If you’re searching for a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, look no further than the Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet Recipe. This comforting meal brings together juicy, golden chicken thighs and crispy, tender baby potatoes, all coated in a luscious garlic butter sauce. The blend of fresh herbs and the brightness of lemon creates such a harmonious balance of flavors that every bite feels just right. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this skillet recipe is straightforward to prepare yet impressive in taste, making it an instant favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet Recipe lies in a handful of simple, quality ingredients. Each element plays a vital role, from the tender chicken thighs that soak up all the amazing flavors to the baby potatoes that crisp up beautifully, delivering texture and color to the dish.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs: They remain wonderfully juicy and full of flavor when cooked this way.
- 1 pound baby potatoes, halved or quartered: Small potatoes cook quickly and give a tender yet crispy bite.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter: Butter adds richness and helps create that irresistible garlic sauce.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Perfect for searing the chicken to a golden brown finish.
- 6 cloves garlic, minced: Essential for soaking everything with fragrant depth and warmth.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or fresh sprigs: Thyme offers an earthy, slightly minty note.
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary or fresh sprigs: Rosemary brings a woodsy, aromatic touch that pairs beautifully with potatoes.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Balances and enhances all the natural flavors.
- Lemon wedges for serving: Adds a fresh, zesty twist that cuts through the richness.
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish: A pop of green freshness that brightens the finished dish.
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by seasoning the chicken thighs generously on both sides with salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary. These herbs will infuse the meat with a lovely aroma and depth of flavor during cooking.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Adding the chicken thighs now will allow them to develop a deep golden crust, locking in their juices for tenderness. Cook each side for about 5 to 7 minutes until fully cooked and beautifully browned, then remove them from the skillet to rest.
Step 3: Create the Garlic Butter Base
Into the same skillet, add the butter and let it melt slowly. Once melted, toss in the minced garlic and sauté just until fragrant, about a minute. This step is where the kitchen starts to smell incredibly inviting, and the foundation for your sauce begins to build.
Step 4: Cook the Potatoes
Add the halved baby potatoes to the skillet, seasoning them with salt and pepper. Stir occasionally as they cook, allowing each side to get golden brown and tender over 10 to 15 minutes. This part transforms the potatoes, giving them a crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft and comforting.
Step 5: Combine and Simmer
Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them among the potatoes. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the whole skillet for a vibrant burst of acidity. Let everything simmer together for another 5 minutes, so the flavors meld beautifully and the chicken absorbs some of the lemony, buttery goodness.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finish by scattering chopped fresh parsley over the top for a fresh, herbal touch and brighten the look of the dish. Serve the Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet Recipe piping hot, accompanied by extra lemon wedges for those who love an extra squeeze of citrus with every bite.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the classic choice to sprinkle on this dish, providing vibrant color and a subtle herbal lift. Lemon wedges serve as both garnish and a flavor enhancer, allowing each person to customize the zing to their preference.
Side Dishes
This skillet recipe stands beautifully on its own but pairs wonderfully with a crisp side salad for some refreshing crunch or steamed green beans to add a pop of color and nutrition. If you want to carry on the buttery theme, a side of garlic bread is always a crowd-pleaser.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual family meal, serve it straight from the skillet to keep things easy and cozy. If you want to impress guests, plate individual portions with a sprig of rosemary and a lemon twist on the side to give it a bistro-style touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen when rested overnight, making the reheated dish just as delicious.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked chicken and potatoes in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Just be sure to cool completely before freezing, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat to regain the crisp on the potatoes and warm the chicken evenly. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep that fresh-from-the-skillet texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts will work, but be mindful of cooking times as they tend to dry out quicker. Consider pounding them to an even thickness and watch carefully to avoid overcooking.
What type of potatoes work best for this recipe?
Baby or new potatoes are ideal because they cook evenly and crisp up nicely. If you only have larger potatoes, cut them into small quarters to achieve similar results.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Yes! Fresh thyme and rosemary bring a brighter, more vibrant flavor. Use about three times the amount of fresh herbs compared to dried to achieve the same intensity.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for friends or family with gluten sensitivities.
How do I get the potatoes nice and crispy?
Make sure the skillet is hot enough before adding the potatoes, and avoid overcrowding them. Stir occasionally but not too often, so they get golden brown on their own.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet Recipe captures the essence of comfort food with a fresh twist of lemon and herbs. It’s easy, flavorful, and satisfying — the kind of dish you’ll want to make again and again. So grab your skillet and give it a try; I promise it will quickly become one of your all-time favorites.
Print
Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
A flavorful one-pan Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet recipe featuring tender chicken thighs cooked to golden perfection alongside crispy, buttery baby potatoes infused with garlic, herbs, and a touch of fresh lemon for brightness. Perfect for a comforting and easy meal packed with savory goodness.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 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 Butter
- 1 pound baby potatoes, halved or quartered if large
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
Garnish and Serving
- Lemon wedges for serving
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Season the chicken thighs on both sides evenly with salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary, preparing them to infuse flavors during cooking.
- Heat the Oil: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil, allowing it to heat until shimmering but not smoking.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken thighs to the hot skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until they develop a deep golden crust and are fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest.
- Sauté Garlic in Butter: In the same skillet, add the 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter and let it melt. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, stirring constantly until fragrant but not browned.
- Cook the Potatoes: Add the halved baby potatoes to the skillet and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even browning, until the potatoes are tender inside and golden crisp on the outside.
- Combine and Simmer: Return the cooked chicken thighs to the skillet with the potatoes. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the entire dish and let it simmer for another 5 minutes so the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the skillet and serve the dish hot, accompanied by extra lemon wedges to add brightness as desired.
Notes
- Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for juiciness and even cooking.
- If using fresh herbs, tie them together for easy removal or finely chop before seasoning the chicken.
- Adjust seasoning salt and pepper to taste before serving.
- Make sure to not overcrowd the skillet when cooking potatoes to ensure crispiness.
- Substitute baby potatoes with fingerlings or new potatoes as preferred.
- For a richer flavor, add a splash of chicken broth or white wine when simmering the chicken and potatoes together.
