If you have been looking for a comforting yet impressive meal to make any night of the week, then this Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines tender, juicy chicken thighs with golden, crispy baby potatoes all coated in a fragrant garlic butter sauce that’s bursting with fresh herbs and zest. Every bite feels like a warm hug, bringing together simple ingredients in a way that’s both satisfying and downright delicious. This skillet recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare and perfect for sharing with family or friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet Recipe starts with straightforward ingredients that come together effortlessly. Each component plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color on your plate.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs: These provide juicy, flavorful meat with rich texture that soaks up all the herbs and butter perfectly.
- 1 pound baby potatoes, halved or quartered: Their creamy insides and crisp skins add a wonderful contrast to the tender chicken.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter: Essential for that luscious, silky garlic butter sauce that brings every element together.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps to sear the chicken and add a subtle fruity depth to the dish.
- 6 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the skillet with a fragrant, savory punch that’s impossible to resist.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or fresh sprigs: Adds a warm, earthy herbal note that complements the richness of the butter.
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary or fresh sprigs: Provides a pine-like freshness that brightens up the whole dish.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Simple but crucial to balance and enhance all other flavors.
- Lemon wedges for serving: Adds a zesty freshness when squeezed on top just before eating.
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish: A splash of green that livens up the presentation and adds a light herbal brightness.
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Season Your Chicken
Start by seasoning both sides of the chicken thighs generously with salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary. This creates a flavorful foundation that infuses your chicken with herbaceous warmth, making every bite stand out.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet until shimmering. Carefully place the chicken thighs in the pan, allowing them to cook without moving for about 5 to 7 minutes per side. This step locks in the juices and forms that irresistibly crispy, golden crust.
Step 3: Remove and Set Aside Chicken
Once cooked through and beautifully golden, transfer the chicken to a plate to rest. This brief pause lets the meat remain juicy while you prepare the potatoes.
Step 4: Melt Butter and Sauté Garlic
Lower the heat slightly and add the butter to the same skillet. As it melts, add the minced garlic and stir for about one minute until the kitchen fills with that tantalizing garlic aroma — avoid browning the garlic to keep its flavor sweet and mellow.
Step 5: Cook the Potatoes
Add the baby potatoes to the skillet, seasoning them with salt and pepper. Let the potatoes cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10 to 15 minutes. You want them tender on the inside and beautifully golden on the outside, soaking up all those buttery, garlicky flavors.
Step 6: Return Chicken and Simmer
Nestle the chicken thighs back into the skillet alongside the potatoes. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top, then allow everything to simmer together for another 5 minutes. This final mingle lets the flavors marry and the lemon cut through the richness just perfectly.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over your creation for a fresh, color-boosting finish. Serve the skillet piping hot with extra lemon wedges waiting on the side for those who love an extra citrus kick.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the classic choice, adding a pop of green and a burst of fresh flavor that contrasts beautifully with the richness. Lemon wedges at the table encourage everyone to add a personal touch of brightness that elevates each bite. You might also try a light dusting of smoked paprika or a few chili flakes if you like a subtle spicy twist.
Side Dishes
While the Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet Recipe shines as a lively one-pan meal, pairing it with a crisp green salad or roasted seasonal vegetables can bring textural and flavor variety. Steamed green beans or sautéed spinach add a healthy, vibrant side that balances the buttery richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this dish family-style right from the skillet for an inviting, rustic look that encourages sharing. Alternatively, plate individual servings on warm dishes, spooning the garlic butter sauce generously over the top. Adding a small bowl of garlic aioli or a dollop of sour cream on the side can turn this meal into a gourmet experience perfect for cozy dinners or casual entertaining.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Because the potatoes and chicken absorb the flavors so well, reheated portions remain juicy and flavorful, making for an excellent next-day meal.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers by placing them in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. For best quality and taste, use frozen portions within one month. Thaw them thoroughly in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the mixture seems dry. This helps restore moisture and prevents the chicken from drying out. Alternatively, warming in a microwave works fine for a quick meal, just cover loosely to trap steam.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts can be used but watch the cooking time closely, as they tend to cook faster and can dry out if overcooked. Thighs are more forgiving and typically juicier, but breasts work well if trimmed and cooked carefully.
Do I need to peel the baby potatoes?
No need! The skins of baby potatoes add great texture and color after cooking. Just give them a good wash and cut as needed. The skin crisps nicely in the skillet, adding an earthy flavor and extra nutrients.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, simply swap the butter for a dairy-free alternative like olive oil or vegan butter. It will slightly change the flavor but keep the dish delicious and perfect for dairy-sensitive diners.
What herbs pair best with this recipe?
Thyme and rosemary are classic choices here because they complement the chicken and garlic butter sauce beautifully. You could also experiment with oregano, tarragon, or sage for subtle variations, but keep fresh herbs if possible for the brightest, most aromatic results.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
Definitely! This Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet Recipe is perfect for meal prep since it reheats well and maintains great texture. Portion into containers and enjoy flavorful lunches or quick dinners throughout the week with minimal fuss.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet Recipe is one of those golden meals that feels both special and approachable, perfect for days when you want a satisfying dinner without complicated steps. It’s all about layering simple, quality ingredients to build rich flavor and comforting textures in just one pan. I can’t recommend it enough, so go ahead and give it a try—you might just find your new favorite weeknight dinner!
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Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 30m
- Total Time: 0h 45m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet is a delicious, one-pan meal featuring tender chicken thighs cooked to golden perfection, paired with buttery, garlicky baby potatoes. Infused with fragrant thyme and rosemary, this easy-to-make dish combines fresh herbs and zesty lemon for a comforting and flavorful dinner that’s perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or a few sprigs of fresh thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary or a few sprigs of fresh rosemary
Potatoes and Sauce
- 1 pound baby potatoes, halved or quartered if large
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish and Serving
- Lemon wedges for serving
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Generously season both sides of the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary to ensure aromatic, flavorful meat.
- Heat the oil: Warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat to prepare for searing the chicken.
- Cook the chicken: Place the chicken thighs in the hot skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they develop a deep golden color and are cooked through. Then, remove them from the skillet and set aside to rest.
- Sauté the garlic: In the same skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, making sure not to burn the garlic.
- Cook the potatoes: Add the halved baby potatoes to the skillet and season with salt and pepper. Cook them for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become tender and golden brown on the outside.
- Combine and simmer: Return the chicken thighs to the skillet with the potatoes. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top and let everything simmer together for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle the dish with freshly chopped parsley before serving. Serve hot with extra lemon wedges on the side to add a bright citrusy finish.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken breasts for thighs, but cooking time may vary slightly.
- Using fresh herbs will enhance the flavor, but dried herbs work well too.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the skillet to allow even browning of the potatoes and chicken.
- For extra crispiness, you may finish the potatoes under a broiler for 2-3 minutes if desired.
- Feel free to add vegetables like green beans or asparagus during the last few minutes of cooking for a complete meal.
