The Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet Recipe

Crafting a mouthwatering garlic butter chicken and potatoes skillet can revolutionize your weeknight dinner game.

Aromatic herbs and golden-brown edges create an irresistible charm for your plate.

Home cooks often struggle with balancing flavors, but this recipe simplifies the process beautifully.

Tender chicken pieces nestled among crispy potato chunks promise a delightful culinary experience.

Each bite delivers a rich, buttery sensation that melts in your mouth.

Minimal ingredients and one-pan convenience make this dish a champion for busy individuals seeking delicious meals.

You’ll fall in love with how quickly this skillet masterpiece comes together, transforming ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary feast.

Why Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet Shines

• Tackle One-Pan Magic: This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering meal using just a single skillet, minimizing cleanup and maximizing flavor.
• Create Restaurant-Quality Dinner: Professional searing technique and oven-roasting method deliver golden chicken with crispy potatoes that rival fancy restaurant dishes.
• Master Versatile Cooking Technique: Learn a foolproof method of stovetop-to-oven cooking that works perfectly for chicken and can be adapted to multiple protein and vegetable combinations.
• Savor Intense Flavor Layers: Garlic butter infusion, herb-seasoned chicken, and pan drippings create a rich, complex taste profile that elevates basic ingredients into something spectacular.

What You’ll Need for This One-Pan Chicken Dinner

• Chicken Breasts: Lean and tender meat that serves as the primary protein in this hearty skillet dish.

• Red Potatoes: Starchy and flavorful potatoes that create a delicious base for the chicken.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.
• Dried Thyme, Dried Rosemary: Aromatic herbs that add depth and complexity to the chicken's flavor profile.

• Olive Oil: Provides a smooth cooking surface and adds a subtle flavor to the dish.
• Butter, Minced Garlic: Creates a rich, fragrant base that infuses the chicken and potatoes with deep, savory notes.

• Chicken Broth, Heavy Cream: Optional ingredients that add extra moisture and create a luxurious sauce.

• Fresh Parsley, Lemon Juice: Bright, fresh elements that provide a final burst of flavor and visual appeal.

Easy Instructions for Chicken and Potatoes Skillet

Step 1: Warm Up The Cooking Space

Turn your oven to 400°F, getting it ready for a delicious meal that’ll make your kitchen smell amazing.

Step 2: Prep The Potatoes

Chop red potatoes into bite-sized pieces so they’ll cook evenly and get super crispy.

Step 3: Season The Chicken

Grab your chicken breasts and shower them with salt, black pepper, thyme, and rosemary. Massage those herbs into the meat like you’re giving it some love.

Step 4: Fire Up The Skillet

Heat olive oil in a big cast-iron skillet until it’s dancing with heat and ready to sizzle.

Step 5: Sear The Chicken

Drop those chicken breasts into the hot skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until they turn a gorgeous golden brown.

Step 6: Pause The Chicken

Move the chicken to a temporary plate, keeping it warm and ready for the next step.

Step 7: Create Garlic Magic

Toss butter and minced garlic into the same skillet, stirring until they become fragrant and slightly golden.

Step 8: Potato Party

Tumble the diced potatoes into the skillet, making sure they’re completely coated in the buttery garlic goodness.

Step 9: Reunite Chicken And Potatoes

Nestle the seared chicken on top of the potatoes in the skillet, creating a cozy one-pan wonder.

Step 10: Add Moisture Boost

Optional but recommended: Pour chicken broth and heavy cream around the chicken to keep everything juicy and rich.

Step 11: Bake To Perfection

Slide the skillet into the oven and roast for 20-25 minutes until the chicken hits 165°F internally.

Step 12: Let It Rest

Pull the skillet out and let everything chill for 5 minutes, allowing the juices to settle and flavors to mingle.

Step 13: Final Flourish

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley and squeeze some lemon juice over the top for a bright, fresh finish.

Step 14: Serve And Enjoy

Bring the entire skillet to the table and watch everyone’s eyes light up with excitement.

Top Tips for Garlic Butter Chicken Success

• Sear for Golden Perfection: Get that beautiful golden-brown crust by ensuring your skillet is hot and chicken is patted dry before searing.
• Choose Potato Precision: Cut red potatoes into similar-sized chunks to guarantee even roasting and prevent some pieces from overcooking while others remain undercooked.
• Boost Flavor Intensity: Massage seasonings directly into chicken meat, allowing spices to penetrate deeply and create a more robust taste profile.
• Cream Sauce Trick: Adding chicken broth and heavy cream creates extra moisture, preventing chicken from drying out and infusing rich, luxurious flavor into the entire dish.
• Rest and Redistribute: Allow chicken to rest for 5 minutes after cooking, letting juices redistribute throughout the meat for maximum tenderness and juiciness.

Skillet Variations to Make the Dish Your Own

• Mediterranean Herb Chicken: Replace dried herbs with fresh oregano, basil, and za'atar for a zesty Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Spicy Cajun Skillet: Swap seasonings with Cajun spice blend, add diced bell peppers, and include andouille sausage for a fiery New Orleans-inspired meal.
• Parmesan Herb Crusted Version: Coat chicken with grated parmesan cheese and Italian herb mix before searing, creating a crispy golden exterior with rich umami notes.
• Ranch Infused Option: Incorporate ranch seasoning mix into butter sauce and sprinkle extra dried ranch herbs over chicken and potatoes for a creamy, tangy transformation.

Best Pairings for Chicken and Potato Skillets

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the rich garlic butter, balancing the dish's creamy texture with bright, refreshing notes.
• Complement with Herbal Side Salad: Create a light mixed green salad with fresh herbs like basil and dill, dressed in a tangy vinaigrette to contrast the skillet's hearty flavors.
• Match with Crusty Artisan Bread: Serve warm, rustic bread to soak up the delicious garlic butter and pan juices, enhancing the overall dining experience.
• Enhance with Roasted Vegetable Medley: Prepare a colorful side of roasted zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots to add nutritional variety and complement the chicken's savory profile.

How to Keep Chicken and Potatoes Tasting Fresh

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days. Ensure the chicken and potatoes are completely cooled before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Transfer cooled dish to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Mark container with date and contents.
• Warm in oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, covering with aluminum foil to retain moisture. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety. Sprinkle fresh herbs before serving to refresh flavors.
• Divide into individual portions in separate containers. Keep chicken and potatoes together.

FAQs for Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes

• How do I know if the chicken is cooked properly?

Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken breast. It should read 165°F, ensuring the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat without being dry.

• Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work perfectly! They have more fat content, which can make the dish even more flavorful and juicy. Just adjust cooking time slightly to ensure they reach 165°F internal temperature.

• What type of potatoes work best for this recipe?

Red potatoes are ideal because they hold their shape well during cooking and have a creamy texture. However, you can also use Yukon gold potatoes as an excellent alternative.