Garlic Butter Chicken And Potatoes Skillet Recipe

Are you craving a hearty, comforting meal that’s both delicious and easy to make? This Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet recipe is your answer! It combines succulent chicken, crispy potatoes, and a mouthwatering garlic butter sauce, all cooked in a single pan. Whether you're cooking for your family or hosting a small dinner party, this dish is sure to impress. Keep reading to discover how to make this flavorful recipe, along with tips, variations, and answers to common cooking questions.

this Recipe

What is Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet?

Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet is a one-pan dish that features tender chicken pieces, golden-brown potatoes, and a rich garlic butter sauce. The dish offers a perfect balance of savory flavors and textures, making it a popular choice for busy weeknight dinners or casual weekend meals. The garlic butter elevates the dish, giving it a rich, indulgent taste that pairs perfectly with the crispy, yet tender, potatoes and juicy chicken.

Ingredients List for Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet

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

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Potatoes:

• 1 pound baby potatoes (halved)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Garlic Butter Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4-6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 2 teaspoons fresh thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary or 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Lemon wedges for serving

Substitutions and Variations

There are many ways to adapt the Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet recipe to suit your taste preferences or dietary restrictions. Here are some ideas:

1. Chicken Variations: If you don’t have chicken thighs or breasts, you can substitute with chicken drumsticks or even turkey breast for a leaner option. If you’re looking for a quicker meal, try using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken—just add it in towards the end of cooking.
2. Potato Substitutes: Baby potatoes are ideal, but if you don't have them, Yukon gold, red potatoes, or even sweet potatoes work just as well. Just be sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
3. Butter Alternatives: If you prefer a dairy-free version, you can use olive oil or a plant-based butter substitute to make the sauce.
4. Herb Adjustments: Feel free to experiment with the herbs. Fresh herbs like basil or oregano can be added for a different flavor profile, or use your favorite herb seasoning blends like Italian seasoning.
5. Additional Veggies: Add some vegetables like green beans, asparagus, or bell peppers to make the dish more colorful and nutritious.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Ready to create this delicious skillet meal? Follow these simple steps:

1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs or breasts dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix together the paprika, garlic powder, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Rub this seasoning mixture all over the chicken pieces.
2. Cook the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Cook the Potatoes: In the same skillet, add another 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Toss in the halved baby potatoes, garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are golden and crispy on the outside but tender inside.
4. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: While the potatoes are cooking, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, lemon juice, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the garlic is fragrant and the butter is infused with the herbs.
5. Combine Everything: Once the potatoes are done, return the chicken to the skillet. Pour the garlic butter sauce over the chicken and potatoes, making sure everything is well coated.
6. Simmer and Serve: Let the dish simmer for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side.

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

Cooking this dish is easy, but for best results, follow this detailed guide:

1. Seasoning the Chicken: Ensure your chicken is evenly coated with the seasoning mixture. This step is crucial for developing flavor. Don’t skip patting the chicken dry, as it helps the skin or surface crisp up during cooking.
2. Cooking the Chicken First: Starting with the chicken ensures that it becomes golden brown and develops a delicious crust. Don’t worry about cooking it all the way through during this step—it will finish cooking when combined with the garlic butter later.
3. Achieving Crispy Potatoes: Cooking the potatoes in the same skillet as the chicken not only adds flavor but also helps achieve the perfect texture. Stir the potatoes occasionally to prevent them from burning but allow them to sit undisturbed long enough to form a crispy outer layer.
4. Making the Garlic Butter: This step infuses the butter with garlic and herbs. Be sure not to burn the garlic—it should be fragrant but not brown. Keep the heat on medium to avoid overcooking the garlic.
5. Combining Chicken, Potatoes, and Sauce: When everything comes together in the skillet, give it time to simmer gently. This allows the garlic butter sauce to coat the chicken and potatoes fully and ensures every bite is packed with flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overcooking the Chicken: Chicken breasts in particular can dry out if overcooked. If you're using a meat thermometer, aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
2. Soggy Potatoes: If the potatoes are not crispy, it might be due to overcrowding the skillet. Make sure they have enough space to brown. You may need to cook them in batches if necessary.
3. Burning the Garlic: Garlic burns quickly and turns bitter, so keep a close eye on it while making the garlic butter sauce. Stir frequently and cook on low heat.
4. Skipping Rest Time: Letting the chicken rest before serving allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring juicy, tender meat.

Serving and Presentation Tips

How you serve and present Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet can elevate the meal even further.

• Family Style: Serve directly from the skillet for a rustic, cozy presentation. Garnish with chopped parsley and lemon wedges for a fresh pop of color.
• Plated: For a more formal meal, plate the chicken and potatoes individually, spooning the garlic butter sauce over the top. Garnish with additional herbs and serve with a side salad or roasted vegetables.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet

This dish is perfect on its own, but you can serve it with a few side dishes to create a complete meal:

• Salads: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the garlic butter.
• Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, steamed green beans, or sautéed spinach make great side dishes.
• Bread: Serve with crusty bread to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce.

Presentation Ideas for Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet

For special occasions or dinner parties, here are a few creative presentation ideas:

• Serve in Mini Skillets: For individual portions, serve the chicken and potatoes in small cast iron skillets.
• Garnish Generously: Top with freshly chopped herbs like parsley or thyme, and add some edible flowers for a decorative touch.
• Layered Plating: Arrange the chicken pieces on top of the potatoes for a layered look, and drizzle extra garlic butter over the dish for an elegant finish.

Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet Recipe Tips

• Use a Heavy Skillet: A cast iron skillet works best for this recipe because it retains heat and helps achieve that golden, crispy texture.
• Adjust the Garlic: If you love garlic, feel free to add more cloves! Conversely, if you're not a huge fan, you can reduce the amount slightly.
• Lemon Zest: Adding a little lemon zest to the garlic butter sauce enhances the freshness of the dish.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can cook the chicken and potatoes ahead of time and reheat them when ready to serve. The garlic butter sauce can also be made in advance and warmed up before adding to the skillet.
2. Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe? Absolutely! Bone-in chicken will add more flavor, but it may take a little longer to cook.
3. How do I store leftovers? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat to retain the crispy texture of the potatoes.
4. Can I freeze this dish? Yes, you can freeze it, but the potatoes may lose some of their texture. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet is a versatile, flavorful meal that’s easy to prepare and sure to satisfy any craving. With its rich garlic butter sauce, tender chicken, and crispy potatoes, it’s a comforting dish that will quickly become a favorite in your home. Be sure to experiment with the variations and tips provided to make it your own! Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is a winner.

Print