If you’ve ever dreamed of an easy, crave-worthy dinner that fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas and disappears almost as soon as it hits the table, let me introduce you to Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet. This one-pan wonder features golden-crisp potatoes and juicy chicken bites all kissed by garlic, melted butter, and a flurry of herbs—your fork is guaranteed to chase every last bite across the plate. Ready in just about half an hour, it’s the cozy, weeknight meal your whole family will ask for over and over again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet keeps things simple, but each ingredient has a starring role in flavor or texture. Fresh herbs, good olive oil, and those magical spuds all work together to make something way more than the sum of its parts!
- Chicken thighs or breasts: Boneless, skinless, and cut into bite-sized pieces for quick, even cooking that stays juicy.
- Baby potatoes: Halved for perfect, golden-brown edges and bite-sized tenderness; Yukon Golds or red potatoes work beautifully.
- Olive oil: Adds flavor and helps everything get that lovely, crisp sear in the skillet.
- Unsalted butter: Melds with the garlic for that classic, decadent finish everyone adores.
- Garlic cloves: Minced fresh for punchy, aromatic depth—don’t skimp!
- Italian seasoning: Offers a blend of those Mediterranean herb notes that tie chicken and potatoes together.
- Paprika: Adds a gentle smokiness and brings color to the dish.
- Salt: Essential for boosting every other flavor in the pan.
- Black pepper: Brings a subtle warmth—use freshly cracked for extra zing.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped and sprinkled at the end for bright, green freshness and a burst of color.
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet
Step 1: Sauté the Potatoes to Crispy Perfection
Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a roomy skillet over medium heat. Add your halved baby potatoes, season generously with salt, pepper, and paprika, and nestle them cut-side down—this gives you those irresistible, caramelized edges. Let them get nicely browned for about 5–6 minutes, then flip and cook another 5 minutes until mostly tender. Remove the potatoes and set them aside; you’re building flavor from the ground up.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken Until Juicy and Golden
Add the last tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet. Toss in the chicken pieces, sprinkle with a pinch more salt and pepper, and let them sizzle undisturbed for 5–7 minutes so they brown on the outside and stay super juicy inside. The bits of fond (the brown bits left in the pan) are pure flavor gold for the skillet’s next act.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Magic
With the chicken pushed to the side, drop in all the butter and swirl until melted. Add your fresh minced garlic and stir, letting it become heavenly fragrant in about 30 seconds—don’t walk away! This is where the signature flavor of Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet really blooms.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Slide those golden potatoes back into the skillet, sprinkle with Italian seasoning, and stir everything together. Let it all cook for another 2–3 minutes so the garlic-butter sauce can sneak into every nook of potato and chicken, making the flavors mingle, deepen, and become totally irresistible. Finish with a flurry of fresh parsley and get ready to devour.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet
Garnishes
Nothing beats a final sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for vivid color and a pop of herbal brightness. If you love citrus, a little lemon zest or a quick squeeze of juice just before serving adds incredible freshness. A tiny dusting of grated Parmesan is also delicious if you’re feeling a little extra!
Side Dishes
This dish is hearty and satisfying on its own, but you can round it out with a crisp green salad tossed in a zippy vinaigrette or a side of steamed green beans. Warm, crusty bread is perfect for swiping up every drop of the garlic butter from your plate (trust me—it’s worth it).
Creative Ways to Present
For a rustic family-style vibe, serve the Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet straight from your skillet on a wooden board at the center of the table. You can also portion it into shallow bowls for a more elegant touch, or try plating it over a bed of sautéed greens for a little extra color and nutrition.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet keeps beautifully! Let everything cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to meld, making every reheated bite even more delicious.
Freezing
If you want to freeze this dish, cool it completely and pack it into a freezer-friendly bag or container. It will keep for up to 2 months. To maintain the potatoes’ best texture, you might want to undercook them just a tiny bit before freezing, as they’ll soften further when reheated.
Reheating
For the best results, reheat in a covered skillet over low-to-medium heat with a splash of water or extra butter, stirring occasionally until hot all the way through. You can also microwave it, but keep an eye to avoid drying out the chicken. Add a few fresh parsley leaves before serving to revive all those bright flavors!
FAQs
Can I use different potatoes for this recipe?
Absolutely! While baby potatoes have the ideal size and creaminess, you can swap in Yukon Gold, red potatoes, or even fingerlings. Just be sure to cut them to roughly the same size so they cook evenly with the chicken.
What vegetables can I add for extra color and nutrition?
You can toss in green beans, spinach, or broccoli during the last few minutes, or add bell peppers for a sweet and colorful boost. Almost any quick-cooking veggie works well in this garlicky, buttery skillet.
Is Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet gluten-free?
Yes! If you follow the recipe as written, it’s naturally gluten-free. Just check your seasoning blends if you have sensitivities, as some can contain hidden gluten.
Can I substitute chicken thighs with something else?
You sure can. Chicken breast works perfectly, or you can get creative and use sliced sausage or peeled shrimp for a different spin. The cooking times might vary, so keep an eye on those proteins to keep them tender.
How do I keep the chicken juicy?
Be sure not to overcrowd the pan, and let the chicken develop some color without stirring too often. Quick, high-heat cooking and cutting the chicken into even pieces guarantees juicy results every time you make Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet is one of those dishes I turn to again and again for good reason: it’s simple, fast, and ridiculously tasty. If you’re ready for a dinner that brings everyone running to the table, give this pan of gold a try—you’ll love just how easy (and unforgettable) it is!
Print** Easy Pineapple Cherry Dump Cake Recipe
This Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet is a delicious one-pan meal that is quick and easy to prepare. Tender chicken, flavorful potatoes, and a garlicky butter sauce come together for a satisfying dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Potatoes:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 1/2 pounds baby potatoes, halved
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Prepare Potatoes: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add potatoes, season with salt, pepper, and paprika, and cook cut-side down for 5–6 minutes until browned. Flip and cook another 5 minutes until mostly tender. Remove and set aside.
- Cook Chicken: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil and cook the chicken for 5–7 minutes, until browned and cooked through. Push chicken to the side.
- Make Garlic Butter Sauce: Add butter and garlic to the skillet, and stir until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Return potatoes to the skillet and sprinkle with Italian seasoning.
- Combine and Serve: Stir everything together and cook for an additional 2–3 minutes, letting flavors meld. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- You can add green beans, spinach, or broccoli in the last few minutes for extra veggies.
- Swap chicken thighs with sausage or shrimp for a twist.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: ~430 kcal
- Sugar: ~2 g
- Sodium: ~400 mg
- Fat: ~24 g
- Saturated Fat: ~9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~15 g
- Trans Fat: ~0 g
- Carbohydrates: ~28 g
- Fiber: ~3 g
- Protein: ~28 g
- Cholesterol: ~120 mg