If you’re hunting for a ridiculously satisfying, one-pan wonder, look no further than Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet. This flavor-packed dish is everything you crave on a busy weeknight: juicy chicken, golden potatoes, and heaps of buttery garlic all come together in a single skillet for a meal that tastes downright decadent but couldn’t be simpler to make. It’s comfort food at its finest, guaranteed to have everyone at the table asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of my favorite things about Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet is how every staple ingredient truly matters. Each one builds layer upon layer of flavor, from the heartiness of baby potatoes to the rich, melting butter. The simple seasonings and aromatics make this dish both weeknight-friendly and drool-worthy.
- Chicken thighs or breasts: Go for boneless, skinless cuts for juicy chunks that soak up all the flavors.
- Baby potatoes: These cute little spuds cook up creamy inside and delightfully crisp outside – make sure to halve them for best results.
- Unsalted butter: This is the magic ingredient that pulls everything together with richness.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses every bite with that unmistakable, mouthwatering aroma.
- Italian seasoning: A sprinkle delivers herby charm and ties all the other flavors together beautifully.
- Paprika: Adds subtle warmth and gorgeous color to the skillet.
- Onion powder: A little goes a long way for extra savory depth.
- Salt and black pepper: Don’t be shy with the seasoning—it’s essential!
- Olive oil: Helps achieve golden, crispy edges on the potatoes and chicken.
- Fresh parsley (optional): A finishing flourish that adds brightness and a pop of green.
- Lemon wedges (optional): Just a squeeze brings the whole dish to life with zesty freshness.
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Toss your chicken chunks in a generous blend of Italian seasoning, paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. This step is where the foundation of flavor is laid, so don’t rush it! Each piece should be evenly coated, making sure that every bite of your Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet is bursting with taste.
Step 2: Sauté the Potatoes
In your favorite large skillet, heat up a tablespoon each of olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Arrange the halved potatoes cut side down in the skillet for maximum crispiness. Season with salt and pepper, and cook for 6 to 8 minutes—don’t forget to give them an occasional gentle turn. You’re after golden-brown perfection and nearly tender centers here, which sets the tone for every bite. Once they’re ready, transfer them to a plate and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Add the rest of your olive oil to the same skillet, and then toss in your seasoned chicken. The pan will sizzle and soon fill your kitchen with delicious aromas. Let the chicken cook for 5 to 7 minutes, turning as needed to get an even, golden sear and making sure it’s cooked all the way through. These savory morsels will soon become the star of your Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet.
Step 4: Infuse Everything with Garlic Butter
Now, make some space in the skillet by pushing the chicken to one side. Drop in the remaining butter and let it melt, then add the minced garlic. Stir the garlic around for about 30 seconds until fragrance fills the air—this is when the magic happens. Finally, bring the golden potatoes back into the skillet and toss everything together, letting the flavors soak in for another 2 or 3 minutes while everything finishes heating through.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Your Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet is almost ready for its grand entrance! Take the pan off the heat, sprinkle over a shower of fresh parsley, and serve with lemon wedges on the side. Get ready for smiling faces at the table—dinner is served!
How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley does more than add color—it brings freshness that lifts the richness of garlic butter. For extra zing, serve with lemon wedges and let everyone squeeze their own over the skillet just before digging in. Craving a touch more flavor? A dusting of cracked black pepper never goes amiss.
Side Dishes
The beauty of Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet is that it’s practically a complete meal in itself! But if you want to round it out, serve it with a crisp green salad, garlicky sautéed spinach, or steamed green beans. Warm, buttered dinner rolls are also heavenly for soaking up that leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the skillet family-style in the center of the table for a rustic, inviting vibe. For a dinner party, plate the chicken and potatoes on a large platter, scatter parsley and lemon wedges over the top, and let guests help themselves. You can also portion everything into individual bowls—each topped with a squeeze of lemon and a parsley sprinkle—for an easy, crowd-pleasing meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftover Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch just as fabulous as tonight’s dinner.
Freezing
This skillet dinner is freezer-friendly, though the potatoes may soften slightly upon thawing. Let the mixture cool completely, then pack into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. Store for up to 2 months—just be sure to label and date!
Reheating
You can reheat Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. For best texture, reheat in the pan with a splash of water or extra butter to keep everything moist and flavorful.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Both chicken breasts and thighs work beautifully here. Thighs are juicier and a bit more forgiving, but if you prefer leaner white meat, just be careful not to overcook it so it stays tender.
Are there other vegetables I can add?
Definitely! Chopped green beans, spinach, or even broccoli florets can go right into the skillet for extra color and nutrients. Just add heartier veggies with the potatoes and tender greens toward the end so they wilt but don’t overcook.
Can I make Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet dairy-free?
Yes, you can swap out the butter for your favorite dairy-free alternative or use extra olive oil. While traditional butter adds classic flavor, plant-based butters can still give you that delicious richness.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It is! All the ingredients in Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check any seasonings you buy, as some spice blends may contain hidden gluten.
How do I keep the potatoes crispy when reheating?
For the crispiest results, reheat the potatoes in a hot skillet with a little extra oil. They’ll regain some of their golden edges, making your leftovers just as tempting as the first serving.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, after trying Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet just once, it’s sure to become a staple in your weeknight dinner rotation. The flavor, ease, and heartiness are impossible to resist—and you get all of that with hardly any cleanup. Give it a whirl and get ready for rave reviews around your table!
PrintGarlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet Recipe
This Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet is a delicious one-pan meal that is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner. Tender chicken pieces and golden baby potatoes are cooked in a flavorful garlic butter sauce, creating a satisfying dish that the whole family will love.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks
Potatoes:
- 1 pound baby potatoes, halved
Seasonings:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Additional:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- Lemon wedges for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken and Potatoes: In a large bowl, toss chicken with Italian seasoning, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Cook Potatoes: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet. Cook halved baby potatoes cut side down until golden and nearly tender. Remove and set aside.
- Cook Chicken: In the same skillet, cook seasoned chicken until browned and cooked through. Push chicken to one side.
- Make Garlic Butter Sauce: Add remaining olive oil and butter to the skillet. Cook garlic in butter, then return potatoes to the skillet. Toss to coat in the garlic butter.
- Combine and Serve: Cook everything together, garnish with parsley, and serve with lemon wedges if desired.
Notes
- You can add chopped green beans or spinach for a complete one-pan meal.
- Swap chicken thighs for breast or shrimp for a variation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 390mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 125mg