Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet Recipe

Introduction

Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet is the kind of one-pan meal that delivers comfort, flavor, and convenience all in one dish. With juicy, perfectly seasoned chicken, crispy golden potatoes, and a rich garlic butter sauce, this recipe is a family favorite that comes together quickly and easily. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or preparing a weekend dinner, this dish offers the perfect balance of savory goodness and heartwarming flavors.

This all-in-one skillet meal is cooked in one pan, making cleanup a breeze, and the ingredients are simple yet packed with flavor. The garlic butter sauce ties everything together, soaking into the potatoes and chicken, creating an irresistible combination that’s hard to resist. In this guide, you’ll find step-by-step instructions, tips for success, and variations to personalize the recipe to suit your tastes.

Why You’ll Love Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet

• One-Pan Convenience: Everything is cooked in a single skillet, making this dish incredibly easy to prepare and even easier to clean up afterward. The perfect option for busy days.
• Juicy, Flavorful Chicken: The chicken breasts or thighs are seasoned to perfection, pan-seared until golden brown, and then coated in a rich garlic butter sauce, ensuring each bite is packed with flavor.
• Crispy, Tender Potatoes: The potatoes cook perfectly in the same skillet as the chicken, becoming crispy on the outside while staying tender and fluffy on the inside.
• Rich, Garlicky Butter Sauce: The garlic butter sauce brings everything together, infusing the chicken and potatoes with its delicious flavor and ensuring the dish is indulgent and comforting.
• Versatile and Customizable: You can easily make this dish your own by adding different vegetables, changing up the herbs, or using a variety of proteins like chicken thighs or even pork chops.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 500-550 calories per serving, depending on ingredients and portion sizes.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 500-550 kcal
• Fat: 30-35g
• Carbohydrates: 30-35g
• Protein: 35-40g
• Fiber: 3-4g
• Sugar: 3-5g

Ingredients

For the Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for a juicier option)
• 1 pound baby potatoes (halved or quartered, depending on size)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 teaspoon paprika (optional, for color)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• ½ cup chicken broth (or stock)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for a zesty finish)

For the Garlic Butter Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken and Potatoes

Start by preparing the chicken breasts (or thighs). Pat the chicken dry with paper towels, then season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika (if using). For extra flavor, you can also sprinkle the chicken with dried thyme or rosemary. Set the chicken aside.

Next, prepare the potatoes by washing them thoroughly and cutting them into halves or quarters, depending on their size. Make sure the pieces are roughly the same size to ensure even cooking.

2. Cook the Potatoes

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the potatoes to the skillet, cut side down. Season the potatoes with salt, pepper, and a pinch of thyme and rosemary. Let them cook for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden and crispy on the outside but tender on the inside. You can check their tenderness by piercing a piece with a fork. Once cooked, transfer the potatoes to a plate and set them aside.

3. Cook the Chicken

In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and sizzling, add the seasoned chicken breasts. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. If you’re using chicken breasts, make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside with the potatoes.

4. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the garlic from burning. Once the garlic is fragrant, pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. This will add a lot of flavor to the sauce. Allow the broth to simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.

Next, add the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter to the skillet, stirring until it melts into the broth. Add the fresh or dried thyme, and season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Stir to combine, then return the potatoes and chicken to the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over the top.

5. Finish Cooking and Combine

Once the chicken and potatoes are back in the skillet, cover the skillet and let everything simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. If you’d like a richer flavor, add 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice for a zesty finish.

After everything is heated through and the sauce is well-distributed, garnish the dish with fresh parsley before serving.

6. Serve

Serve the garlic butter chicken and potatoes immediately, making sure to spoon some of the delicious garlic butter sauce over both the chicken and the potatoes. This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of vegetables or a simple salad for a well-rounded meal.

Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet

• Use Bone-In, Skin-On Chicken for Extra Flavor: If you prefer more flavor and a crispy skin, opt for bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. They’ll add extra richness to the dish as the skin crisps up in the skillet.
• Don’t Skip the Garlic: The garlic is the star of this dish, so be sure to use fresh garlic and sauté it until fragrant to enhance the overall flavor. You can also add a little extra garlic if you’re a fan of garlic’s bold flavor.
• Cut Potatoes Evenly: To ensure the potatoes cook evenly, try to cut them into uniform sizes. This way, they’ll all cook at the same rate, preventing some from being overcooked while others are undercooked.
• Use Fresh Herbs: While dried thyme and rosemary are great for this dish, fresh herbs will add even more fragrance and flavor. If you have them on hand, feel free to use fresh thyme or rosemary instead.
• Let the Chicken Rest: After cooking the chicken, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist and tender.

Variations of Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet

• Garlic Butter Chicken with Roasted Vegetables: Add extra vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, or broccoli to the skillet for a one-pan meal that’s even more hearty and nutritious. Simply add the vegetables in the last 10 minutes of cooking to allow them to soften without becoming overcooked.
• Lemon Garlic Chicken and Potatoes: For a fresh twist, add lemon slices to the skillet while cooking the potatoes and chicken. The lemon will infuse the dish with a zesty, tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the richness of the garlic butter sauce.
• Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes: Add ¼ cup of heavy cream or half-and-half to the garlic butter sauce after it simmers. This will create a creamy version of the sauce that adds richness and indulgence to the dish.
• Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken: If you enjoy a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the garlic butter sauce. The spice complements the garlic and butter, creating a flavorful kick that adds depth to the dish.
• Garlic Butter Chicken and Sweet Potatoes: Swap out regular baby potatoes for sweet potatoes to add a touch of sweetness to the dish. Sweet potatoes cook similarly to regular potatoes but may require a slightly longer cooking time, so keep an eye on them.

Storage and Shelf Life

Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet can be stored and enjoyed as leftovers:

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover chicken and potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent the potatoes from drying out.
• Freezing: This dish can be frozen for later use. To freeze, let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and heat it up in the skillet or microwave.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet

Pair this dish with some complementary sides to complete the meal:

• Steamed Asparagus: A simple side of steamed asparagus adds a refreshing and light contrast to the richness of the garlic butter chicken and potatoes.
• Green Salad: A crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette will balance out the richness of the dish and add a refreshing touch to the meal.
• Garlic Bread: If you want to add some extra indulgence to the meal, serve garlic bread on the side. The bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious garlic butter sauce.
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Roasted Brussels sprouts with a hint of balsamic vinegar would be a great veggie side to complement the flavors of this dish.

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Conclusion

Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet is a simple yet flavorful dish that will satisfy your hunger and warm your heart. The combination of juicy chicken, crispy potatoes, and rich garlic butter sauce makes it the ultimate comfort food. With minimal ingredients and easy preparation, this one-pan meal is perfect for any night of the week. Whether you stick to the basic recipe or try one of the variations, you’re sure to enjoy the savory goodness of this delicious skillet dinner.