If you're looking for a comforting, flavorful, and easy-to-make meal, this Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet recipe is just what you need. Juicy chicken, crispy potatoes, and aromatic garlic butter come together to create a one-pan dish that's perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend meal. Stick around and read the full article to discover everything from ingredients to presentation tips, along with common mistakes to avoid. This delicious, simple, and crowd-pleasing recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home!
What Is Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet?
Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet is a one-pan meal that combines tender chicken and crispy potatoes with a rich and savory garlic butter sauce. It’s a dish that hits all the right notes—flavorful, easy to make, and filling. The buttery garlic sauce ties everything together, coating both the chicken and potatoes in a luscious, aromatic glaze. With just one skillet, minimal cleanup, and maximum flavor, this dish is a go-to for home cooks who want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients List for Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet
To make this delicious skillet recipe, you'll need the following ingredients. Each one adds depth of flavor and texture to the dish:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts – Thighs are preferred for juiciness, but breasts work if you prefer leaner meat.
- 1 lb (about 4 medium) Yukon Gold or baby potatoes – Yukon Golds are ideal because they get crispy while staying creamy on the inside.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter – The butter is the base of the rich sauce, so opt for high-quality butter if you can.
- 6 cloves garlic, minced – Garlic is the star of this dish, giving it bold flavor and an irresistible aroma.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – This helps with browning the chicken and potatoes.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme – Adds an earthy depth to the dish.
- 1 teaspoon paprika – For a touch of warmth and color.
- 1 teaspoon salt – Adjust to taste.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper – Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
- ½ cup chicken broth – This adds moisture and helps the sauce come together.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional) – For garnish and a pop of color.
Substitutions and Variations
There’s plenty of room to customize this recipe to your liking. Here are some easy substitutions and variations you can try:
- Chicken Options: If you don’t have chicken thighs, chicken breasts or even drumsticks will work. Keep in mind that breasts are leaner and may require less cooking time.
- Potato Varieties: Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal, but you can substitute red potatoes or fingerling potatoes. Just make sure to cut them into uniform sizes for even cooking.
- Butter Alternatives: For a dairy-free option, use a plant-based butter substitute or olive oil instead of regular butter.
- Herbs: Feel free to swap thyme for rosemary or oregano. Fresh herbs work wonderfully, but dried herbs are convenient and flavor-packed.
- Garlic Lovers: If you love garlic, feel free to add more cloves, or roast the garlic for a milder, sweeter flavor.
- Vegetables: You can add veggies like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or green beans to make the dish more nutritious and colorful.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

- Prep the Ingredients: Start by mincing the garlic, chopping the parsley, and cutting the potatoes into quarters (or halves if using baby potatoes). Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel to ensure a nice sear.
- Season the Chicken: Rub the chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. Make sure to coat both sides evenly.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken thighs, skin-side down if you’re using thighs with skin. Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Cook the Potatoes: In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of butter and melt it over medium heat. Add the potatoes, cut side down, and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are crispy and golden on the outside and tender on the inside.
- Add Garlic and Broth: Once the potatoes are cooked, lower the heat to medium-low and add the minced garlic to the skillet. Stir for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic. Then, add ½ cup of chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom.
- Finish Cooking the Chicken: Nestle the cooked chicken thighs back into the skillet, along with any accumulated juices. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter on top of the chicken and potatoes. Cover the skillet and let everything simmer for an additional 8-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to cook through completely.
- Garnish: Once the chicken is fully cooked (the internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C), remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
How to Cook Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Brown the Chicken: This step is crucial for developing flavor. Be patient and let the chicken thighs develop a deep golden crust.
- Crisp the Potatoes: The secret to perfectly crispy potatoes is to let them sit undisturbed for a few minutes before turning them.
- Add Garlic and Butter at the End: To prevent the garlic from burning and becoming bitter, add it towards the end of cooking.
- Simmer for Flavor: Let the chicken and potatoes simmer in the broth and butter mixture to absorb all the flavors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not Searing the Chicken Properly: Failing to get a good sear on the chicken can result in less flavor. Make sure the skillet is hot before adding the chicken, and don’t overcrowd the pan.
- Overcooking the Chicken: Chicken thighs are forgiving, but if you’re using breasts, be careful not to overcook them, as they can dry out quickly.
- Burning the Garlic: Garlic burns easily and can turn bitter. Add it to the skillet once the heat is lowered, and stir continuously until fragrant.
- Undercooked Potatoes: Ensure the potatoes are cut evenly and cook them long enough to become tender inside and crispy outside.
Serving and Presentation Tips
How you serve and present your dish can elevate the overall dining experience. Here are a few tips:
- Serve in the Skillet: Since this is a rustic one-pan dish, you can serve it directly in the skillet for a family-style presentation. It keeps the meal warm and looks great at the center of the table.
- Use a Wooden Board: Place the skillet on a large wooden cutting board for a rustic, farmhouse-style presentation.
- Garnish Generously: Don’t forget the chopped parsley—it adds a pop of green that contrasts beautifully with the golden chicken and potatoes.
- Add Lemon Slices: For a burst of freshness, serve with lemon wedges on the side. A squeeze of lemon juice over the dish just before serving can brighten up the flavors.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes
This dish is hearty and can easily stand alone, but if you’re serving a larger group or want to round out the meal, here are a few ideas:
- With a Simple Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the garlic butter sauce.
- Crusty Bread: Serve with some crusty bread to soak up the extra garlic butter sauce.
- Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli or green beans make great sides to add more vegetables to the meal.
- Rice or Quinoa: For an extra carb option, serve this dish over a bed of rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious sauce.
Presentation Ideas for Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes
- Family-Style Skillet: Serve the entire dish in the skillet and garnish with parsley and lemon wedges.
- Individual Plates: Plate each serving individually with a few sprigs of fresh herbs and a drizzle of extra garlic butter sauce.
- Garnished with Microgreens: If you’re looking to impress, sprinkle some microgreens or edible flowers over the dish for a gourmet touch.
Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Recipe Tips
- Use a Cast-Iron Skillet: For the best results, use a cast-iron skillet. It retains heat well and creates a perfect sear on both the chicken and potatoes.
- Adjust Spice Levels: If you prefer a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix.
- Double the Sauce: If you're a fan of saucier dishes, feel free to double the butter and broth to create extra sauce for dipping.
- Meal Prep-Friendly: This dish reheats well, making it perfect for meal prep. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the entire dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat in the oven or on the stovetop before serving.
Can I freeze leftovers?
While it’s possible to freeze this dish, the texture of the potatoes may change slightly. If freezing, do so for up to 3 months, and reheat in a skillet or oven for best results.
Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
Yes! Sweet potatoes can be a delicious substitution. Just keep in mind they may cook a bit faster than Yukon Golds.
What can I serve with this dish?
Pair it with a fresh salad, steamed veggies, or a side of crusty bread for a complete meal.
Conclusion
This Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet is the perfect meal for any occasion—whether you’re feeding the family on a weeknight or serving friends for dinner. With its savory garlic butter sauce, crispy potatoes, and juicy chicken, it’s a dish that’s both comforting and impressive. Try out the recipe, customize it to your liking, and don’t forget to share your success with others!
PrintGarlic Butter Chicken And Potatoes Skillet Recipe
This Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet is a hearty one-pan meal featuring tender chicken thighs, crispy potatoes, and a rich garlic butter sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this dish is packed with flavor and simple to make. The combination of garlic, butter, and herbs creates a mouthwatering meal that satisfies the whole family.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- Chicken thighs
- Baby potatoes
- Garlic
- Butter
- Olive oil
- Fresh parsley
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Paprika
- Chicken broth or water
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Add seasoned chicken thighs and cook until browned on both sides, then set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Add potatoes, season with paprika, salt, and pepper, and cook until crispy and tender.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and pour in chicken broth or water. Simmer until chicken is fully cooked.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.
Notes
- For added flavor, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the dish before serving.
- Feel free to substitute boneless chicken breasts or thighs.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 750mg
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