Garlic Butter Chicken And Potatoes Skillet Recipe

The Easiest Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet Recipe

Weeknight dinners demand quick, delicious solutions that satisfy hunger and taste buds.

This garlic butter chicken and potatoes skillet recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

One-pan meals make cooking and cleanup a breeze for busy home cooks.

The combination of tender chicken and crispy potatoes creates a mouthwatering experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Fragrant garlic and rich butter infuse each bite with incredible depth and warmth.

Simple ingredients come together in a skillet to produce a comforting meal that feels both elegant and effortless.

FAQs

  • What kind of chicken works best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal because they cook quickly and evenly, absorbing the garlic butter flavor perfectly.

  • Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh thyme?

Yes, use about 1 teaspoon of dried thyme instead of fresh. Dried herbs are more concentrated, so you’ll need less compared to fresh herbs.

  • How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The chicken should be white throughout with no pink areas.

  • Do I need to cut the potatoes in a specific way?

Cut potatoes into even halves to ensure they cook uniformly and get crispy on the outside while remaining tender inside.

Garlic Butter Chicken And Potatoes Flavor Guide

  • Whip Up One-Pan Magic: Enjoy a complete meal prepared in a single skillet, minimizing cleanup and saving precious kitchen time with this deliciously simple chicken and potato recipe.
  • Customize Your Flavor Profile: Easily adjust seasonings to match your taste preferences, making this dish adaptable for different palates and dietary needs while maintaining its core deliciousness.
  • Master Quick Weeknight Cooking: Prepare a restaurant-quality meal in less than 30 minutes with basic ingredients and straightforward cooking techniques that even novice home chefs can confidently execute.
  • Comfort Food with Healthy Twist: Combine lean protein from chicken with nutrient-rich potatoes, creating a balanced meal that feels indulgent yet provides essential nutrition for the whole family.

Ingredients For Garlic Butter Chicken And Potatoes

Main Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts: A lean protein that serves as the star of this hearty skillet dish.
Seasoning Group:
  • Salt, Pepper, Paprika, Thyme: Classic spices that add depth and enhance the natural flavors of the chicken and potatoes.
Cooking Fats:
  • Olive Oil, Butter: Provide rich flavor and help create a golden, crispy exterior for both chicken and potatoes.
Aromatic:
  • Garlic: Adds a robust, pungent flavor that infuses the entire skillet with a delicious aroma.
Optional Garnish:
  • Fresh Parsley: Brings a bright, fresh finish to the dish and adds a pop of color.

Steps To Make Garlic Chicken And Potatoes

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Seasoning

Sprinkle each chicken breast with a delicious blend of salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme.

Make sure to coat both sides evenly for maximum flavor.

Step 2: Cook Golden Chicken

Heat a large skillet with olive oil and butter over medium heat.

Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts into the hot pan.

Cook each side for 5-6 minutes until they develop a beautiful golden-brown color and are completely cooked through.

Transfer the chicken to a separate plate and set aside.

Step 3: Create Garlic Butter Magic

In the same skillet, add fresh butter and minced garlic.

Sauté the garlic until it becomes wonderfully fragrant and releases its incredible aroma.

Step 4: Crisp Up Potato Perfection

Add potato halves to the skillet:
  • Potato halves
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Cook the potatoes for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Watch them transform into crispy, tender bites of deliciousness.

Step 5: Reunite Chicken And Potatoes

Gently return the cooked chicken to the skillet.

Spoon the luscious garlic butter sauce over everything.

Let the ingredients mingle and heat together for a couple more minutes.

Step 6: Serve And Enjoy

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and extra flavor.

Serve immediately while everything is hot and wonderfully aromatic.

Tips For Great Garlic Butter Chicken And Potatoes

  • Generously rub the spices into the chicken to ensure deep flavor penetration before cooking.
  • Use a heavy-bottomed skillet to achieve even heat distribution and perfect golden-brown chicken and potatoes.
  • Mince garlic finely and sauté briefly to prevent burning while releasing maximum aromatic notes.
  • Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F internally for safe, juicy results.
  • Cut potatoes uniformly and avoid overcrowding the skillet to ensure crispy, evenly cooked potato edges.

Garlic Chicken And Potato Variations

  • Mediterranean Herb Chicken: Replace thyme with oregano and add lemon zest for a bright, zesty Mediterranean flavor profile.
  • Spicy Cajun Skillet: Swap paprika for Cajun seasoning and add cayenne pepper to create a bold, spicy version of the original recipe.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Option: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower florets for a lower-carb alternative that maintains the garlic butter sauce's rich taste.
  • Gluten-Free Herb Chicken: Use gluten-free seasonings and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.

Serving Ideas For Garlic Chicken And Potatoes

  • Rustic Family Feast: Gather everyone around the table for a hearty, home-style dinner that brings comfort and joy to the meal.
  • Meal Pairing Perfection: Complement the rich garlic butter chicken with a crisp green salad or steamed seasonal vegetables to balance the flavors and add nutritional value.
  • Wine & Dine Delight: Pair this skillet dish with a chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Chardonnay to enhance the garlic and butter notes of the chicken.
  • Quick Lunch Option: Pack leftovers in a container for a delicious next-day lunch that reheats beautifully and provides a satisfying midday meal.

Keeping Garlic Chicken And Potatoes Fresh

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring maximum freshness and food safety.
  • Pack cooled chicken and potatoes in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freeze for up to 2-3 months, preventing freezer burn by removing excess air.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Place leftovers in a baking dish, cover with foil to retain moisture, and warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
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Garlic Butter Chicken And Potatoes Skillet Recipe

Garlic Butter Chicken And Potatoes Skillet Recipe


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4.8 from 13 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Succulent garlic butter chicken and potatoes skillet delivers a comforting one-pan wonder straight from home kitchens. Fragrant herbs and golden-brown edges promise a delightful meal you’ll savor with every flavorful bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 pound chicken breast
  • 1 pound baby potatoes
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 garlic cloves

Seasoning Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Finishing Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley
  • 1/2 lemon (juice)
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • Fresh parsley (for garnish)
  • Lemon wedges (optional)

Instructions

  1. Infuse chicken breasts with a robust blend of seasoning, ensuring each piece is generously coated with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme.
  2. Warm a large skillet over medium heat, introducing olive oil and butter. Carefully place seasoned chicken into the sizzling pan, cooking approximately 5-6 minutes per side until achieving a golden exterior and fully cooked interior. Transfer chicken to a separate plate.
  3. Within the same skillet, melt remaining butter and introduce minced garlic, allowing the aromatics to release their fragrant essence until lightly golden and intensely aromatic.
  4. Introduce halved potatoes into the garlic-infused butter, seasoning with additional salt and pepper. Sauté for 10-12 minutes, periodically rotating to ensure even browning and developing a crispy exterior while maintaining a tender core.
  5. Reintegrate the perfectly cooked chicken into the skillet, drizzling the rich garlic butter sauce over each piece. Allow the ingredients to harmonize and reheat together for an additional 2-3 minutes.
  6. Optional: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley across the dish for a vibrant finishing touch. Serve immediately while piping hot, presenting a delectable one-pan meal bursting with flavor.

Notes

  • Swap chicken breasts for thighs or skinless cuts to accommodate different texture preferences and cooking times.
  • Adjust spice levels by increasing paprika or adding red pepper flakes for a bolder flavor profile.
  • Ensure potatoes are evenly cut to guarantee uniform cooking and crispy exterior with soft interior.
  • Transform this dish into a low-carb option by replacing potatoes with cauliflower or radish for similar texture and reduced carbohydrate content.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 354 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 180 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 14 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 32 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg
Michael Reyes

Michael Reyes

Founder & Lead Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Southwestern and Latin American cuisine
  • Developing easy single-serving recipes
  • Food styling and food photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Practical, hands-on learning in essential kitchen skills, including food safety, hygiene, knife techniques, and kitchen organization.

Michael’s love for cooking runs deep, rooted in the bold, colorful flavors of his New Mexico upbringing.
After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Santa Fe Community College, he spent years sharpening his skills in kitchens that celebrated traditional Southwestern and Latin American dishes.
He believes cooking should feel approachable and fun, never complicated. When he’s not stirring up new recipe ideas, Michael’s out hiking scenic trails, chatting with farmers at local markets, or chasing the perfect sunset shot for inspiration.

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