If you are craving a hearty, flavorful, and utterly satisfying meal, this Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining tender, juicy chicken thighs with crispy, golden baby potatoes all coated in a luscious garlic butter sauce, this dish is a celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create magic in your kitchen. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or impressing guests without fuss, this skillet recipe delivers rich flavors, ease, and vibrant colors that will quickly become one of your favorite go-to meals.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet Recipe lies in how straightforward the ingredient list is, yet each element plays a crucial role in creating the final dish’s depth and irresistible appeal. Each ingredient adds a layer of flavor, texture, or aroma that elevates the whole experience.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs: These provide juicy, tender meat that absorbs the garlic butter perfectly.
- 1 lb baby potatoes, quartered: Small potatoes ensure a crispy exterior and fluffy inside after cooking.
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided: Butter is essential for the rich, velvety sauce that ties everything together.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic infuses the dish with its signature fragrant, savory punch.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds fragrant earthiness and brightness.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Brings a subtle smoky flavor and vibrant color to the chicken.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: The simplest seasoning that enhances all other flavors.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used to give the potatoes the perfect crispy finish before adding butter.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds a fresh, green hint that brightens the look and taste of the dish.
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by generously seasoning your chicken thighs with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. This step is the foundation for the deep flavors you’ll experience later. Set the chicken aside to let those spices mingle while you prepare the other components.
Step 2: Cook the Potatoes
Heat one tablespoon of olive oil and two tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once melted and hot, add the quartered baby potatoes. Sauté them for about 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn golden brown and become tender inside. This gives your potatoes a beautifully crispy texture that contrasts wonderfully with the chicken. Once cooked, remove them from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Brown the Chicken Thighs
In the same skillet, melt the remaining three tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Place the seasoned chicken thighs in the skillet and cook for about 6 to 7 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown and are cooked through. This slow sear locks in moisture and creates a rich crust full of flavor. After cooking, take the chicken out and set it aside with the potatoes.
Step 4: Sauté the Garlic
With the skillet still warm, add the minced garlic to the buttery drippings. Sauté for about 1 to 2 minutes, until the garlic becomes fragrant and slightly golden. This step is key to developing the signature garlic butter flavor that permeates the entire dish.
Step 5: Combine Chicken and Potatoes
Return the cooked potatoes and chicken thighs to the skillet. Toss them gently in the garlic butter sauce to coat everything evenly. Let them cook together for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing all those savory flavors to meld into one perfect bite.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finally, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish for a burst of color and fresh herbal flavor, then serve it hot and enjoy the comforting goodness of your homemade Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet Recipe.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Beyond fresh parsley, consider adding a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan or a squeeze of lemon juice right before serving. These simple additions can bring a bright, tangy counterbalance to the richness of the garlic butter sauce, making each bite lively and extra special.
Side Dishes
This dish is wonderfully hearty on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables like asparagus or green beans can provide some refreshing contrast. A crusty bread works beautifully too, perfect for mopping up the luscious garlic butter sauce left in the skillet.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy family meal, serve everything right from the skillet at the table—it keeps the dish warm and creates a welcoming, rustic vibe. Alternatively, plate the chicken atop a bed of sautéed spinach or wilted kale for an elegant twist, drizzling extra garlic butter sauce around for that restaurant-quality finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers from this Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cooling the food promptly helps keep the chicken tender and the potatoes from getting soggy.
Freezing
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers by placing the cooled chicken and potatoes in a freezer-safe container or bag. For optimal texture, consume within 1 to 2 months. Keep in mind that freezing may soften the potatoes slightly.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the skillet over low heat or microwave the portions gently to avoid drying out the chicken. Adding a small pat of butter or a splash of olive oil when reheating helps revive that luscious garlic butter sauce and keeps everything moist and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely, but chicken thighs are recommended for their juiciness and flavor. If you choose breasts, be careful not to overcook them, as they can dry out more easily.
Are baby potatoes essential, or can I use regular potatoes?
Baby potatoes cook more evenly and become wonderfully crispy. You can use regular potatoes cut into smaller pieces, but cooking times might vary slightly.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Swap the butter for a plant-based alternative and use a little extra olive oil to maintain richness without dairy.
Is this dish spicy?
Not really—it has a mild warmth from paprika and seasoning but is primarily savory and garlicky. You can add red pepper flakes if you prefer a bit of heat.
What herbs work best if I don’t have Italian seasoning?
A mix of dried oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary will work well. Fresh herbs can also be substituted if preferred.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet Recipe is a true gem that combines simplicity with incredible taste, making it perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend dinners. Its cozy flavors and satisfying textures are sure to bring smiles to your table, so don’t wait to add this one to your recipe collection. Trust me, it will quickly become a favorite you’ll want to make again and again!
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: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet is a simple yet delicious one-pan meal featuring tender chicken thighs cooked to golden perfection alongside crispy baby potatoes all coated in a flavorful garlic butter sauce. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners, this dish combines savory herbs and spices with the richness of butter and garlic to create a comforting, hearty entrée that’s sure to please the whole family.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Potatoes
- 1 lb baby potatoes, quartered
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Season Chicken: Season the boneless, skinless chicken thighs evenly with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
- Cook Potatoes: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of unsalted 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 when pierced with a fork. Remove the potatoes from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook Chicken: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken thighs and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until they develop a golden crust and are cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F). Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant but not browned to avoid bitterness.
- Combine and Toss: Return the cooked potatoes and chicken thighs to the skillet. Toss them gently in the garlic butter sauce, allowing the flavors to combine and warm together for 2-3 minutes.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish for a fresh pop of color and flavor. Serve the garlic butter chicken and potatoes hot directly from the skillet.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts, but cooking time may vary slightly.
- For crispier potatoes, parboil them for 5 minutes before frying.
- Adjust seasoning according to taste; add crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Use fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary in addition to parsley for added aroma.
- Make sure not to overcook the garlic to prevent it from turning bitter.
