Name: Garlic Butter Chicken And Potatoes Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs); 1 ½ lbs baby potatoes (halved); 4 tbsp butter (divided); 3 cloves garlic (minced); 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp paprika; 1 tsp dried thyme; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Looking for a quick and easy dinner that’s loaded with flavor and requires minimal cleanup? This Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet Recipe is the perfect solution. Tender, juicy chicken, crispy potatoes, and a savory garlic butter sauce come together in one pan to create a meal that’s as delicious as it is satisfying. With just a handful of simple ingredients and 30 minutes, you can whip up a meal that will become a family favorite. Let’s dive into the details of how to make this mouthwatering dish.

What is Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes?

Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes is a one-skillet meal where bite-sized pieces of chicken and potatoes are cooked to perfection in a rich, garlicky butter sauce. The potatoes become crispy on the outside while staying soft and tender inside, and the chicken stays juicy and flavorful, making every bite a treat. It’s the perfect combination of protein, carbs, and flavor, all in one pan.

This dish is versatile enough to serve for a cozy weeknight dinner or to impress guests with its simple yet gourmet feel. Plus, it only requires one skillet, making cleanup a breeze!

Ingredients List for Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes

Here’s what you’ll need to create this flavorful dish:

For the Chicken and Potatoes:

1 lb chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)
1 lb baby potatoes (quartered or halved, depending on size)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for browning)
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried thyme, basil, and oregano)
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Garlic Butter Sauce:

4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 garlic cloves (minced)
1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped)
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Juice of ½ lemon (optional, for freshness)
Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Garnishes:

Fresh parsley (chopped)
Grated Parmesan cheese
Lemon wedges

Substitutions and Variations

This recipe can be easily adapted to suit different tastes or dietary needs. Here are a few variations and substitutions to consider:

Chicken Alternatives: If you don’t have chicken breasts on hand, chicken thighs work great as well. They are a bit juicier and more flavorful but require a slightly longer cooking time. You can also use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, just adjust cooking time accordingly.
Potato Alternatives: Baby potatoes are perfect for this dish, but you can also use Yukon gold or red potatoes. If you prefer sweet potatoes, they work wonderfully too, offering a slightly sweeter contrast to the savory garlic butter.
Herbs and Spices: Feel free to switch up the herbs! Fresh rosemary or thyme adds a great earthy flavor to the dish. If you want to make it spicy, you can increase the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Garlic Lovers: If you’re a fan of garlic, don’t hesitate to increase the number of garlic cloves. Roasting the garlic until golden brings out its natural sweetness and adds depth to the dish.
Vegetable Add-ins: For a more balanced meal, you can toss in vegetables like green beans, broccoli, or asparagus during the last few minutes of cooking.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s break down the process of making this delicious Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet step by step:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Potatoes

Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and season with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Quarter or halve the baby potatoes, depending on their size. If you’re using larger potatoes, cut them into even-sized chunks for uniform cooking.

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 potatoes, cut side down, and cook for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden and crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Season the potatoes with salt and pepper, then transfer them to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

In the same skillet, add the seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer.
Cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C).
Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside with the potatoes.

Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter to the skillet.
Once melted, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using), stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and slightly golden (but not burnt).
Stir in the lemon juice for brightness (optional), and season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Return the cooked chicken and potatoes to the skillet, tossing them in the garlic butter sauce until everything is well coated.
Let the dish cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat everything through and allow the flavors to meld together.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet turns out perfectly, avoid these common mistakes:

Overcrowding the Skillet: If your skillet is too crowded, the chicken and potatoes will steam instead of searing, which results in less crispy potatoes and less flavor. Cook in batches if necessary.
Undercooking the Potatoes: Ensure that the potatoes are golden brown and fork-tender before removing them from the skillet. If they’re undercooked, they won’t be as flavorful or crispy.
Burning the Garlic: Garlic cooks quickly and can turn bitter if overcooked. Keep the heat at medium and stir constantly when cooking the garlic.
Not Resting the Chicken: After cooking the chicken, let it rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring the chicken stays moist.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Once your Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes is ready, here’s how you can serve and present it for maximum impact:

How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes

Family Style: This dish is perfect for serving family-style directly from the skillet. Place it in the center of the table and let everyone help themselves.
Individual Plates: If serving individually, portion out the chicken and potatoes, spooning the extra garlic butter sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese.

Presentation Ideas for Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes

Garnish: Freshly chopped parsley adds a pop of color and a fresh herbaceous note. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the dish brightens up the rich flavors.
Side Suggestions: This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad, sautéed green beans, or a simple side of steamed asparagus. Garlic bread or a warm baguette also makes a great accompaniment to mop up the delicious garlic butter sauce.

Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Recipe Tips

Use Cast Iron for Extra Crispiness: If you have a cast iron skillet, it’s perfect for this recipe. The high heat retention gives the potatoes a beautiful, golden crisp.
Add Vegetables for a Complete Meal: Toss in vegetables like green beans, zucchini, or bell peppers during the last few minutes of cooking to create a more balanced meal.
Meal Prep-Friendly: This dish reheats beautifully, making it a great option for meal prepping. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Add Cheese: For an extra layer of flavor, sprinkle some grated Parmesan or mozzarella cheese over the dish right before serving and let it melt over the hot chicken and potatoes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?

Yes! Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks work well. They will require a longer cooking time, so sear them on the stove first, then finish cooking in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes.

2. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute the butter with olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative to make this dish dairy-free.

3. What kind of potatoes should I use?

Baby potatoes or Yukon gold potatoes are ideal for this recipe because they hold their shape well and crisp up nicely. However, you can also use red potatoes or russet potatoes—just be sure to cut them into evenly-sized pieces.

4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can cook the chicken and potatoes ahead of time and reheat them. To reheat, place the skillet on medium heat and add a splash of broth or butter to refresh the flavors.

Conclusion

This Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet Recipe is the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you need a delicious, hearty meal that’s easy to make and sure to satisfy. The combination of crispy potatoes, juicy chicken, and the irresistible garlic butter sauce will make this dish a favorite in your household. Plus, it’s versatile, allowing you to customize it with different herbs, vegetables, or even cheeses. Grab your skillet and get ready to enjoy this simple yet flavorful meal tonight!