and peppers while cooking, becoming wonderfully tender. Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are excellent choices as they hold their shape well and develop a creamy interior. Dice them into roughly 1-inch pieces to ensure they cook evenly alongside the other vegetables.

Bell Peppers: Sliced bell peppers (any color – red, yellow, or orange for sweetness, green for a slightly more bitter note) add a beautiful spectrum of color and a fresh, sweet counterpoint to the richer flavors. They become tender and slightly caramelized as they cook, enhancing the overall depth of the dish.

Onions: Sliced onions are the aromatic foundation of many savory dishes, and Chicken Murphy is no exception. As they sauté, they release their natural sugars, creating a savory and slightly sweet base that melds perfectly with the other ingredients. Yellow or white onions work best here.

Cherry Peppers: These are the signature ingredient that distinguishes Chicken Murphy. Sliced cherry peppers introduce a unique tangy, piquant, and mildly spicy kick that cuts through the richness of the chicken and potatoes. Fresh or jarred (pickled) varieties are both suitable, with jarred offering a more pronounced vinegary tang.

Chicken Broth: A good quality chicken broth forms the base of the flavorful sauce. It helps to deglaze the pan, capturing all the delicious browned bits from the chicken and vegetables, and ensures the dish remains moist and rich throughout the baking process. Low-sodium options are great for controlling the overall saltiness.

White Wine: A splash of dry white wine (such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc) adds a layer of sophisticated depth and complexity to the sauce. Its acidity helps to brighten the flavors and tenderize the chicken. If you prefer not to use alcohol, see our “Alternative Ingredients” section for suitable substitutes.

Olive Oil: Essential for browning the chicken thighs and sautéing the vegetables, olive oil adds a subtle fruity note and helps achieve that desirable golden-brown crust on the chicken. Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.

Salt: A fundamental seasoning, salt is used to enhance all the natural flavors of the ingredients. Season the chicken generously before browning and adjust to taste during the cooking process. Kosher salt is often preferred by chefs for its texture and consistent seasoning.

Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper provides a warm, pungent aroma and a subtle spicy finish. Season the chicken and vegetables liberally to complement the other robust flavors in the dish.

The secret to perfectly crispy skin on your chicken thighs is preparation. Before you even think about placing them in the skillet, ensure the skin is thoroughly dry. Use paper towels to pat each thigh rigorously, removing as much surface moisture as possible. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness, as it creates steam, preventing the skin from rendering properly and turning golden brown. Once the skin is bone-dry, season generously with salt and pepper. When you place the chicken in the hot skillet, start skin-side down over medium-high heat. Allow it to cook undisturbed for a good 8-10 minutes, or until deeply golden and crisp. This initial browning step is crucial for developing flavor and texture, setting the stage for an exceptional Chicken Murphy.

• Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs – Substitute with bone-in, skin-on chicken drumsticks: Drumsticks offer a similar rich flavor profile and benefit from the bone-in, skin-on cooking method, resulting in tender meat. Their cooking time is also comparable, making them an excellent direct swap if you prefer a different cut or have drumsticks on hand.

• Diced potatoes – Substitute with sweet potatoes: For a twist on flavor and a boost of nutrients, sweet potatoes add a delightful, earthy sweetness that complements the savory chicken and tangy peppers beautifully. They will also yield a slightly softer texture, offering a different but equally satisfying mouthfeel.

• Sliced bell peppers – Substitute with sliced poblano peppers: If you enjoy a very mild heat and a slightly smoky flavor, poblano peppers are a fantastic alternative to bell peppers. They offer a bit more character without overwhelming the dish, adding a subtle depth that enhances the overall complexity.

• Sliced onions – Substitute with shallots: Shallots provide a milder, sweeter, and more delicate onion flavor compared to regular onions. They caramelize beautifully and will contribute a refined sweetness to the sauce, ideal if you prefer a less pungent onion presence.

• Sliced cherry peppers – Substitute with sliced jalapeños: For a more universally available option that still delivers heat and a fresh, bright note, sliced jalapeños are a good stand-in. Adjust the quantity to control the spice level according to your preference; remember to remove the seeds and membranes for less heat.

• Chicken broth – Substitute with vegetable broth: If you’re looking for a lighter flavor profile or catering to vegetarian guests (while using a chicken substitute), vegetable broth is an excellent and readily available option. It still provides the necessary liquid and savory base for the sauce.

• White wine – Substitute with apple cider vinegar diluted with water: To mimic the acidity and subtle sweetness that white wine contributes, a mixture of apple cider vinegar and water (roughly 1:1 ratio, or to taste) works well. This creates a bright, tangy element in the sauce without using alcohol.

• Olive oil – Substitute with grapeseed oil: Grapeseed oil is a neutral-flavored oil with a high smoke point, making it ideal for browning chicken and sautéing vegetables without imparting its own strong flavor. It’s a great alternative if you want the other ingredients’ flavors to truly shine.

• Salt – Substitute with soy sauce: For a different dimension of umami and saltiness, soy sauce can be used as a replacement for salt. Start with a smaller amount and taste as you go, as soy sauce can be quite potent. It adds a delicious savory depth to the dish.

• Black pepper – Substitute with white pepper: While black pepper offers a robust heat, white pepper provides a similar warmth but with a slightly earthier, more subtle flavor. It’s a good choice if you prefer a less assertive pepper note or want to avoid visible black flecks in the dish.

• Allow the cooked chicken thighs and vegetables to cool completely to room temperature before storing. This crucial step prevents condensation from forming inside the container, which can lead to a soggy texture and undesirable flavor changes.
• Once cooled, transfer the Chicken Murphy to an airtight container. For optimal freshness and convenience, especially if you anticipate multiple servings, consider portioning the dish into separate, smaller containers. This makes reheating individual meals much simpler and helps maintain quality.
• If you plan to enjoy the dish within 3-4 days, store the sealed container in the refrigerator. The flavors of Chicken Murphy often deepen and meld beautifully overnight, making leftovers potentially even more delicious than the freshly cooked meal.
• For extended preservation, place the Chicken Murphy in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags. To prevent freezer burn, ensure you remove as much air as possible from the bags before sealing. Flat storage in bags can also save freezer space.
• Always label your containers or bags clearly with the date of storage. This simple practice helps you keep track of how long the dish has been frozen, ensuring you consume it within the recommended 2-3 months for best quality.
• When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen Chicken Murphy, the best method for thawing is to transfer it to the refrigerator overnight. This slow thawing process helps to maintain the texture of both the chicken and vegetables, preserving their delicious flavor.
• To reheat thawed Chicken Murphy, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken and vegetables are heated through. Alternatively, reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or white wine to restore moisture and richness to the sauce.
• For a quick reheating option, portions can be gently warmed in the microwave. Transfer to a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat on medium power in 1-2 minute intervals, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating until thoroughly warmed.

• Oven Method (Recommended for Best Texture):

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This moderate temperature ensures even heating without drying out the chicken.
  2. Place the leftover Chicken Murphy in an oven-safe dish. Arrange the chicken and vegetables in a single layer if possible for uniform reheating.
  3. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. This is crucial for retaining moisture and preventing the chicken and potatoes from becoming dry.
  4. Heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly warmed through and the potatoes are hot and tender.
  5. For a crisper chicken skin, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of heating.

• Stovetop Method (Quick and Flavorful):

  1. Heat a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat. A cast-iron skillet works wonderfully for this.
  2. Add a small splash of chicken broth or white wine (or water) to the skillet. This helps to create some steam and prevents the dish from sticking and drying out.
  3. Place the leftover Chicken Murphy in the skillet. Spread it out to ensure even contact with the heat.
  4. Cover the skillet and heat for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Make sure to stir gently to avoid breaking up the potatoes too much, until everything is heated through to your desired temperature.

• Microwave Method (Fastest Option):

  1. Place a single serving of leftover Chicken Murphy in a microwave-safe dish.
  2. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent to allow steam to escape.
  3. Microwave on medium power for an initial 2-3 minutes.
  4. Carefully stir the vegetables and potatoes, then continue to microwave in 1-minute intervals, checking for thorough heating after each interval, until the dish is piping hot.

• Air Fryer Method (For Crispy Chicken Skin):

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). This allows the air fryer to reach optimal crisping temperature quickly.
  2. Place the leftover Chicken Murphy, ideally in a single layer, in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even air circulation and crispiness.
  3. Heat for about 10-12 minutes. For best results, shake the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure even heating and browning.
  4. Carefully check the chicken and vegetables to ensure they are thoroughly heated and the chicken skin has re-crisped to your liking.

• Slow Cooker Method (Ideal for Large Batches or Gentle Warming):

  1. If you have a large quantity of leftover Chicken Murphy, transfer it to the slow cooker.
  2. Add a small amount of chicken broth or white wine to the pot. This is essential to keep the dish moist and prevent it from drying out over the prolonged heating time.
  3. Cover the slow cooker and set it to the low heat setting.
  4. Allow it to heat for 1-2 hours, or until the chicken and vegetables are completely warmed through. This method is excellent for maintaining moisture and tenderness.

• Oven: Your oven is fundamental for baking the chicken and vegetables at a consistent temperature of 375°F (190°C), ensuring they cook through evenly and the flavors meld beautifully.

• Large Skillet (Oven-Safe): An essential piece of equipment, a large, oven-safe skillet (like a cast-iron pan) allows you to brown the chicken thighs and sauté the vegetables all in one pan, minimizing cleanup and making the dish truly a “one-pan meal.”

• Tongs: Sturdy kitchen tongs are incredibly handy for safely turning the chicken thighs during the browning process, ensuring an even crust on all sides without burning your hands.

• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: A reliable wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula is useful for stirring the vegetables as they soften and for combining the chicken broth and white wine to create the flavorful sauce, scraping up any delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

• Measuring Cups: Accurate measuring cups are necessary for precisely portioning liquids like chicken broth and white wine, ensuring the correct balance of flavors in your sauce.

• Cutting Board: A clean and stable cutting board provides a safe and sanitary surface for dicing potatoes and expertly slicing bell peppers, onions, and cherry peppers, preventing any slips or accidents.

• Chef’s Knife: A sharp, well-balanced chef’s knife is your best friend for efficiently chopping and slicing all the vegetables to your desired size, making prep work quick and easy.

• Oven Mitts or Pot Holders: Safety first! High-quality oven mitts are absolutely crucial for safely handling and transferring the hot skillet to and from the oven, protecting your hands from extreme heat.

• Serving Platter: Once your delicious Chicken Murphy is ready, a beautiful serving platter is perfect for presenting the finished dish, making it look as appealing as it tastes.

• Meat Thermometer: For ultimate peace of mind and food safety, a reliable meat thermometer is incredibly useful for ensuring the chicken is cooked through to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), guaranteeing perfectly cooked chicken every time.

Pre-cut vegetables: To dramatically reduce your prep time on the day of cooking, dice your potatoes and slice your bell peppers, onions, and cherry peppers in advance. Store them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator, and they’ll be ready to go when you are.

Use one pan: Maximizing efficiency is key. By cooking everything in a single, large oven-safe skillet, you not only save time by reducing the number of dishes to wash, but you also allow all the flavors to meld beautifully, streamlining the entire cooking and cleanup process.

Preheat oven: Don’t wait until you’re ready to bake. Start preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) before you even begin prepping your ingredients. This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature the moment you need it, cutting down on overall cooking time.

Batch seasoning: Instead of seasoning each chicken thigh individually just before browning, season all of them at once. Place them on a tray, pat them dry, season both sides, and let them rest while you chop the vegetables. This quick, organized step saves precious minutes.

Pre-measure liquids: Combine the chicken broth and white wine in a measuring cup or small bowl while you’re browning the chicken. Having this mixture ready to pour directly into the skillet once the vegetables are softened allows for a smooth, uninterrupted flow in your cooking process.