Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Recipe

Introduction

Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes is the epitome of comfort food, combining tender chicken with perfectly roasted potatoes, all enveloped in a rich and savory garlic butter sauce. This one-pan meal is not only incredibly flavorful but also incredibly easy to prepare, making it a fantastic option for a weeknight dinner or a special weekend meal. With its delicious blend of garlic, butter, and aromatic herbs, every bite of this dish is full of mouthwatering flavors.

The combination of juicy, flavorful chicken and crispy, golden-brown potatoes makes this dish a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting friends for dinner, or simply indulging in a cozy meal at home, Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes delivers both convenience and deliciousness in every bite. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to make this easy recipe, share helpful tips for perfecting the flavors, and suggest fun variations to explore.

Why You’ll Love Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes

• Rich, Savory Flavor: The garlic butter sauce that coats the chicken and potatoes is packed with savory goodness. The butter provides richness, while the garlic and herbs infuse the dish with a deep, aromatic flavor that’s hard to resist.
• One-Pan Meal: This recipe is not only delicious but also convenient. All you need is one pan to cook everything, reducing cleanup time and making it an ideal meal for busy nights.
• Perfectly Balanced: With a combination of tender chicken, crispy potatoes, and aromatic herbs, this dish offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors, making it both satisfying and hearty.
• Quick and Easy: While the flavors are complex, the preparation is simple and quick. You don’t need any advanced cooking skills to make this dish, which makes it perfect for beginner cooks or anyone looking for a hassle-free yet impressive meal.
• Customizable: This recipe is highly versatile. You can swap out the potatoes for another vegetable, adjust the level of garlic, or even change the seasoning to suit your tastes. It’s an easy dish to make your own!

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 45-50 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10-15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
• Servings: Approximately 4 servings
• Calories per Serving: Around 400-450 calories per serving, depending on the portion sizes and ingredients.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 400-450 kcal
• Fat: 20-25g
• Carbohydrates: 30-35g
• Protein: 30-35g
• Fiber: 3-4g
• Sugar: 3-5g (from the potatoes and garlic butter)

Ingredients

For the Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs, if preferred)
• 1 ½ pounds baby potatoes (Yukon Gold or red potatoes work best)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme)
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (or 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For the Garlic Butter Sauce:

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional)
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, for added flavor)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Potatoes

Start by preparing the potatoes. Wash and scrub them well to remove any dirt. Cut the potatoes into halves or quarters, depending on their size, so they cook evenly. If you’re using baby potatoes, halving them will help them cook faster and get more crispy on the outside.

Toss the cut potatoes in a bowl with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, and half of the dried thyme and rosemary. Make sure the potatoes are evenly coated with the oil and seasoning.

2. Prepare the Chicken

While the potatoes are being prepared, season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, the remaining dried thyme, and rosemary. If you want extra flavor, you can rub the chicken with olive oil, which will help the seasoning stick and ensure a beautiful golden crust when it’s cooked.

3. Cook the Potatoes

Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned potatoes to the skillet in a single layer, making sure they aren’t overcrowded. Cook the potatoes for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to brown and soften. You want the potatoes to develop a nice golden color and a slightly crispy exterior.

Once the potatoes are cooked and golden, remove them from the skillet and set them aside. You’ll finish cooking them later with the chicken.

4. Cook the Chicken

In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil and heat it over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). If the chicken breasts are thick, you may need to cook them for a few extra minutes.

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside to rest for a few minutes. Resting the chicken helps it retain its juices, keeping it moist and tender.

5. Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce

While the chicken is resting, you can prepare the garlic butter sauce. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until the garlic becomes fragrant but doesn’t burn. Be sure to stir the garlic frequently to avoid burning it.

Once the garlic is softened, stir in the fresh lemon juice (if using) and Dijon mustard (optional). Let the sauce simmer for another 1-2 minutes to let the flavors meld together. Season the garlic butter sauce with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Combine Chicken, Potatoes, and Garlic Butter

Once the garlic butter sauce is ready, return the cooked potatoes to the skillet, stirring to coat them in the sauce. Nestle the chicken breasts back into the skillet with the potatoes. Spoon some of the garlic butter sauce over the chicken and potatoes, allowing everything to absorb the flavors.

At this point, you can cover the skillet with a lid and let everything simmer for 5-10 minutes, or you can place the skillet in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the potatoes are tender. The potatoes should become crispy on the edges, while the chicken will remain juicy and tender.

7. Garnish and Serve

Once everything is cooked through, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve the Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes immediately, making sure to drizzle some of the garlic butter sauce over the top of each serving for extra flavor.

Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes

• Choose the Right Potatoes: Baby potatoes, Yukon Gold, or red potatoes work best for this recipe. Their creamy texture and ability to crisp up when roasted make them the ideal choice for this dish.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When cooking the potatoes, make sure they are in a single layer. If the pan is overcrowded, the potatoes will steam instead of crisping up, and you won’t get that delicious golden-brown exterior.
• Let the Chicken Rest: After cooking the chicken, allow it to rest for a few minutes before cutting into it. This helps the juices redistribute, making the chicken more tender and flavorful.
• Adjust the Seasoning: You can easily adjust the seasoning to suit your taste. Add more garlic, herbs, or lemon juice to enhance the flavor of the garlic butter sauce.
• Use Fresh Herbs: If possible, use fresh thyme and rosemary in place of dried herbs. Fresh herbs add a more vibrant flavor to the dish, making it even more aromatic and flavorful.

Variations of Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes

• Garlic Butter Chicken and Vegetables: If you want to add some extra veggies, you can toss in some carrots, bell peppers, or green beans along with the potatoes. They’ll roast beautifully in the garlic butter sauce and complement the chicken perfectly.
• Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some chopped fresh chili peppers to the garlic butter sauce for a bit of heat. The spicy kick will balance nicely with the richness of the butter and the savory chicken.
• Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes: For a zesty twist, add more fresh lemon juice and zest to the garlic butter sauce. This will give the dish a bright, citrusy flavor that contrasts nicely with the richness of the butter.
• Garlic Butter Chicken with Sweet Potatoes: For a different take, swap out the baby potatoes for sweet potatoes. The natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes pairs wonderfully with the savory garlic butter sauce.
• Herb-Infused Garlic Butter: Experiment with different herbs such as sage, tarragon, or oregano to give your garlic butter sauce a unique flavor profile. Each herb adds a different depth to the dish.

Storage and Shelf Life

Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored for later. Once the dish has cooled to room temperature, transfer the leftovers to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat, place the chicken and potatoes in a skillet over medium heat with a little extra butter or oil. Cover the pan and cook for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual servings for 1-2 minutes or until warm.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes

While Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes is a complete meal on its own, pairing it with some sides can elevate the experience even more:

• Steamed or Roasted Vegetables: A side of steamed broccoli, green beans, or roasted Brussels sprouts adds a nice balance to the rich flavors of the garlic butter.
• Green Salad: A light, refreshing green salad with a vinaigrette dressing can cut through the richness of the chicken and potatoes, providing a nice contrast.
• Garlic Bread: For even more garlic goodness, serve this dish with some crispy garlic bread to soak up the extra butter sauce.
• Rice or Couscous: If you prefer a carb side other than potatoes, a fluffy bowl of rice or couscous makes a great accompaniment.
• Wine Pairing: This dish pairs wonderfully with a glass of white wine, such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, which complements the richness of the garlic butter sauce.

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Conclusion

Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes is a simple yet indulgent dish that delivers on both flavor and comfort. With its rich garlic butter sauce, tender chicken, and crispy potatoes, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or preparing a special meal for guests, this one-pan dish is easy to make and packed with savory goodness.

With the right balance of seasonings, a few easy-to-follow steps, and the option for endless variations, Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes is a versatile recipe that can be customized to fit any occasion. Enjoy the warm, buttery goodness, and savor every bite of this comforting, flavorful dish!