🧄🥔 Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet Recipe

The Ultimate Comfort Food Made Simple

When it comes to soul-satisfying comfort food, nothing beats a hot, hearty skillet of Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes. This dish brings everything you want to the table: juicy chunks of golden-seared chicken, crispy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside baby potatoes, all drenched in a rich, garlicky butter sauce that’s straight-up mouthwatering.

Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner, meal prepping for the week, or feeding a crowd, this recipe hits all the right notes. It’s one of those dishes that looks fancy, tastes amazing, but takes minimal effort — and best of all, it all comes together in just one skillet.

In this article, we’re going deep into how to perfect this Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet, offering step-by-step tips, variations, and answers to common questions. Buckle up — we’re going full flavor mode.

📝 Why This Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet is a Must-Try

Let’s get one thing straight: this isn’t just any one-pan chicken and potatoes recipe. It’s loaded with bold garlic flavor, seared to perfection, and finished with a smooth buttery glaze that clings to every bite.

Here’s why you’ll fall in love with this dish:

• One-skillet meal = less mess
• Perfectly seasoned chicken and crispy potatoes
• Garlic butter sauce that’s better than takeout
• Great for leftovers and meal prep
• Customizable with veggies, spices, and more

This Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet isn’t just delicious — it’s practical, nourishing, and way cheaper than eating out.

🍗 Ingredients You’ll Need

This is a pantry-friendly recipe, which means you likely already have most of these ingredients on hand.

Main Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (cut into large chunks)
• 1.5 lbs baby potatoes, halved or quartered
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp dried Italian seasoning
• 2–3 tbsp olive oil
• 3 tbsp butter
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• Optional: juice of 1/2 lemon for brightness

🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s break this down so you can achieve maximum flavor and minimum stress.

🥔 Step 1: Par-Cook the Potatoes

• Heat 1–2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet (cast iron works great).
• Add your halved or quartered baby potatoes.
• Season with salt, pepper, and half the paprika.
• Cook for about 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and fork-tender.
• Remove the potatoes and set them aside.

💡 Pro Tip: Don’t overcrowd the skillet. Let the potatoes get crispy by giving them space to brown.

🍗 Step 2: Sear the Chicken

• While the potatoes rest, season the chicken with:
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • The remaining paprika
  • Garlic powder
  • Italian seasoning
• Add a little more olive oil to the skillet and sear the chicken for 5–6 minutes per side.
• Cook until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temp should hit 165°F/74°C).
• Remove chicken and set aside.

🔥 Optional Add-On: If you’re a fan of a bit of heat, sprinkle in a dash of red pepper flakes at this point.

🧄 Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

• Reduce heat to medium-low.
• Add the butter to the same skillet and let it melt.
• Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30–60 seconds, just until fragrant.
• Optional: Squeeze in the juice of 1/2 lemon for extra brightness and tang.
• Stir well and scrape up any browned bits from the pan — that’s pure flavor!

🍳 Step 4: Combine & Simmer

• Return the seared chicken and golden potatoes to the skillet.
• Toss gently so everything is coated in that luscious garlic butter sauce.
• Simmer for 2–3 minutes to blend the flavors and reheat the chicken and potatoes.

🌿 Step 5: Garnish & Serve

• Sprinkle everything with chopped parsley.
• Add extra black pepper or a dusting of Parmesan if you like.
• Serve immediately — straight from the skillet for a rustic presentation.

🍽️ What to Serve With Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes

This dish can be a complete meal on its own, but here are some amazing sides that take it over the top:

• Green beans almondine
• Steamed or roasted broccoli
• Garlic bread or buttery biscuits
• Caesar or garden salad
• Quinoa or rice for extra carbs

🔄 Variations and Substitutions

Don’t be afraid to make this recipe your own. Here are some simple ways to customize your Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet:

Protein Swaps

• Use turkey breast or boneless pork chops
• Try shrimp for a lighter seafood version (add them at the very end)

Add Veggies

• Add asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or green beans
• Stir in fresh spinach in the last 2 minutes

Dairy-Free?

• Swap butter with vegan butter or use more olive oil
• Use coconut oil for a twist

Creamy Sauce Add-On

• Stir in ¼ cup of heavy cream at the end for a creamier dish
• Add a little Parmesan cheese for depth

💡 Cooking Tips for the Best Results

Let’s take this dish from good to OMG level with these chef-approved tips:

• Don’t overcook the chicken. Use a thermometer!
• Let the potatoes get crispy. Don’t stir too much while they cook.
• Garlic burns fast. Don’t walk away from the pan when it’s in.
• Use fresh herbs. Parsley, rosemary, or thyme elevate the flavor.
• Deglaze the skillet. That flavor at the bottom of the pan? You want that in your sauce.

🧊 How to Store & Reheat

This dish keeps beautifully and makes for excellent leftovers.

• Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Not ideal due to the potatoes, but it’s okay if needed.
• Reheat: Microwave or reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of broth or water to prevent drying out.

🥄 Meal Prep Ideas

Double the batch and divide into meal prep containers. Serve with a green veggie or grain for a balanced lunch or dinner that heats up like a dream.

📋 Nutritional Benefits

Here’s what’s great about this Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet beyond the taste:

• High in protein
• Balanced carbs and fats
• Naturally gluten-free
• Can be low-carb if you swap out potatoes

It’s a wholesome comfort food dish without being heavy on processed ingredients.

❓ FAQs About Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet

1. Can I use frozen potatoes?

Yes, but thaw and pat them dry before cooking so they brown properly.

2. Can I bake this in the oven?

Absolutely! Sear the chicken and potatoes first, then transfer to a 400°F (200°C) oven for about 15 minutes to finish.

3. What’s the best skillet to use?

A cast iron skillet is ideal, but any heavy-bottomed pan will work.

4. Can I make this spicy?

Yes! Add cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or even a little hot sauce to the garlic butter sauce.

5. Is this recipe keto-friendly?

Not quite — the potatoes are carb-heavy. But you can swap in cauliflower or zucchini chunks for a low-carb version.

6. Can I use ghee instead of butter?

Definitely. Ghee works beautifully here and gives an even deeper buttery flavor.

7. Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes! Cook everything, store it, and reheat gently when ready to serve.

🏁 Conclusion

The Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet is everything you want in a weeknight meal — easy, comforting, full of flavor, and done in one pan. With crispy golden potatoes, tender seared chicken, and that melt-in-your-mouth garlic butter sauce, it’s no wonder this dish has become a household favorite across the world.

You don’t need to be a professional chef to make this dinner feel gourmet. With a few basic ingredients and simple steps, you’re just 30 minutes away from one of the most satisfying meals you’ll ever eat.

Whether you’re feeding a family, meal prepping, or just treating yourself to something special, this skillet recipe checks all the boxes.

So go ahead — grab that skillet, sizzle up some chicken, crisp those potatoes, and get ready to fall in love with Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet. Your taste buds (and your kitchen) will thank you.

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