If you’re looking for a quick, easy, and flavorful meal, garlic butter chicken and potatoes skillet is the perfect dish. With juicy, golden-brown chicken and crispy, buttery potatoes, this one-pan recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor without the hassle of multiple pots and pans.
Cooking everything in a skillet allows the ingredients to soak up the rich garlic butter sauce, creating a comforting and satisfying meal. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner for the family or a hearty meal for meal prep, this dish checks all the boxes—it’s simple, delicious, and filling.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about making the perfect garlic butter chicken and potatoes skillet. From choosing the best ingredients to mastering the cooking technique, you’ll be able to recreate this classic comfort dish at home with ease.
Ingredients for Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes
Essential Ingredients for the Dish
To make this meal, you only need a few basic ingredients:
- Chicken – Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best.
- Potatoes – Baby potatoes, Yukon Gold, or red potatoes for a creamy texture.
- Butter – Unsalted butter adds richness and helps create the garlic sauce.
- Garlic – Fresh minced garlic is key for maximum flavor.
- Olive Oil – Helps sear the chicken and potatoes to a golden brown.
- Chicken Broth – Adds moisture and depth to the sauce.
- Seasonings – Salt, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning for balance.
- Fresh Herbs – Parsley or thyme for garnish and extra freshness.
Optional Add-Ins for Extra Flavor
Want to customize your dish? Here are some delicious add-ins:
- Parmesan Cheese – Sprinkle on top for a cheesy, savory finish.
- Chili Flakes – Adds a bit of heat for those who love spice.
- Lemon Juice – A squeeze of fresh lemon brightens up the flavors.
- Vegetables – Bell peppers, green beans, or asparagus add extra nutrition.
With these ingredients, you’ll have everything you need to create an incredibly flavorful and satisfying meal.
Choosing the Best Chicken and Potatoes
Selecting the right ingredients is key to making the perfect garlic butter chicken and potatoes skillet. The type of chicken and potatoes you use will impact the texture, flavor, and overall success of the dish.
Best Cuts of Chicken for Skillet Cooking
When cooking chicken in a skillet, you want a cut that stays juicy and develops a beautiful golden-brown sear. Here are the best options:
1. Chicken Thighs (Best for Juiciness & Flavor)
- Pros: Naturally more flavorful and tender due to a higher fat content.
- Best choice: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs cook quickly and absorb the garlic butter sauce beautifully.
- Cooking tip: If using bone-in thighs, increase cooking time and sear the skin side first for a crispy texture.
2. Chicken Breasts (Best for Leaner Meals)
- Pros: Lean, high in protein, and cooks quickly.
- Best choice: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into smaller pieces to cook evenly.
- Cooking tip: Be careful not to overcook, as chicken breasts can dry out quickly in a skillet.
3. Chicken Drumsticks (Great for Extra Flavor)
- Pros: Budget-friendly and flavorful.
- Cooking tip: Sear drumsticks on all sides, then finish cooking with a lid to ensure they cook through without burning.
Pro Tip: If you want ultra-tender chicken, marinate it in olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
Best Potatoes for a Crispy, Buttery Texture
The right type of potato will give you a crispy outside and a soft, fluffy inside. Here are the best options:
1. Baby Potatoes (Best for Quick Cooking & Creamy Texture)
- Pros: Naturally buttery, cook quickly, and hold their shape well.
- Cooking tip: Cut them in half to ensure they cook evenly in the skillet.
2. Yukon Gold Potatoes (Best for a Soft Inside & Crispy Outside)
- Pros: Rich, creamy texture with a thin skin that crisps up beautifully.
- Cooking tip: Dice them into 1-inch cubes for even cooking.
3. Red Potatoes (Best for Holding Their Shape)
- Pros: Slightly firmer than Yukon Gold, perfect for crispy skillet cooking.
- Cooking tip: Avoid peeling red potatoes—keeping the skin on adds flavor and texture.
4. Russet Potatoes (Best for Crispy Skillet Fries)
- Pros: High starch content makes them extra crispy when fried.
- Cooking tip: Soak russet potato cubes in water for 10-15 minutes before cooking to remove excess starch and get a crispier texture.
Pro Tip: To get extra crispy potatoes, make sure they are completely dry before adding them to the skillet!
By choosing the right chicken and potatoes, you’ll set yourself up for success in making a flavorful, golden-brown skillet meal.
Choosing the Best Chicken and Potatoes
Selecting the right ingredients is key to making the perfect garlic butter chicken and potatoes skillet. The type of chicken and potatoes you use will impact the texture, flavor, and overall success of the dish.
Best Cuts of Chicken for Skillet Cooking
When cooking chicken in a skillet, you want a cut that stays juicy and develops a beautiful golden-brown sear. Here are the best options:
1. Chicken Thighs (Best for Juiciness & Flavor)
- Pros: Naturally more flavorful and tender due to a higher fat content.
- Best choice: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs cook quickly and absorb the garlic butter sauce beautifully.
- Cooking tip: If using bone-in thighs, increase cooking time and sear the skin side first for a crispy texture.
2. Chicken Breasts (Best for Leaner Meals)
- Pros: Lean, high in protein, and cooks quickly.
- Best choice: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into smaller pieces to cook evenly.
- Cooking tip: Be careful not to overcook, as chicken breasts can dry out quickly in a skillet.
3. Chicken Drumsticks (Great for Extra Flavor)
- Pros: Budget-friendly and flavorful.
- Cooking tip: Sear drumsticks on all sides, then finish cooking with a lid to ensure they cook through without burning.
Pro Tip: If you want ultra-tender chicken, marinate it in olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
Best Potatoes for a Crispy, Buttery Texture
The right type of potato will give you a crispy outside and a soft, fluffy inside. Here are the best options:
1. Baby Potatoes (Best for Quick Cooking & Creamy Texture)
- Pros: Naturally buttery, cook quickly, and hold their shape well.
- Cooking tip: Cut them in half to ensure they cook evenly in the skillet.
2. Yukon Gold Potatoes (Best for a Soft Inside & Crispy Outside)
- Pros: Rich, creamy texture with a thin skin that crisps up beautifully.
- Cooking tip: Dice them into 1-inch cubes for even cooking.
3. Red Potatoes (Best for Holding Their Shape)
- Pros: Slightly firmer than Yukon Gold, perfect for crispy skillet cooking.
- Cooking tip: Avoid peeling red potatoes—keeping the skin on adds flavor and texture.
4. Russet Potatoes (Best for Crispy Skillet Fries)
- Pros: High starch content makes them extra crispy when fried.
- Cooking tip: Soak russet potato cubes in water for 10-15 minutes before cooking to remove excess starch and get a crispier texture.
Pro Tip: To get extra crispy potatoes, make sure they are completely dry before adding them to the skillet!
By choosing the right chicken and potatoes, you’ll set yourself up for success in making a flavorful, golden-brown skillet meal.
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet
Now that you’ve chosen the best chicken and potatoes, it’s time to cook! This one-pan recipe is simple and packed with flavor, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Below is a step-by-step guide to achieving golden-brown, crispy potatoes and juicy, flavorful chicken in a rich garlic butter sauce.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
✅ Chicken – Pat dry and season with salt, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. If using chicken breasts, slice them into smaller pieces for even cooking.
✅ Potatoes – Wash, dry, and cut into halves or cubes (about 1-inch pieces). For crispier potatoes, let them soak in cold water for 10-15 minutes, then dry completely.
✅ Garlic Butter Sauce – Melt butter and mix with minced garlic, fresh herbs (like parsley or thyme), and a splash of chicken broth.
Step 2: Sear the Potatoes
1️⃣ Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2️⃣ Add the potatoes in a single layer (cut-side down) and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy.
3️⃣ Remove the potatoes from the pan and set aside.
Pro Tip: Avoid overcrowding the pan—this helps the potatoes get crispy instead of steaming!
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
1️⃣ In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of butter and place the seasoned chicken in the pan.
2️⃣ Sear for 5-6 minutes per side (for thighs) or 4-5 minutes per side (for smaller breast pieces) until golden brown and cooked through.
3️⃣ Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
Pro Tip: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to retain its juices!
Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
1️⃣ In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons of butter.
2️⃣ Add 4-5 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3️⃣ Stir in ¼ cup of chicken broth and scrape up the browned bits from the pan for extra flavor.
4️⃣ Simmer for 1-2 minutes, then add the potatoes and chicken back to the skillet.
Step 5: Combine Everything & Serve
1️⃣ Toss the chicken and potatoes in the garlic butter sauce, ensuring everything is well coated.
2️⃣ Let everything cook together for 2-3 minutes to absorb the flavors.
3️⃣ Garnish with fresh parsley, grated Parmesan (optional), and a squeeze of lemon juice for a bright finish.
✅ Serve hot with your favorite side dishes or enjoy on its own!
Tips for Achieving Crispy Potatoes & Juicy Chicken
🔥 High heat first, then lower: Sear the chicken and potatoes at a high temperature, then reduce the heat to finish cooking without burning.
💦 Don’t stir too often: Let the potatoes and chicken develop a golden crust before flipping.
🧈 Use real butter: This gives the dish its rich, garlicky flavor—don’t substitute with margarine!
🥄 Deglaze the pan: Adding chicken broth helps lift the flavorful browned bits, making the sauce even tastier.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use boneless chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work well in this recipe, but they cook faster than thighs. To prevent dryness, slice them into even pieces and avoid overcooking. If possible, marinate them in olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice for extra juiciness.
2. How do I store and reheat leftovers?
- Storage: Let the dish cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of chicken broth or butter to keep it moist. You can also microwave it for 1-2 minutes, but the potatoes may lose their crispiness.
3. Can I make this recipe in the oven?
Absolutely! To bake it:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Arrange seasoned chicken and potatoes in a baking dish.
- Drizzle with olive oil and bake for 30-35 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- In the last 5 minutes, brush with garlic butter for extra flavor.
4. What other vegetables can I add?
To make it a more balanced meal, try adding:
- Bell peppers – Sweet and colorful addition.
- Asparagus – Cooks quickly and pairs well with garlic butter.
- Green beans – Adds crunch and freshness.
- Mushrooms – Absorbs the garlic butter flavor beautifully.
5. Can I make this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes! Simply replace the potatoes with cauliflower, zucchini, or broccoli for a low-carb version. The garlic butter sauce will still add plenty of flavor!
6. What’s the best skillet to use for this recipe?
A cast-iron skillet is the best choice because it retains heat well, giving the chicken and potatoes a great sear. However, a stainless steel or nonstick skillet will also work—just make sure it’s large enough to avoid overcrowding.
Conclusion
Garlic butter chicken and potatoes skillet is the ultimate one-pan comfort meal, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. With crispy, golden-brown potatoes, juicy, flavorful chicken, and a rich garlic butter sauce, this dish is both simple to make and incredibly satisfying.
What makes this recipe so great is its versatility—you can switch up the seasonings, add vegetables, or even bake it in the oven. Plus, it’s an easy cleanup meal since everything cooks in just one skillet!
If you’re looking for a quick, hearty, and delicious dish that the whole family will love, give this garlic butter chicken and potatoes skillet a try. With just a few ingredients and some simple cooking techniques, you can create a restaurant-quality meal right at home.
Enjoy, and happy cooking! 🍽️😊