Craving a meal that’s hearty, comforting, and full of flavor, yet incredibly easy to make? Look no further than this Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet recipe. With crispy golden potatoes and juicy chicken smothered in garlic butter, this one-pan meal is perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend dinner. The best part? Everything cooks together in one skillet, so cleanup is a breeze! Keep reading to discover how to make this delicious dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.
What is Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet?
Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet is a one-pan dish that combines tender, juicy chicken thighs or breasts with crispy potatoes, all cooked together in a rich garlic butter sauce. The chicken is seasoned and seared until golden brown, while the potatoes are cooked to crispy perfection. The garlic butter sauce, made with aromatic herbs and fresh garlic, coats the entire dish, making it incredibly flavorful. This simple yet satisfying meal is great for those who love robust flavors but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients List for Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make this savory, mouthwatering dish:
For the Chicken:
- Chicken Thighs or Breasts – 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or 2 large chicken breasts, halved) provide protein and juicy flavor.
- Salt and Pepper – To season the chicken.
- Paprika – 1 teaspoon for a hint of smoky flavor and color.
- Garlic Powder – 1 teaspoon for an extra layer of garlic flavor.
- Olive Oil – 2 tablespoon for searing the chicken.
For the Potatoes:
- Baby Potatoes – 1 lb, halved or quartered, depending on size. These cook quickly and get deliciously crispy in the skillet.
- Salt and Pepper – To taste, for seasoning the potatoes.
- Dried Thyme – ½ teaspoon to add an earthy flavor to the potatoes.
- Olive Oil – 1 tablespoon to help crisp the potatoes.
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- Unsalted Butter – 4 tablespoon for richness and that buttery flavor.
- Garlic – 5 cloves minced, for a bold and aromatic garlic flavor.
- Fresh Parsley – 2 tablespoon chopped, for garnish and a touch of freshness.
- Lemon Juice – 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice to add brightness and cut through the richness of the butter.
- Chicken Broth – ¼ cup to deglaze the pan and create a little sauce.
Substitutions and Variations
- Chicken Breasts vs. Thighs: If you prefer leaner meat, chicken breasts work well too. Just make sure not to overcook them, as they can dry out faster than thighs.
- Different Potatoes: You can use Yukon gold or red potatoes instead of baby potatoes. Just be sure to cut them into smaller, uniform pieces for even cooking.
- Herb Variations: Feel free to experiment with herbs like rosemary, basil, or oregano. Fresh or dried herbs will both work.
- Add Veggies: For added nutrition, you can throw in some vegetables like green beans, carrots, or asparagus towards the end of cooking.
- Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the garlic butter sauce for a bit of heat.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Ready to start cooking? Here’s a detailed guide to help you prepare Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet perfectly.
Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken
- Pat your chicken thighs (or breasts) dry with paper towels. This will help them sear nicely in the skillet.
- Season both sides of the chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Set aside while you prepare the potatoes.
Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes
- Halve or quarter the baby potatoes, ensuring they are roughly the same size for even cooking.
- Toss the potatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, and dried thyme until they are evenly coated.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken to the skillet.
- Sear the chicken for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
Step 4: Cook the Potatoes
- In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil (if needed) and add the potatoes cut-side down.
- Cook the potatoes for about 6-8 minutes on medium heat, turning occasionally, until they are golden and crispy on the outside and fork-tender on the inside. Season with a bit more salt and pepper if needed.
Step 5: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
- Once the potatoes are done, move them to one side of the skillet. Lower the heat to medium-low and add the butter to the skillet.
- Let the butter melt, then add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
- Pour in the chicken broth and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. This will deglaze the pan and add lots of flavor.
- Add the lemon juice and stir to combine.
Step 6: Combine Chicken and Potatoes
- Return the seared chicken to the skillet, nestling it in between the potatoes.
- Spoon the garlic butter sauce over the chicken and potatoes. Let everything simmer together for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
- Once everything is cooked and the sauce has slightly reduced, sprinkle fresh parsley over the chicken and potatoes for a pop of color.
- Serve immediately with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad.
How to Cook Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Prep the Chicken and Potatoes: Make sure to season everything well, as this is key to building flavor.
- Sear the Chicken: Getting a nice golden crust on the chicken adds great texture and flavor. Be sure not to overcrowd the skillet.
- Crisp the Potatoes: Cooking the potatoes until crispy and golden ensures they’ll have a nice contrast to the tender chicken.
- Make the Sauce: The garlic butter sauce is quick and easy but packs a lot of flavor. Be sure to stir continuously when adding garlic to avoid burning it.
- Simmer and Serve: Combining the chicken and potatoes in the same skillet helps all the flavors come together beautifully.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the Pan: Overcrowding the skillet will steam the chicken and potatoes instead of searing them, resulting in a less crispy texture. Use a large skillet or cook in batches if needed.
- Burning the Garlic: Garlic can burn quickly if cooked on too high a heat. Lower the heat when making the garlic butter sauce and keep an eye on it.
- Under-seasoning: Don’t skimp on seasoning the chicken and potatoes. Proper seasoning is crucial for flavor.
- Overcooking the Chicken: Keep an eye on the internal temperature of the chicken, as overcooking can make it dry. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it's cooked to 165°F.
Serving and Presentation Tips
For a visually stunning dish, serve Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes in the skillet itself. The golden chicken and crispy potatoes make for a beautiful presentation, especially when garnished with fresh parsley and lemon wedges. You can also serve this dish with a side salad or some steamed green beans for a complete meal.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes
- Family-Style: Bring the skillet straight to the table for a rustic, family-style presentation. Use a large spoon to serve both the chicken and potatoes.
- Individual Plates: Alternatively, plate the chicken and potatoes individually, spooning extra garlic butter sauce over each serving.
Presentation Ideas for Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme adds a pop of color.
- Lemon Wedges: Serve with lemon wedges on the side for a burst of brightness and acidity.
- Rustic Bread: Offer crusty bread on the side to soak up the extra garlic butter sauce.
Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Recipe Tips
- Add Vegetables: Throw in some green beans, broccoli, or asparagus during the last few minutes of cooking for a complete one-pan meal.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil can take the flavor to the next level.
- Prep Ahead: You can marinate the chicken ahead of time to infuse more flavor. Just let it sit in the fridge for 1-2 hours with the spices before cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
- Yes, bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks work well, but they may need a longer cooking time to reach 165°F.
- What other vegetables can I add?
- You can add vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers. Just add them to the skillet during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- **How do I store leftovers?**
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave.
- Can I make this dish dairy-free?
- You can substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative like olive oil or vegan butter.
- Is this dish gluten-free?
- Yes, this dish is naturally gluten-free as long as the chicken broth used does not contain any gluten.
Conclusion
This Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet is a quick, easy, and flavorful meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want something comforting yet impressive. With tender, juicy chicken, crispy potatoes, and a rich garlic butter sauce, this dish is sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation. Give it a try, and enjoy a delicious meal that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor!
PrintGarlic Butter Chicken And Potatoes Skillet Recipe
This garlic butter chicken and potatoes skillet recipe is a one-pan meal bursting with flavor. Tender chicken, crispy potatoes, and a rich garlic butter sauce make this dish a family favorite. It's a quick, satisfying dinner that uses basic ingredients and is easy to prepare. Keywords: garlic butter chicken, skillet dinner, one-pan meal, chicken and potatoes recipe.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 lb baby potatoes, halved
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season chicken thighs with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken thighs and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the halved potatoes, season with salt and pepper, and cook until crispy and tender, about 10 minutes.
- Reduce heat to medium, add minced garlic and butter to the skillet. Stir until the garlic is fragrant and the butter is melted.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, spoon the garlic butter over the chicken and potatoes, and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Add vegetables like green beans or spinach to the skillet for extra nutrition.
- For a crispy finish, broil the dish in the oven for 2-3 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
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