Garlic Butter Chicken And Potatoes Skillet Recipe

Sizzling Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet Recipe

Simmering with rich flavors, this garlic butter chicken and potatoes skillet promises a hearty meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Aromas of golden herbs and melted butter dance through your kitchen, creating an irresistible atmosphere.

Tender chicken pieces nestle among crispy potato chunks, promising a delightful texture in every single bite.

Mediterranean influences shine through with each carefully seasoned morsel, inviting you to savor every moment.

Simple ingredients combine to craft a one-pan wonder that minimizes cleanup while maximizing satisfaction.

Fresh garlic infuses the dish with its robust, comforting essence, turning an ordinary dinner into something memorable.

Comfort meets convenience in this skillet marvel that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients for Garlic Butter Chicken & Potatoes

Main Proteins:
  • Chicken: A lean protein that serves as the primary source of meat in this hearty skillet dish.
Vegetables:
  • Potatoes: Starchy and satisfying base that becomes golden and crispy when cooked in the skillet.
  • Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that adds deep, rich flavor to the chicken and potatoes.
  • Parsley: Fresh herb used as a garnish to add color and a light, fresh finish to the dish.
Cooking Fats and Seasonings:
  • Olive Oil: Helps create a non-stick surface and provides a base for searing the chicken.
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps create a flavorful sauce in the skillet.
  • Salt, Pepper, Thyme: Classic seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the chicken and provide depth to the overall taste.

Preparation Steps for Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet

Preparation Steps for Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Surface

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, creating a perfect base for your delicious meal.

Step 2: Prep the Chicken

Sprinkle the chicken with salt, pepper, and thyme, ensuring every piece is well-seasoned and ready to sizzle.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection

Place the seasoned chicken in the hot skillet, cooking until each side develops a beautiful golden-brown crust.

This should take about 4-5 minutes per side.

Once browned, remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate.

Step 4: Create a Flavor Explosion

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

Let the ingredients dance together, releasing their aromatic magic for about 1 minute.

Step 5: Crisp Up the Potatoes

Add diced potatoes to the skillet:
  • Potatoes
  • Remaining butter from the pan

Cook the potatoes until they turn golden and develop a crispy exterior, which typically takes 10-12 minutes.

Step 6: Reunite and Finish Cooking

Return the seared chicken to the skillet with the potatoes.

Continue cooking for an additional 10 minutes, ensuring the chicken is thoroughly cooked and the potatoes are tender and irresistible.

Step 7: Add the Final Touch

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish for a burst of color and fresh flavor.

Serve the skillet directly to the table while it’s piping hot.

Tips for Garlic Butter Chicken & Potatoes

  • Crush garlic cloves instead of mincing to release more intense, aromatic oils and boost overall taste profile.
  • Pat potato pieces dry with paper towels before cooking to ensure maximum golden-brown crunchiness and prevent soggy texture.
  • Use medium-low heat when cooking garlic to prevent burning and maintain delicate, sweet flavor without bitterness.
  • Let chicken rest for 3-5 minutes after cooking to redistribute juices, ensuring each bite remains succulent and tender.
  • Replace butter with olive oil for a lighter version or use plant-based butter to create a dairy-free alternative without compromising rich, savory taste.

Variations on Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet

  • Herb-Infused Mediterranean Spin: Replace thyme with oregano and rosemary, add crumbled feta cheese, and use lemon-infused olive oil for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Swap potatoes with roasted cauliflower florets, maintaining the same garlic butter cooking method for a keto-friendly version.
  • Spicy Cajun Chicken Variation: Coat chicken with Cajun seasoning instead of salt and pepper, add paprika and cayenne for a bold, zesty kick.
  • Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternatives, keeping the garlic butter sauce and potato technique intact.

Serving Ideas for Garlic Butter Chicken & Potatoes

  • Hearty Dinner Centerpiece: Serve this one-pan wonder as a complete meal that brings comfort and satisfaction to the table, perfect for family dinners or casual weekend gatherings.
  • Elegant Side Pairings: Complement the rich garlic butter flavors with a crisp green salad, steamed asparagus, or roasted seasonal vegetables to add freshness and balance.
  • Wine and Dine Experience: Enhance the meal's enjoyment by pairing with a light white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a crisp Chardonnay that will beautifully highlight the dish's buttery garlic notes.
  • Leftovers Transformation: Shred remaining chicken and potatoes into a quick breakfast hash, top with a fried egg, or use as a filling for lunch wraps to maximize delicious meal potential.

Storage Tips for Garlic Butter Chicken & Potatoes

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the chicken and potatoes remain fresh and safe to eat.
  • Place portions on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
  • Spread leftovers on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, checking occasionally to maintain crispy potato texture and prevent overcooking.

FAQs

  • Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work perfectly in this recipe. They’re more flavorful and stay juicier during cooking, making them an excellent alternative to chicken breasts.

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

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). This ensures the chicken is safe to eat and prevents overcooking.

  • What type of potatoes work best for this skillet recipe?

Yukon gold or red potatoes are ideal because they hold their shape well and crisp up nicely. They have a creamy texture that complements the garlic butter sauce perfectly.

Garlic Butter Chicken & Potatoes Skillet Overview

  • Speed Up Weeknight Cooking: Prepare a complete meal in one skillet with minimal cleanup, perfect for busy families wanting delicious dinner without complicated steps.
  • Customize Your Flavor Profile: Easily adjust seasonings to match personal preferences, swap herbs, or add extra spices to make the dish uniquely yours without compromising the core recipe.
  • Master Simple Culinary Technique: Learn how to perfectly sear chicken and crisp potatoes in the same pan, developing fundamental cooking skills that translate to many other recipes.
  • Budget-Friendly Comfort Meal: Utilize affordable ingredients like chicken, potatoes, and basic seasonings to create a hearty, satisfying dinner that doesn't break the bank while delivering maximum flavor.
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Garlic Butter Chicken And Potatoes Skillet Recipe

Garlic Butter Chicken And Potatoes Skillet Recipe


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4.6 from 11 reviews

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

Description

Savory garlic butter chicken and potatoes skillet delivers pure comfort on a plate, blending rich flavors with simple ingredients. One-pan magic promises hearty satisfaction that brings warmth to your dining experience.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 4 chicken thighs or breasts

Vegetables:

  • 4 medium potatoes, diced

Seasoning and Cooking Ingredients:

  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat with olive oil, creating an even cooking surface.
  2. Apply a robust seasoning blend of salt, pepper, and thyme directly onto the chicken, ensuring complete coverage.
  3. Carefully place seasoned chicken into the hot skillet, developing a rich golden-brown exterior by searing for 4-5 minutes on each side until a crisp crust forms.
  4. Transfer chicken to a temporary plate, maintaining its preliminary cooking temperature.
  5. Reduce skillet heat and introduce butter, allowing it to melt smoothly while incorporating minced garlic, releasing aromatic flavors for approximately 60 seconds.
  6. Introduce diced potatoes into the infused butter-garlic mixture, spreading them evenly to maximize crispy edges and golden coloration during a 10-12 minute cooking process.
  7. Gently reintroduce seared chicken back into the skillet, nestling pieces among potatoes to continue cooking for an additional 10 minutes.
  8. Verify chicken reaches safe internal temperature of 165°F and potatoes achieve desired tenderness.
  9. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley across the skillet for a vibrant finishing touch.
  10. Serve immediately while maintaining optimal temperature and crispy texture.

Notes

  • Use a cast-iron skillet for the best heat distribution and crispy chicken and potato texture.
  • Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect golden-brown sear and prevent steaming.
  • Cut potatoes into uniform, bite-sized pieces to guarantee even cooking and consistent crispiness.
  • For a low-carb variation, replace potatoes with cauliflower or turnips to reduce calories and maintain a similar roasted vegetable experience.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 455 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 32 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg
Lucas Bennett

Lucas Bennett

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Developing single-serving recipes with a rustic, seasonal twist.
  • Crafting engaging food insights that connect with readers.
  • Developing content that educates readers on healthy baking alternatives.
  • Integrating local ingredients into accessible home cooking.​

Education

Blue Ridge Community College – Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focused on seasonal cooking, sustainable kitchen practices, and farm-to-table techniques.

Appalachian State University – B.A. in English
Built critical thinking and analysis through diverse texts. Guided by faculty, it prepares graduates for publishing and more.


Growing up in the rolling hills of North Carolina, Lucas learned early that some of life’s best memories start around a kitchen table. After studying English at Appalachian State University and honing his culinary skills at Blue Ridge Community College, he dreamed of blending storytelling with rustic, seasonal cooking, and The Scrumptious Pumpkin was born.
Lucas focuses on easy, single-serving recipes that turn fresh, local ingredients into something special. His style is simple, heartfelt, and rooted in the beauty of the seasons. When he’s not testing a new dish, you’ll probably find him hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains, browsing farmers’ markets, or scribbling food stories in a notebook.

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