Looking for a simple, delicious, and satisfying weeknight meal? This Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet is the perfect solution! It’s a one-pan dish that combines tender chicken, crispy golden potatoes, and a rich garlic butter sauce for a meal that’s full of flavor and quick to make. With minimal ingredients and easy prep, this recipe is ideal for busy families or anyone craving a hearty, home-cooked dinner. Keep reading to learn how to make this tasty dish with tips for substitutions, variations, and serving ideas.

What is Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet?

Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet is a savory dish that’s cooked in one pan, featuring juicy, seasoned chicken and crispy potatoes smothered in a buttery garlic sauce. The beauty of this recipe is that it’s both quick and easy to make, while delivering maximum flavor with minimal effort. The potatoes are cooked to a golden crisp, while the chicken remains tender and juicy, all soaking up that delicious garlic butter sauce.

This dish is not only incredibly tasty but also a practical choice for weeknight dinners, as it comes together in under 40 minutes with minimal cleanup!

Ingredients List for Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet

Here’s a simple ingredients list for Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet. You probably have many of these items in your pantry already!

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
1 lb baby potatoes, halved (or 4 medium potatoes, diced)
3 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or dried thyme/rosemary)
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Juice of 1 lemon (optional, for brightness)

Substitutions and Variations

The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. Here are some ideas for substitutions and variations you can try based on your preferences or what you have available in your pantry:

Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work well for this recipe, but you can also use bone-in chicken pieces for more flavor. If you’re using bone-in, adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Potatoes: Baby potatoes are perfect for this dish, but Yukon Gold, red potatoes, or even sweet potatoes can be used as substitutes. Just make sure they are diced evenly for even cooking.
Herbs: Swap Italian seasoning for dried thyme, rosemary, or herbs de Provence to change up the flavor profile. Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil can be added toward the end of cooking for a fresh herbaceous flavor.
Garlic: If you love garlic, feel free to add more! You can also roast the garlic cloves in the skillet along with the potatoes for a deeper, sweeter garlic flavor.
Lemon: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds brightness and acidity to balance the richness of the butter and garlic. Lime juice or even a splash of white wine can be used for a similar effect.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions for making Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet. You’ll have this delicious meal on the table in no time!

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Potatoes

Season the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts (or thighs) dry with paper towels, then season them generously with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
Prepare the potatoes: If you're using baby potatoes, cut them in half. If you're using regular potatoes, dice them into small, even pieces so they cook at the same rate.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet and sear them for about 5-6 minutes per side, until they’re golden brown and almost fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate (the chicken will finish cooking later).

Step 3: Cook the Potatoes

In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter.
Add the potatoes and season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika. Cook the potatoes for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

Step 4: Add the Garlic Butter

Once the potatoes are nearly cooked, lower the heat to medium and add 1 more tablespoon of butter and the minced garlic to the skillet. Stir the garlic and potatoes together for about 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant and golden.

Step 5: Return the Chicken to the Skillet

Add the chicken back into the skillet, nestling it among the potatoes. Spoon some of the garlic butter sauce over the chicken.
Lower the heat to medium-low and let the chicken finish cooking through, about 5 more minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

Step 6: Add Lemon and Garnish

Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken and potatoes for a burst of acidity (optional).
Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the entire skillet for a pop of color and added freshness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some common mistakes to watch out for when making Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet:

Overcooking the chicken: Chicken breasts can dry out if overcooked, so make sure to sear them just enough to develop a golden crust and then finish cooking them through gently with the potatoes.
Burning the garlic: Garlic burns quickly, so always lower the heat before adding it to the skillet. Burnt garlic can turn bitter and overpower the dish.
Not cooking the potatoes evenly: Make sure the potatoes are cut into even-sized pieces to ensure they cook at the same rate. Stir them occasionally so they get crispy on all sides.

Serving and Presentation Tips

How you serve and present Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet can make a big difference, especially if you're cooking for guests. Here are some serving and presentation ideas to make your dish look as good as it tastes!

How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes

Family Style: Serve the dish straight from the skillet. Place the skillet on a trivet in the center of the table and let everyone help themselves.
Individual Plates: For a more formal presentation, plate each chicken breast individually with a portion of crispy potatoes on the side. Drizzle the garlic butter sauce from the skillet over the top.

Presentation Ideas for Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes

Garnish with Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil adds a bright, fresh touch that contrasts beautifully with the richness of the garlic butter sauce.
Lemon Wedges: Serve the dish with extra lemon wedges on the side, allowing guests to squeeze fresh lemon juice over their portion for added brightness.
Add a Side Salad: For a complete meal, serve the chicken and potatoes alongside a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables.

Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Recipe Tips

Make Ahead: While this dish is best served fresh, you can prepare parts of it ahead of time. Season the chicken and cut the potatoes a few hours in advance, then cook everything just before serving.
Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until heated through.
Upgrade with Veggies: Add vegetables like green beans, asparagus, or broccoli to the skillet during the last few minutes of cooking for a more complete meal. They’ll soak up the garlic butter sauce and add some color and nutrition to the dish.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A: Absolutely! Chicken thighs, especially bone-in, skin-on, will add extra flavor to this dish. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time since thighs take a bit longer to cook through.

Q: Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
A: Yes! Sweet potatoes would work wonderfully in this dish. Just keep in mind that sweet potatoes may cook slightly faster than regular potatoes, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Q: What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
A: The best way to reheat Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes is in a skillet over medium heat, adding a small splash of water or broth to prevent the chicken from drying out. You can also reheat in the microwave.

Q: How can I make this dish healthier?
A: To make this dish healthier, you can use less butter and olive oil, and opt for skinless chicken breasts. You can also add more vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or spinach to bulk up the meal.

Q: Can I make this dish dairy-free?
A: Yes! You can substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative like vegan butter or olive oil. The garlic and seasoning will still give the dish plenty of flavor.

Conclusion

This Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet recipe is the perfect one-pan meal for busy weeknights or casual dinners. With juicy, flavorful chicken, crispy potatoes, and a rich garlic butter sauce, this dish is both comforting and delicious. Plus, it’s easy to customize with different herbs, spices, or vegetables to suit your taste. Try this recipe today for a quick, satisfying meal that’s sure to become a new family favorite!