There’s something about the smell of smoky butter, bacon, and searing chicken that just feels like home. This Smoky Cabin Chicken Skillet is one of those simple suppers that tastes like it was made at the end of a long day in a warm cabin kitchen. Tender chicken thighs, golden potatoes, and crispy bacon come together in a sticky, smoky glaze that’s pure comfort — and the best part is, you can make it for about ten bucks in one trusty skillet. It’s hearty, down-to-earth, and just what a cozy evening calls for.
Description
This Smoky Cabin Chicken Skillet is everything you love about rustic cooking — simple ingredients, rich smoky flavor, and that stick-to-your-ribs comfort only a cast-iron meal delivers. Juicy chicken thighs, baby potatoes, and crispy bacon simmer together in a buttery, smoky glaze that’s equal parts sweet and savory. The result is a one-pan supper that looks and tastes like it came straight out of a log cabin kitchen. Perfect for cozy nights, budget-friendly dinners, or anyone craving a down-home meal with big flavor and no fuss.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Add the bacon to a pan over medium high heat. Fry until crisp and set aside. Alternatively, I use an air fryer which is much faster and creates less mess.
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Add the butter and oil to a pan over medium high heat. Place the chicken in and season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Fry until seared on the one side. Flip, season on the other side, and fry until cooked through. Set aside on a plate.
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In the same pan, add in the other half of the butter and deglaze the pan. Place the potatoes in and season with salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary. Stir and fry for about 10 or 12 minutes until browned and they begin to soften. I should add that I always cut the potatoes in half.
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Add in the onion and garlic. Stir and sauté until fragrant. Mix well. Add in the honey, Worcestershire sauce, liquid smoke, and chicken broth. The liquid smoke is powerful, so you don't need a lot of it. Stir until well combined. Allow it to boil and thicken up for a few minutes. Add the chicken back in and nestle it around the potatoes. Spoon some sauce over the chicken.
I use a cast iron pan as it's going in the oven. That way the entire dish can be done in one pan. -
Place into a 400 degree F. Preheated oven for about 20 minutes until the potatoes and chicken are cooked through. While the chicken is cooking, chop up the bacon so it crumbles.
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Remove from the oven, sprinkle the bacon over the top, and garnish with parsley.
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Serve and enjoy your Smoky Cabin Chicken Skillet.
Nutrition Facts
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 530kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 35g54%
- Saturated Fat 12g60%
- Cholesterol 145mg49%
- Sodium 420mg18%
- Potassium 610mg18%
- Total Carbohydrate 25g9%
- Dietary Fiber 2g8%
- Sugars 6g
- Protein 30g60%
- Vitamin A 220 IU
- Vitamin C 6 mg
- Calcium 40 mg
- Iron 1.5 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. Nutritional values are a within reason estimate and my vary depending on several factors.
Note
If you’re short on time, you can skip the oven step and cover the skillet to finish on the stovetop — just simmer on low until the chicken is tender and the sauce thickens.
Don’t skip rendering the bacon! Those smoky drippings are the secret to that deep campfire flavor.
For a milder version, use maple syrup instead of honey — it adds sweetness without the smoky edge.
If your sauce gets too thick, stir in a splash of chicken broth before serving.
Serve this straight from the cast-iron skillet with crusty bread or steamed green beans for a true cabin-style meal.
This dish reheats beautifully — store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days, and warm gently over low heat.
For a lighter twist, use skinless chicken thighs or even chicken breast — just reduce cooking time slightly.
