When you’re looking for a simple, delicious, and satisfying one-pan meal, Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet is the ultimate go-to dish. This recipe combines juicy, golden-brown chicken, crispy potatoes, and a luscious garlic butter sauce to create a flavorful and hearty meal. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a crowd-pleasing dinner with minimal cleanup.
The magic of this dish lies in the combination of crispy seared chicken, tender potatoes, and the rich, aromatic flavor of garlic butter. With just a handful of pantry staples, you’ll have a meal that feels fancy enough for company but is easy enough for any day of the week. Let’s get cooking our Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet!
Ingredients
the Chicken and Potatoes:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or chicken breasts, halved if thick)
- 1 lb baby potatoes, halved or quartered if large
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 3 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Garnish:
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
1: Prepare the Chicken
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and a pinch of chili flakes if using.
- Heat the Skillet: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
2: Sear the Chicken
- Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken thighs to the hot skillet, skin-side down if applicable. Sear for 4–5 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
- Set Aside: Transfer the chicken to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.
3: Cook the Potatoes
- Add Oil to the Skillet: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter. Allow the butter to melt and foam.
- Cook the Potatoes: Add the halved potatoes to the skillet, cut-side down. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary.
- Cover and Cook: Cover the skillet with a lid and cook the potatoes for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are tender and golden brown. Remove the lid in the last few minutes for extra crispiness.
4: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
- Create the Sauce: Push the potatoes to one side of the skillet. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the empty space, along with the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for 1–2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Combine Everything: Toss the potatoes in the garlic butter to coat them evenly.
5: Finish the Dish
- Return the Chicken: Nestle the seared chicken back into the skillet among the potatoes. Spoon some of the garlic butter over the chicken for added flavor.
- Heat Through: Reduce the heat to low and cook for 2–3 minutes, just to warm the chicken through and allow the flavors to meld.
6: Serve
- Garnish and Plate: Sprinkle the dish with fresh parsley and serve immediately. Pair with lemon wedges for a zesty finish. Enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes
- Use Cast Iron: A cast-iron skillet is ideal for this recipe as it retains heat well and creates a beautiful sear on the chicken and potatoes.
- Cut Potatoes Evenly: Slice the potatoes into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. Smaller pieces cook faster and crisp up more.
- Rest the Chicken: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after searing to retain its juices.
- Adjust Seasonings: Add more garlic, chili flakes, or even a splash of white wine to the butter sauce for extra flavor.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerator:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until heated through.
Freezer:
While the dish is best fresh, you can freeze cooked chicken and potatoes separately for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
Variations
- Herb Swap: Use fresh herbs like sage or oregano instead of dried thyme and rosemary for a different flavor profile.
- Vegetable Add-Ins: Add green beans, carrots, or asparagus during the last few minutes of cooking for a veggie-packed skillet.
- Cheesy Twist: Sprinkle shredded Parmesan or Gruyère cheese over the potatoes just before serving for a creamy, cheesy finish.
- Spicy Style: Incorporate cayenne pepper or more chili flakes for a spicy kick.
- Lemon Butter Chicken: Add the juice of half a lemon to the garlic butter sauce for a tangy, citrusy variation.
Nutrition Details
- Serving Size: 1 portion (1 chicken thigh + potatoes)
- Calories: 430
- Protein: 26g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
Note: Nutrition values may vary depending on the ingredients used.
FAQ
Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
A: Yes, chicken breasts work well! Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as breasts can cook faster than thighs, especially if they’re thin.
Q: Do I have to boil the potatoes first?
A: No need! Cooking the potatoes directly in the skillet saves time and keeps them flavorful, thanks to the seasonings and butter.
Q: Can I make this dish dairy-free?
A: Absolutely. Substitute the butter with a plant-based butter or olive oil for a dairy-free version.
Q: What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
A: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent drying out.
Q: Can I add a sauce or gravy?
A: While the garlic butter sauce is already delicious, you can drizzle some chicken gravy or a cream-based sauce for an extra indulgent touch.