Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet Recipe

Looking for an easy and satisfying meal that’s bursting with flavor? This Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet recipe is the perfect solution. Tender, juicy chicken, crispy potatoes, and a rich garlic butter sauce come together in a single skillet for a simple yet incredibly delicious dinner. This recipe is ideal for weeknights when you need something hearty but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Keep reading for the full recipe, substitutions, and helpful tips to make this one-pan wonder a regular in your dinner rotation!

this Recipe

What Is Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet?

Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet is a one-pan dish where juicy chicken breasts or thighs are seared until golden, then cooked with crispy potatoes in a rich garlic butter sauce. The combination of tender chicken and perfectly seasoned potatoes makes this a hearty, comforting meal. It’s packed with flavor and incredibly easy to make, making it a great go-to for busy weeknights.

Ingredients List for Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 6-8 chicken thighs)
• 1 lb baby potatoes (halved or quartered if large)
• 4 tablespoon unsalted butter (divided)
• 2 tablespoon olive oil (divided)
• 5 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh thyme)
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (or fresh rosemary)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ¼ cup chicken broth (or water, optional for deglazing)
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
• Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)

These simple, pantry-friendly ingredients create a flavorful, hearty meal that’s sure to please everyone.

Substitutions and Variations

This Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet is versatile and easy to customize. Here are some substitution ideas to suit your taste or what you have on hand:

• Chicken options: You can use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier texture, or try bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces for extra flavor. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Potato alternatives: If you don’t have baby potatoes, you can use Yukon gold or red potatoes, cut into bite-sized pieces. You can also use sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter version.
• Herb options: Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley elevate the flavor, but you can use dried herbs if needed. You can also add Italian seasoning or oregano for a different flavor profile.
• Garlic butter sauce: Add a splash of white wine, chicken broth, or lemon juice to the garlic butter sauce to brighten up the flavors and deglaze the skillet.
• Vegetable add-ins: Throw in vegetables like green beans, broccoli, or bell peppers during the last few minutes of cooking for extra color and nutrition.

These variations make the recipe adaptable to different tastes and preferences.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s go through the step-by-step instructions for making this Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Potatoes

Season the chicken breasts or thighs generously with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Toss the halved baby potatoes with a little olive oil, salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika for color and flavor.

Step 2: Sear the Potatoes

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned potatoes to the skillet, cut side down, and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy. Once browned, transfer the potatoes to a plate and set them aside.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet and sear for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside with the potatoes.

Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Once the butter melts, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. If the skillet looks dry, you can add a splash of chicken broth or water to deglaze the pan and scrape up the flavorful bits from the bottom.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Return the seared potatoes and chicken to the skillet, spooning the garlic butter sauce over the top. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. You can also throw in fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme at this stage for extra flavor.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot. You can also add lemon wedges on the side for a bright, fresh squeeze of citrus before eating.

How to Cook Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a quick summary of how to make Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet:

1. Season the chicken and potatoes with spices and herbs.
2. Sear the potatoes in butter and olive oil until golden brown, then set them aside.
3. Sear the chicken in the same skillet until cooked through, then set aside.
4. Make the garlic butter sauce by sautéing garlic in butter and deglazing the skillet with broth or water.
5. Combine the chicken and potatoes in the skillet, spooning the garlic butter sauce over the top.
6. Garnish and serve with fresh parsley and lemon wedges for a bright, flavorful finish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when making Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet:

• Overcrowding the skillet: Be careful not to overcrowd the skillet when searing the chicken or potatoes. Cook them in batches if necessary to ensure they brown properly.
• Burning the garlic: Garlic can burn quickly if the heat is too high. Make sure to lower the heat when adding the garlic to the butter and stir constantly.
• Not deglazing the pan: Don’t skip deglazing the pan with a little broth, water, or wine. This helps loosen the browned bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet, adding extra flavor to the sauce.

Serving and Presentation Tips

This Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet is a rustic, one-pan meal, but you can still make it look delicious when serving.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet

Serve this dish straight from the skillet for a cozy, family-style meal. It pairs well with a simple green salad, steamed vegetables, or roasted asparagus for a complete, balanced dinner. You can also serve it with a side of crusty bread to mop up the flavorful garlic butter sauce.

Presentation Ideas for Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet

• Garnish with fresh herbs: A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley, thyme, or rosemary brightens up the dish and adds color.
• Add lemon wedges: Serve with lemon wedges on the side for a pop of freshness that complements the garlic butter sauce.
• Serve family-style: Place the skillet in the center of the table and let everyone serve themselves for a cozy, rustic meal.

Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet Recipe Tips

Here are some additional tips to ensure your Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet turns out perfectly every time:

• Make it ahead: You can season the chicken and potatoes ahead of time, then cook everything fresh when you’re ready to serve.
• Use fresh herbs: While dried herbs work well, fresh thyme, rosemary, or parsley will elevate the flavors and give the dish a fresh, vibrant finish.
• Don’t skimp on the garlic: The garlic butter sauce is the star of this dish, so don’t be afraid to add an extra clove or two if you’re a garlic lover!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs are juicier and will work great in this recipe. Adjust the cooking time slightly as thighs may take a little longer to cook through.

2. Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! Vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or bell peppers make great additions. Just add them during the last few minutes of cooking so they stay crisp and tender.

3. Can I make Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the entire dish ahead of time and reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes.

4. How long does this dish last in the fridge?
The dish will keep for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

5. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
It’s best to thaw the chicken first for even cooking. You can thaw frozen chicken in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost function on your microwave.

Conclusion

This Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet is the perfect weeknight dinner when you want something hearty, flavorful, and easy to make. With juicy chicken, crispy potatoes, and a rich garlic butter sauce, it’s a dish that’s sure to satisfy the whole family. Plus, it’s all made in one skillet, which means fewer dishes and more time to enjoy your delicious meal!

So, gather your ingredients and whip up this simple, flavorful Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet tonight—you won’t be disappointed!

Print