Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is all about bold, comforting flavors with minimal cleanup. The chicken is seared until golden and tender, while the potatoes are cooked until crispy on the outside and soft inside. Tossed together in a luscious garlic butter sauce, everything cooks in one skillet for ultimate ease. It’s filling, flavorful, and family-friendly, with a perfect balance of protein and carbs.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Baby potatoes or Yukon gold potatoes
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Paprika
- Olive oil
- Butter
- Garlic cloves, minced
- Italian seasoning or dried herbs (optional)
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Directions
- Cut the potatoes into small halves or quarters for quicker cooking. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the potatoes and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and fork-tender. Remove and set aside.
- Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika on both sides.
- In the same skillet, add more olive oil if needed and sear the chicken for 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the skillet and melt. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Return the chicken and potatoes to the skillet. Toss everything to coat in the garlic butter sauce.
- Sprinkle with Italian seasoning or dried herbs if using. Simmer for 1–2 more minutes to meld flavors.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 4 servings.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Add green beans or spinach for extra veggies in the skillet.
- Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for deeper flavor and crispier texture.
- Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese before serving for a cheesy finish.
- Add a splash of lemon juice or white wine to brighten the sauce.
- Swap Italian seasoning with rosemary and thyme for a rustic twist.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, place in a skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through. Add a splash of broth or water to refresh the sauce if needed.
Microwaving is also an option—use short intervals and stir between rounds for even heating.
Not recommended for freezing, as the potatoes may become mushy upon thawing.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes?
Yes, Yukon gold, red potatoes, or even russets (peeled and diced) all work well.
Can I use pre-cooked or leftover chicken?
Yes, just add it at the end with the garlic butter to heat through and coat in the sauce.
How do I make sure the potatoes cook through?
Cut them small and keep the heat medium-high so they brown and soften evenly. Covering the skillet briefly can also help.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, as long as your butter and seasonings are gluten-free, the recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Can I bake this recipe instead of stovetop cooking?
Yes, sear everything first, then finish in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 10–15 minutes if desired.
How do I keep the chicken juicy?
Avoid overcooking—use a meat thermometer and remove the chicken once it reaches 165°F (74°C).
Can I add cheese?
Absolutely! Sprinkle shredded mozzarella or Parmesan over the skillet during the final minutes of cooking.
What herbs go best with this dish?
Parsley, rosemary, thyme, or basil all pair well with the garlic butter flavor.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
You can, though real butter gives the sauce a richer flavor.
What should I serve with this skillet?
This is a complete meal on its own, but a fresh green salad or steamed veggies make great additions.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet is the ultimate comfort food made easy in one pan. With crispy potatoes, juicy chicken, and a buttery garlic sauce, it’s a satisfying dish that hits all the right notes. Perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend dinners, this simple recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
PrintGarlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet
Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet is a one-pan comfort meal made with juicy chicken, crispy potatoes, and a rich garlic butter sauce. It’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1.5 lbs baby potatoes or Yukon gold potatoes, halved or quartered
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or dried herbs (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cut the potatoes into halves or quarters. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika.
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add potatoes and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and fork-tender. Remove and set aside.
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika on both sides.
- In the same skillet, add remaining olive oil and sear chicken for 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add butter and let it melt, then stir in minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Return chicken and potatoes to the skillet. Toss to coat everything in the garlic butter sauce.
- Sprinkle with Italian seasoning or dried herbs if using. Simmer for 1–2 more minutes to combine flavors.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- Cut potatoes small for faster, even cooking.
- Add a splash of broth, lemon juice, or white wine for extra sauce flavor.
- Use bone-in chicken thighs for added richness.
- Stir in spinach or green beans for a complete one-pan meal.
- Top with shredded Parmesan or mozzarella during the last few minutes of cooking for a cheesy finish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (chicken + potatoes)
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
