If you are craving a hearty, comforting meal that marries rich flavors with simple ingredients, the Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet Recipe is here to steal your heart. This dish combines juicy, tender chicken thighs with golden, buttery potatoes, all coated in a luscious garlic butter sauce. It’s a perfect one-pan wonder that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and your plate with satisfying textures, making dinner both effortless and memorable. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this recipe offers a beautiful blend of flavor, ease, and warmth that everyone will adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet Recipe relies on straightforward, kitchen-staple ingredients that come together to create a symphony of flavor. Each element plays a key role, from the rich butter that lends creaminess to the garlic that adds a fragrant punch, ensuring your dish is as tasty as it is inviting.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Rich in flavor and perfect for soaking up garlic butter, these provide tender, juicy protein.
- 1 lb baby potatoes, quartered: Small and tender, they crisp up beautifully while staying creamy inside.
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided: The backbone of the sauce, butter adds a silky richness that ties it all together.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Essential for that addictive savory aroma and bold flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds earthy, aromatic depth to the chicken.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Brings a subtle smoky warmth and vibrant color to the chicken.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Simple seasonings that elevate all the flavors harmoniously.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used for sautéing, it helps achieve a beautifully golden crust.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds a fresh, bright note and a lovely pop of color on the finished dish.
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Begin by seasoning your boneless, skinless chicken thighs generously with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. This simple coating creates a wonderful flavor foundation that will shine through once cooked. Letting the chicken sit with these spices even for a few minutes helps the flavors penetrate deeply.
Step 2: Cook the Potatoes
Heat olive oil and a couple of tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the quartered baby potatoes and let them cook for about 10 to 12 minutes until they develop a gorgeous golden crust on the outside but remain tender inside. Once they reach this perfect texture, remove them from the skillet and set them aside. This step forms a crisp, buttery base that will complement the chicken brilliantly.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter and add the seasoned chicken thighs. Cook each side for 6 to 7 minutes until the chicken turns golden brown and is cooked through. The butter helps create a caramelized exterior while keeping the meat juicy. Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside with the potatoes.
Step 4: Sauté the Garlic
With the skillet still warm, add the minced garlic and sauté it for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant. This brief cooking infuses the butter with garlic’s rich aroma without letting it burn—an essential step to achieve that signature garlicky flavor.
Step 5: Combine and Simmer
Return the chicken and potatoes to the skillet, tossing them gently in the garlic butter sauce. Let everything cook together for 2 to 3 minutes so the flavors meld beautifully. This step ensures each bite is coated with that irresistible garlic butter goodness.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the skillet just before serving. The fresh herb adds a bright contrast to the rich dish, making it visually appealing and adding a refreshing bite.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the classic and simple garnish for this skillet recipe, providing a burst of color and a lively herbal note. You could also try sprinkling a dash of freshly grated Parmesan or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if you’re feeling adventurous and want an extra flavor kick.
Side Dishes
This dish stands wonderfully on its own but pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette for contrast. Steamed or roasted green beans or a side of sautéed spinach can bring some vibrant color and freshness to your plate, balancing the richness of the garlic butter chicken and potatoes skillet recipe.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, consider serving this recipe family-style straight from the skillet at the table—it’s rustic, inviting, and perfect for sharing. Alternatively, plate the chicken and potatoes neatly with a drizzle of the remaining garlic butter sauce and a sprinkle of parsley for a restaurant-worthy presentation. You can even add lemon wedges on the side for a zesty brightness that cuts through the richness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors actually benefit from resting, so the garlic butter sauce will become even more pronounced after sitting overnight. Consume within 3 to 4 days for the best taste and texture.
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze leftovers, place the cooled chicken and potatoes in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. While the dish freezes well, expect slight changes in texture—especially with the potatoes. Freeze for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the skillet contents in a pan over low to medium heat to preserve moisture and prevent drying out. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover them to keep the garlic butter sauce from drying. Adding a small pat of butter while reheating can help revive the luscious texture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts can be used, but since they tend to dry out faster, be careful not to overcook them. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to keep your chicken tender and juicy.
What type of potatoes work best for this recipe?
Baby potatoes or new potatoes are ideal because their size reduces cook time, and their thin skins crisp nicely. Yukon Gold potatoes are another great option, offering a buttery texture and flavor.
Is it possible to make this gluten-free?
Yes, this Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet Recipe is naturally gluten-free as it uses no flour or gluten-containing ingredients. Just be sure your seasonings are certified gluten-free.
Can I add vegetables to this skillet?
Definitely! Feel free to add vegetables like green beans, bell peppers, or asparagus during the last few minutes of cooking for extra color, nutrition, and flavor.
How do I make the dish less buttery if preferred?
You can reduce the amount of butter slightly or substitute part of it with olive oil to make it lighter while still keeping the rich flavors intact.
Final Thoughts
If there’s one dish that’s guaranteed to comfort your soul and impress your dinner guests, the Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet Recipe is it. It’s easy to make but packed with layers of buttery, garlicky goodness that will leave everyone asking for seconds. So go ahead, gather these simple ingredients, and treat yourself to a meal that feels like a warm hug at the end of a busy day. You’ll be so glad you did.
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: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A flavorful and comforting one-pan meal featuring tender garlic butter chicken thighs and golden baby potatoes cooked together in a skillet, perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided usage)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Potatoes
- 1 lb baby potatoes, quartered
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Season the chicken: In a bowl, season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Set aside to let the flavors infuse.
- 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, stirring 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 1 tablespoon butter. Place the seasoned chicken thighs in the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and fully 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, stirring frequently, until aromatic but not burned.
- Combine and simmer: Return the cooked potatoes and chicken thighs back to the skillet. Toss everything in the garlic butter sauce, cooking together for 2-3 minutes to blend the flavors thoroughly.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish for a burst of color and freshness. Serve hot and enjoy your savory garlic butter chicken and potatoes skillet.
Notes
- For a crispier skin, pat chicken dry before seasoning.
- You can substitute baby potatoes with fingerling or Yukon gold potatoes.
- Adjust garlic quantity according to personal preference.
- This dish pairs well with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
