If you’re on the hunt for a soul-satisfying meal that checks every comfort food box, look no further than this Garlic Butter Chicken and Potato Skillet Recipe. With juicy, golden chicken nestled beside beautifully crisp and tender potatoes, all swirled with buttery garlic goodness, this dish feels like a warm hug at the end of a long day. Best of all, it comes together in one pan, making cleanup an absolute breeze. Get ready for a weeknight staple that’s both easy to love and unbelievably delicious!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Just a handful of everyday ingredients stand between you and dinner bliss. These essentials marry together to deliver irresistible flavor, crave-worthy color, and satisfying texture in every bite of this Garlic Butter Chicken and Potato Skillet Recipe.
- Chicken thighs: Opt for boneless, skinless for extra tenderness and rich flavor that stays juicy during skillet cooking.
- Baby potatoes: Their smooth texture and petite size allow them to crisp up beautifully and cook quickly.
- Unsalted butter: The backbone of the luscious garlic sauce; using unsalted lets you control the seasoning perfectly.
- Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic brings an unmistakable kick of fragrance and flavor that makes the whole dish sing.
- Smoked paprika: This adds gentle warmth and gorgeous color, giving the skillet its signature visual appeal.
- Onion powder: For savory depth and subtle sweetness without any chopping required.
- Dried thyme: A classic herb for earthy undertones that pair beautifully with chicken and potatoes.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning every layer of goodness.
- Olive oil: Helps brown the potatoes to crispy perfection and adds a hint of fruity richness to the dish.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped and sprinkled on top for a burst of freshness and vibrant color.
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken and Potato Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Potatoes
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place the baby potatoes cut-side down so they can develop that irresistible golden crust. Let them cook for about 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally, until they’re fork-tender and perfectly crisp on the outside. Once they’re ready, remove and set them aside—don’t worry, we’ll invite them back to the party soon!
Step 2: Infuse the Butter with Garlic
In the same skillet (no need to wash it), add the unsalted butter, allowing it to melt gently. Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for about a minute, just until it becomes fragrant. This short step transforms the butter into a savory, aromatic sauce that’s the heartbeat of our Garlic Butter Chicken and Potato Skillet Recipe.
Step 3: Season and Cook the Chicken
While the garlic works its magic, season the chicken pieces generously with smoked paprika, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re beautifully browned and fully cooked through. The seasoning blend adds warmth and depth to each bite, making the chicken incredibly flavorful.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Return those lovely golden potatoes to the skillet, tossing everything together so the potatoes and chicken are thoroughly coated in the garlicky butter. Let it all heat through for another 2 to 3 minutes—this final step ensures every ingredient is infused with maximum flavor and perfectly tender. Before serving, finish with a shower of fresh chopped parsley for brightness and a touch of color.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken and Potato Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
A flourish of fresh parsley is more than just decoration—it adds herbal zip and eye-catching color to the skillet. If you’re feeling extra, a sprinkle of grated parmesan or a squeeze of lemon can elevate the flavors even further.
Side Dishes
You really can’t go wrong serving this skillet alongside a crisp green salad, buttery green beans, or simple steamed veggies. Some crusty bread is always welcome to soak up any leftover garlic butter sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Try spooning the skillet right from the pan onto the table for cozy, family-style dining. For a fancier touch, scoop individual portions into shallow bowls and garnish generously for a restaurant-worthy look. Leftover chicken and potatoes are also delicious stuffed into a warm pita or wrapped in a tortilla for a fun, portable lunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, place leftover Garlic Butter Chicken and Potato Skillet Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it even more delicious the next day.
Freezing
If you want to freeze leftovers, let the dish cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe bags or containers. It will keep well for up to 2 months. For best texture, freeze the chicken and potatoes together, but expect the potatoes to soften slightly when reheated.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the skillet on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of broth or water to keep everything moist. You can also microwave individual portions, covering them loosely with a damp paper towel to preserve moisture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well in the Garlic Butter Chicken and Potato Skillet Recipe. Just keep an eye on cooking time, as they cook a bit faster than thighs and can dry out if overcooked.
What type Main Course
Baby potatoes are the star here due to their creamy texture and small size, which helps them cook quickly and evenly. If you’re using larger potatoes, be sure to cut them into smaller chunks for the best results.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the butter with your favorite dairy-free alternative—just make sure it’s suitable for sautéing and has a mild flavor so it doesn’t overpower the dish.
Is this Garlic Butter Chicken and Potato Skillet Recipe gluten-free?
It absolutely is, as long as all your seasoning blends are certified gluten-free. There’s no flour or breading in the recipe, so it’s friendly for gluten-sensitive eaters by default!
How do I get the chicken extra crispy?
For an extra crispy finish, place the skillet under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes after tossing everything together. Just watch closely so nothing burns—this step adds a fantastic golden crust to the chicken and potatoes!
Final Thoughts
There’s something wonderfully comforting and satisfying about sharing a meal like this Garlic Butter Chicken and Potato Skillet Recipe. It’s hearty, comes together simply, and bursts with flavor in every forkful. I hope you’ll treat yourself (and anyone you love) to this dish soon—it just might become the highlight of your weeknight dinner rotation!
PrintGarlic Butter Chicken and Potato Skillet Recipe
This Garlic Butter Chicken and Potato Skillet recipe is a delicious one-pan dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner. Tender chicken pieces are cooked in a flavorful garlic butter sauce along with golden-brown baby potatoes, creating a hearty and comforting meal.
- 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
Chicken and Potatoes:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 pound baby potatoes, halved
Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Garnish:
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook Potatoes: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook halved baby potatoes cut-side down for 10–12 minutes until golden and tender. Remove and set aside.
- Prepare Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter. Add minced garlic, cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Cook Chicken: Season chicken with paprika, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Add to skillet, cook for 6–8 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- Combine and Garnish: Return potatoes to the skillet, toss to coat in garlic butter. Cook for 2–3 minutes. Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts if preferred.
- For extra crispiness, broil the skillet in the oven for 2–3 minutes at the end.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 360 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 135 mg