Garlic Butter Chicken And Potatoes Skillet Recipe

Looking for a hearty, easy-to-make dish that will impress your family or dinner guests? This Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet Recipe might be exactly what you need. With tender, juicy chicken pieces, perfectly crispy potatoes, and a rich garlic butter sauce, it’s hard to resist. Whether you're a beginner in the kitchen or a seasoned cook, this one-pan wonder will quickly become a staple in your meal rotation. Read on to discover how to make this simple yet delicious dish!

What is Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet?

Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet is a savory, one-pan meal featuring succulent chicken pieces and golden-brown potatoes cooked together in a fragrant garlic butter sauce. This dish is the epitome of comfort food, combining rich, buttery flavors with the satisfying crunch of roasted potatoes. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners when you need something fast, delicious, and filling.

Ingredients List for Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet

To make this mouth-watering Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet, you'll need the following ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or chicken breasts (about 1 pound)
• 1 pound of baby potatoes (or Yukon gold potatoes), halved or quartered
• 4 tablespoons of butter (unsalted is preferred)
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 1 teaspoon of paprika
• 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried oregano, basil, and thyme)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley (optional for garnish)
• Lemon wedges for serving (optional)

Ingredients List for Garlic Butter Sauce

The garlic butter sauce is what elevates this dish from good to great. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 4 tablespoons of butter (unsalted)
• 4 cloves of garlic, finely minced
• 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice (optional, but adds a nice tang)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon of fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Substitutions and Variations

Cooking is all about flexibility, and you can easily customize this Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet Recipe to suit your taste or dietary needs. Here are some ideas:

• Chicken Thighs vs. Chicken Breasts: While this recipe calls for boneless, skinless chicken thighs, you can substitute them with chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat. Just be mindful that chicken breasts cook faster, so adjust your cooking time accordingly.
• Potato Varieties: If baby potatoes aren’t available, feel free to use Yukon gold potatoes or even red potatoes. Just make sure to cut them into even pieces for uniform cooking.
• Herbs: Don’t have Italian seasoning on hand? You can mix and match herbs like rosemary, thyme, and basil to create your own blend.
• Add Veggies: You can make this meal even heartier by adding vegetables like green beans, broccoli, or asparagus to the skillet. Just toss them in during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
• Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but make sure your seasonings are certified gluten-free if you have dietary restrictions.
• Keto-Friendly: Swap out the potatoes for cauliflower florets to make this a low-carb, keto-friendly meal.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create a flawless Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet:

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Begin by washing and cutting your potatoes in half or quarters, depending on their size. Pat your chicken thighs dry with a paper towel and season both the chicken and potatoes with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
2. Sear the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter has melted and the pan is hot, add the chicken thighs. Sear them for about 5 minutes on each side, or until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Cook the Potatoes: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and minced garlic. Stir for about 1 minute, allowing the garlic to become fragrant but not burnt. Add the potatoes, making sure they are cut-side down in the skillet to get a good sear. Cook them for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown.
4. Return the Chicken to the Skillet: Once the potatoes are well-seared, nestle the chicken thighs back into the skillet. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the pan with a lid or foil. Cook for another 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the potatoes are fork-tender.
5. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: While the chicken and potatoes finish cooking, melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a small saucepan. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice, salt, pepper, and parsley if using.
6. Coat the Chicken and Potatoes: Once everything is fully cooked, pour the garlic butter sauce over the chicken and potatoes. Toss gently to ensure everything is coated in the delicious sauce.

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

Here’s a condensed guide for making Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet:

1. Season chicken and potatoes.
2. Sear chicken until golden brown.
3. Cook potatoes with garlic in the same skillet.
4. Return chicken to the skillet and cook until fully done.
5. Prepare garlic butter sauce.
6. Drizzle sauce over chicken and potatoes for maximum flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcrowding the Pan: If the pan is too crowded, the chicken and potatoes will steam instead of searing. Make sure there’s enough room for everything to cook evenly.
• Burning the Garlic: Garlic burns quickly, so keep an eye on it while making the garlic butter sauce. Once it turns golden brown, take it off the heat.
• Undercooking the Chicken: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This guarantees it's safe to eat and juicy.
• Overcooking the Potatoes: Keep an eye on the potatoes to ensure they are crispy on the outside but tender on the inside. Overcooked potatoes can become mushy.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Presentation can take this dish from a simple weeknight meal to something truly special. Here’s how to serve and present your Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet:

• Plating: Arrange the chicken thighs and potatoes neatly on a serving dish, spooning extra garlic butter sauce over the top. For a rustic look, serve straight from the skillet.
• Garnish: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness. You can also add a few lemon wedges on the side for those who want a burst of citrus.
• Family Style: This dish is perfect for family-style dining. Place the skillet in the center of the table and let everyone help themselves.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet

Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal. For a heartier option, serve it with crusty bread to soak up the garlic butter sauce. You can also offer a side of sautéed spinach or roasted Brussels sprouts to complement the richness of the dish.

Presentation Ideas for Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet

• Skillet Serve: Keep things casual and serve the dish straight from the skillet. This not only saves on dishes but also adds a cozy, home-cooked feel.
• Layered Plating: For a more formal presentation, stack the chicken thighs on top of the potatoes and drizzle with the garlic butter sauce. Finish with a sprinkle of parsley for a touch of green.

Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet Recipe Tips

• Prep Ahead: You can season the chicken and cut the potatoes ahead of time to make the cooking process quicker when you're ready to prepare the meal.
• Use Cast Iron: A cast-iron skillet works best for this recipe as it provides even heating and gives the chicken and potatoes a perfect sear.
• Deglaze the Pan: After searing the chicken, deglaze the skillet with a splash of chicken broth or white wine before cooking the potatoes to add even more depth to the flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use other types of meat? Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts, pork chops, or even boneless turkey thighs.
2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? This dish is best served fresh, but you can prepare the garlic butter sauce in advance and reheat it before serving.
3. How can I make this dish dairy-free? Swap out the butter for a dairy-free alternative like olive oil or a vegan butter substitute.
4. Can I freeze leftovers? While it's best eaten fresh, you can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months. Just note that the texture of the potatoes may change after freezing.
5. What should I serve with this dish? A simple green salad, sautéed vegetables, or a side of crusty bread pairs perfectly with this recipe.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet is a versatile, crowd-pleasing meal that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and offers the ultimate comfort in every bite. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a dish that feels gourmet without the hassle. So why not give this recipe a try tonight? Your taste buds will thank you!

Print