If you’re craving a dish that combines comfort food with a touch of elegance, the Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet Recipe is your new go-to. It’s the perfect balance of juicy, flavorful chicken cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce with tender, golden baby potatoes that soak up every bit of goodness. This dish turns a simple skillet meal into a memorable feast that’s both easy to prepare and impressive enough for any dinner occasion. Once you try this, it’ll feel like an instant classic in your rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key to nailing the rich flavors and textures of the Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet Recipe. Each component plays its role, from the buttery smoothness to the aromatic punch and the comforting heartiness of potatoes and chicken.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs: These provide tender, juicy meat that absorbs flavors beautifully.
- 1 lb baby potatoes, quartered: Their creamy centers and crispy exteriors add delightful texture.
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided: Butter is the star here, bringing richness and that signature garlic butter flavor.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic lends an irresistible aroma and depth.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Classic herbs that elevate the savory profile of the dish.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds warmth and a subtle smokiness to the chicken.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps to crisp the potatoes and prevents sticking.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): A bright, fresh finish that lifts the entire dish visually and flavor-wise.
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Begin by seasoning your chicken thighs generously with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. This simple blend helps build layers of flavor right from the start and ensures every bite is packed with seasoning. Letting the chicken rest briefly after seasoning allows those spices to mingle wonderfully with the meat.
Step 2: Cook the Potatoes
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. When hot, add the quartered baby potatoes. Cooking them until golden and tender usually takes about 10 to 12 minutes. They’ll develop a beautifully crisp exterior while staying creamy inside, making that texture contrast unforgettable. Once ready, set them aside—don’t wash the pan as the flavorful bits will enhance what comes next.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Using the same skillet, melt the remaining butter and add the seasoned chicken thighs. Cook them for 6 to 7 minutes per side until each piece is golden brown and fully cooked through. This method sears the chicken perfectly, locking in juices while developing a slight crust that contrasts against the tender interior.
Step 4: Sauté the Garlic
Next up, add the minced garlic directly to the skillet with the flavorful drippings. Sauté it for 1 to 2 minutes until it’s fragrant and slightly softened. This step releases the garlic’s essential oils, creating the unmistakable aroma that gives the garlic butter sauce its depth.
Step 5: Combine and Simmer
Return the cooked potatoes and chicken to the skillet, tossing them gently in the garlic butter sauce to coat evenly. Let everything cook together for an additional 2 to 3 minutes so the flavors meld perfectly. This final step ensures every bite bursts with garlic, butter, and seasoning harmony.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finish off by sprinkling freshly chopped parsley over the skillet. Beyond adding a pop of color, the parsley’s brightness cuts through the richness, balancing the flavors while making the presentation inviting and homey.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is your best friend for garnishing this dish – its green vibrancy and subtle herbaceous notes brighten the plate and palate alike. Feel free to experiment with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for an extra flavor boost and a visually appealing finish.
Side Dishes
This Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet Recipe is wonderfully complete on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or roasted seasonal vegetables adds freshness and colorful contrast, giving a well-rounded meal that satisfies every craving. A crusty loaf of bread is also fantastic for soaking up that buttery sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the chicken and potatoes over creamy polenta or alongside buttery mashed cauliflower for a low-carb option. You can also use this skillet as a vibrant centerpiece, placing it right on the table to encourage family-style sharing and casual conversation – perfect for cozy weekend dinners.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers from the Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet Recipe keep well when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just be sure to cool the dish before sealing the container to maintain freshness.
Freezing
If you want to save portions for longer, this dish freezes nicely. Transfer cooled leftovers into a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty zip bag. It will keep well for up to 2 months. When planning ahead, freezing is a great way to have this comforting meal ready in a snap.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the skillet meal gently on the stove over medium heat or microwave in a microwave-safe dish until heated through. Adding a small splash of water or broth during reheating helps prevent dryness, keeping the chicken and potatoes moist and flavorful.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! While chicken thighs tend to stay juicier and more flavorful, boneless skinless chicken breasts can be used. Just be careful not to overcook them so they don’t dry out. Adjust cooking times accordingly, usually 4 to 5 minutes per side.
What can I substitute for baby potatoes?
You can swap baby potatoes for red or Yukon gold potatoes cut into small cubes. Just make sure the pieces are uniform so they cook evenly and finish tender and golden.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet Recipe is naturally gluten-free as written. Just double-check any seasoning blends or packaged ingredients to ensure they don’t contain hidden gluten.
Can I add other vegetables to the skillet?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in vegetables like green beans, asparagus, or bell peppers when returning the chicken and potatoes to the skillet. Just keep in mind their cooking times so everything finishes perfectly together.
How do I get the potatoes extra crispy?
For crispier potatoes, make sure to dry them thoroughly before cooking, and don’t overcrowd the skillet. Cooking over medium heat and giving them space to brown without stirring too often helps create that lovely crisp texture.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give the Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet Recipe a chance to become one of your treasured go-to meals. This dinner has all the cozy, indulgent vibes you want on a busy weeknight or a relaxing weekend. With such easy steps and straightforward ingredients, you’re set up for a winning dish that always brings smiles to the table. Enjoy every buttery, garlicky bite!
Print
Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet recipe features tender, juicy chicken thighs and golden, crispy baby potatoes all cooked together in a rich garlic butter sauce. Infused with Italian seasoning and paprika, and finished with fresh parsley, this one-pan meal is both comforting and flavorful, perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for cooking chicken)
Potatoes
- 1 lb baby potatoes, quartered
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for cooking potatoes)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Sauce & Garnish
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (for garlic butter sauce)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: In a bowl, thoroughly season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
- Cook the Potatoes: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the quartered baby potatoes and cook for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and tender. Remove the potatoes from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the seasoned chicken thighs and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until they develop a golden crust and are cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Combine and Finish: Return the cooked potatoes and chicken to the skillet. Toss everything together in the garlic butter and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the dish for a burst of color and freshness. Serve the skillet hot for a delicious and hearty meal.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts if preferred, but adjust cooking time accordingly.
- For extra crispy potatoes, parboil them for 5 minutes before sautéing.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving to brighten the flavors.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
