If you’re craving a dish that’s packed with flavor, incredibly comforting, and comes together in just one pan, then I have the perfect treat for you. This Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet Recipe combines tender, juicy chicken thighs with golden, crispy potatoes all infused with the irresistible aroma of garlic, herbs, and butter. It’s a simple yet delicious meal that will quickly become a weeknight favorite, perfect for when you want something hearty without the fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Nothing complicated here — just honest, straightforward ingredients that each bring something special to the table. The balance of butter and olive oil creates a rich base, while the fresh herbs and garlic elevate every bite with layers of flavor. The baby potatoes add that perfect crispy tenderness you want alongside the juicy chicken.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs: These stay tender and juicy, soaking up all the flavors perfectly.
- 1 pound baby potatoes, halved or quartered: They crisp up beautifully and provide a hearty bite.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps create that amazing sauce.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Great for browning the chicken and adding depth.
- 6 cloves garlic, minced: The star flavor that gives this dish its unforgettable aroma.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or fresh thyme sprigs: Adds earthiness and a hint of herbal brightness.
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary or fresh rosemary sprigs: Offers a pine-like aroma that complements chicken beautifully.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the natural flavors.
- Lemon wedges for serving: A splash of fresh citrus cuts through the richness perfectly.
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish: Adds a pop of color and freshness to finish the dish.
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by giving your chicken thighs some love. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary. These herbs will infuse the chicken with their earthy, aromatic qualities, setting the foundation for all the mouthwatering flavors to come.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken thighs. Let them cook undisturbed for 5-7 minutes until each side develops a deep golden crust. This step locks in the juices and creates a flavorful exterior that’s simply irresistible. When done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside for now.
Step 3: Build the Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, add the butter and let it melt down slowly. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until the kitchen fills with that signature garlicky scent. This step is key — the garlic softens and mingles with the butter, creating a silky sauce base that ties the entire dish together.
Step 4: Cook the Potatoes
Now, add the halved baby potatoes to the skillet. Season them with salt and pepper and let them cook for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally. You’re aiming for tender insides paired with a beautifully golden and slightly crispy exterior. The potatoes will soak up the butter-garlic sauce, making every bite a savory delight.
Step 5: Combine Chicken and Potatoes
Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them among the potatoes. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over everything and let the skillet simmer together for about 5 minutes. This extra step melds the flavors—the tangy brightness of lemon cuts through the richness, balancing the dish perfectly while allowing the chicken and potatoes to finish cooking.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a vibrant finish. The fresh herb not only adds color but also a burst of freshness to complement the rich garlic butter sauce. Serve hot with extra lemon wedges on the side for those who love a bit more citrus zing.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic garnish here, but you can also add a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan for a salty twist or some red pepper flakes if you crave a little heat. Lemon wedges remain a must—they brighten each bite and add a final touch of freshness that perfectly balances the garlic butter richness.
Side Dishes
This dish shines as a full meal on its own, but if you’d like to add some extra greens, consider a crisp side salad or steamed asparagus. Light, fresh veggies provide a welcome contrast to the warm, buttery flavors and keep the meal balanced and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a rustic feel, serve everything straight from the skillet right at the table. If you want a more elegant presentation, plate the chicken and potatoes neatly, drizzle some of the pan sauce over top, and add a sprig of fresh thyme or rosemary as a garnish. Either way, it’s guaranteed to impress friends or family!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. The garlic butter chicken and potatoes keep well for up to 3 days, making it a perfect option for quick reheats during busy days.
Freezing
This recipe freezes nicely too. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Just be aware that potatoes might change texture slightly upon thawing, but the flavor remains wonderful.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat to maintain crispiness, adding a small splash of water or chicken broth if needed to keep things moist. Alternatively, microwave on medium power in short bursts until warmed through, taking care not to overcook the chicken.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Just keep in mind that chicken breasts cook faster and can dry out more easily, so watch your cooking time closely to keep them juicy and tender.
What can I substitute for baby potatoes?
Small red potatoes or fingerling potatoes work well. If you prefer, regular potatoes cut into bite-sized chunks will also do the trick but may require a slightly longer cooking time.
Is fresh garlic better than minced garlic from a jar?
Fresh garlic offers the best flavor and aroma for this recipe, but if you’re short on time, jarred minced garlic will still provide good results. Just adjust the quantity according to taste.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes! This dish is naturally gluten-free as is, since it uses simple ingredients without any wheat or gluten-containing additives. Just double-check your herbs and any seasonings if store-bought.
How do I make this dish spicier?
Add crushed red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic or sprinkle some onto the chicken before cooking. This adds a delightful kick without overpowering the other flavors.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet Recipe is one of those heartwarming dishes that feels like a big hug on a plate. It’s quick to make, packed with incredible flavors, and perfect for sharing with people you care about. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a casual weekend feast, I promise this recipe will become a go-to in your kitchen. Give it a try and let those buttery garlic aromas bring a little joy to your table tonight!
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Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A delicious and comforting Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet featuring tender boneless chicken thighs cooked to golden perfection alongside crispy, buttery baby potatoes infused with garlic and herbs. This one-pan meal is easy to prepare and full of rich flavor, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Protein
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Vegetables
- 1 pound baby potatoes, halved or quartered if large
Fats and Oils
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Herbs and Spices
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or a few sprigs of fresh thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary or a few sprigs of fresh rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish and Serving
- Lemon wedges for serving
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Season the chicken thighs on both sides with salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary, ensuring even coating of the herbs and seasoning for maximum flavor.
- Heat the skillet: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat to prepare for searing the chicken.
- Cook chicken thighs: Add the chicken thighs to the hot skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side or until deeply golden and cooked through. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest.
- Sauté garlic: In the same skillet, add the butter and allow it to melt completely. Then add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Cook potatoes: Add the halved potatoes to the skillet and season them with salt and pepper. Cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are tender on the inside and golden brown on the outside.
- Combine chicken and potatoes: Return the cooked chicken thighs to the skillet with the potatoes. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top, then let everything simmer together for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the dish before serving. Serve hot, accompanied by additional lemon wedges on the side for extra brightness.
Notes
- You can swap baby potatoes with fingerlings or small red potatoes for a different texture.
- If fresh herbs are used instead of dried, use about 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh herbs per teaspoon of dried.
- To speed up cooking, parboil potatoes for 5 minutes before adding them to the skillet.
- Chicken breasts can be substituted but adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the skillet to get a nice golden crust on chicken and potatoes.
