Garlic Butter Chicken And Potatoes Skillet Recipe

Looking for a delicious, one-pan meal that’s packed with flavor and requires minimal effort? This Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet Recipe is the perfect dish for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner. Juicy, tender chicken paired with crispy potatoes, all coated in a rich garlic butter sauce, makes for an unforgettable meal. Keep reading to learn how to make this tasty dish and impress your family and friends!

What is Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes?

Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes is a hearty, comforting dish made by cooking seasoned chicken breasts or thighs alongside cubed potatoes in a skillet, all smothered in a savory garlic butter sauce. This one-pan wonder combines tender meat, crispy potatoes, and the aromatic flavors of garlic and herbs, creating a meal that's both easy to make and satisfying to eat. Plus, it cuts down on kitchen cleanup since everything is cooked in one skillet!

Ingredients List for Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes

To make this flavorful dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Chicken Breasts or Thighs (bone-in or boneless): 4 pieces, skin-on for extra crispiness
• Potatoes: 4 medium-sized, diced into 1-inch cubes (Yukon Gold or Russet work well)
• Butter: 5 tablespoons (unsalted preferred for better control over the saltiness)
• Garlic: 6 cloves, minced (you can adjust based on your love for garlic)
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (helps with browning the chicken and potatoes)
• Fresh Thyme: 2 sprigs or 1 teaspoon dried thyme (adds an earthy aroma)
• Fresh Rosemary: 1 sprig or ½ teaspoon dried rosemary (optional, for extra flavor)
• Salt and Pepper: to taste
• Chicken Broth: ½ cup (helps to create a rich sauce and keep the chicken juicy)
• Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon (adds a bright, tangy note)
• Paprika: 1 teaspoon (for a hint of warmth and color)
• Parsley: Fresh, chopped for garnish

Substitutions and Variations

The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility. You can adjust the ingredients based on what you have in your kitchen or your dietary preferences. Here are some easy substitutions and variations:

• Chicken: Swap the chicken breasts for chicken thighs, drumsticks, or even pork chops if you prefer. Chicken thighs tend to stay juicier during cooking, while breasts are leaner.
• Potatoes: Feel free to use sweet potatoes, red potatoes, or fingerlings if you want a different flavor or texture. Sweet potatoes add a nice contrast with their natural sweetness.
• Butter: If you’re dairy-free, substitute with a vegan butter alternative or olive oil.
• Garlic: You can reduce or increase the amount of garlic to suit your taste. For an even more intense flavor, try roasting the garlic before adding it to the skillet.
• Herbs: Switch out thyme and rosemary for your favorite herbs like oregano, basil, or even sage.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to give the dish some heat.
• Lemon: Substitute lime juice or add a splash of balsamic vinegar for a different tangy twist.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

This Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet Recipe is straightforward and easy to follow, perfect for beginners and experienced cooks alike. Just follow these steps to create a mouthwatering meal in no time!

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

• Season the chicken pieces generously with salt, pepper, and paprika. If using skin-on chicken, rub the seasoning under the skin for maximum flavor.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

• Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the chicken skin-side down in the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Flip the chicken and cook for another 5 minutes, then remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Potatoes

• In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Add the diced potatoes, seasoning them with salt and pepper. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are crispy and golden on the outside but tender on the inside. Remove the potatoes and set aside with the chicken.

Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

• Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining butter to the skillet. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn.
• Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.

Step 5: Combine Chicken and Potatoes

• Return the chicken and potatoes to the skillet, spooning some of the garlic butter sauce over the top. Add the fresh thyme and rosemary sprigs (or dried herbs) to the skillet. Cover the skillet with a lid and let everything simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F) and the potatoes are tender.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

• Once cooked, remove the thyme and rosemary sprigs. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot.

How to Cook Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika for an even coating.
2. Brown the chicken on both sides until crispy and golden. This step locks in the juices and adds flavor.
3. Cook the potatoes in the same skillet until crispy, absorbing the flavors from the chicken.
4. Prepare the garlic butter sauce by sautéing garlic in butter, adding chicken broth and lemon juice for a rich, tangy flavor.
5. Combine chicken and potatoes in the skillet, simmering them together until fully cooked.
6. Garnish and serve for a beautiful and satisfying meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the Chicken: Be sure to monitor the chicken’s internal temperature to avoid drying it out. Chicken is fully cooked at 165°F.
• Burning the Garlic: Garlic cooks very quickly and can burn easily, resulting in a bitter taste. Cook it on low heat and keep an eye on it!
• Undercooked Potatoes: Make sure the potatoes are diced small enough to cook through in the skillet. Larger chunks will take longer and may remain undercooked if you're not careful.
• Not Scraping the Pan: Don’t forget to scrape up the browned bits (fond) from the skillet when making the garlic butter sauce—this adds a ton of flavor to your dish!

Serving and Presentation Tips

To elevate the presentation of your Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet, follow these simple tips:

How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes

• Serve the chicken and potatoes directly from the skillet for a rustic, homestyle presentation. Use a large spoon to drizzle extra garlic butter sauce over the top.
• Pair the dish with a side salad or steamed vegetables like green beans or broccoli to balance the richness of the meal.
• Add a slice of warm, crusty bread on the side to mop up the flavorful garlic butter sauce.

Presentation Ideas for Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes

• Garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a pop of color and extra flavor.
• Serve the meal family-style, placing the skillet at the center of the table so everyone can help themselves.
• Add some lemon wedges to the side for an extra burst of citrus flavor before serving.

Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Recipe Tips

• Make it ahead: You can prep the chicken and potatoes ahead of time and store them in the fridge. When ready to cook, simply follow the instructions to brown and combine them with the garlic butter sauce.
• Use a cast-iron skillet: A cast-iron skillet helps achieve that perfect crispy skin on the chicken and evenly cooks the potatoes.
• Double the garlic butter sauce: If you love sauce, feel free to double the garlic butter portion of the recipe. You can never have too much of this delicious sauce!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use boneless, skinless chicken for this recipe?
A: Yes, boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work well, though the dish will have slightly less flavor and texture than if you use skin-on chicken.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.

Q: Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
A: Absolutely! You can add vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or green beans. Just be mindful of their cooking times and add them accordingly.

Q: What kind of potatoes work best?
A: Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes are ideal because they hold their shape well and get crispy on the outside while remaining tender on the inside.

Conclusion

This Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet Recipe is the perfect one-pan meal for any occasion. It’s packed with flavor, simple to make, and versatile enough to adapt to your personal tastes. Whether you're cooking for a family dinner or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to impress. So, grab your skillet and give this recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!

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