Easy Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet For Dinner

There’s something truly comforting about a meal that brings together juicy chicken, golden potatoes, and rich garlic butter in one skillet.

This Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet is one of those dishes you’ll want to make over and over again.

It’s hearty, easy to prepare, and perfect for weeknight dinners or lazy weekends when you just want real, satisfying food without too much fuss.

This recipe is made with simple ingredients you likely already have, tender chicken pieces, buttery potatoes, fresh garlic, herbs, and a touch of lemon for brightness. Everything cooks in one pan, giving you crispy edges, creamy potatoes, and flavorful chicken that’s cooked to perfection.

In this post, you’ll learn exactly how to make it, how to get that perfect golden crust, and how to adjust it to your own taste or dietary needs.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Recipe

This recipe stands out because it uses simple ingredients but delivers a lot of flavor. You don’t need fancy sauces or complicated steps. The key is balance, crispy potatoes, juicy chicken, and a buttery garlic sauce that coats everything beautifully.

Here’s why it’s worth making:

• One-pan meal: Everything cooks in the same skillet, which means easy cleanup.
• Comforting and satisfying: The potatoes and chicken together make it filling enough to stand alone.
• Budget-friendly: You only need basic ingredients that are inexpensive and easy to find.
• Flexible: You can use boneless thighs, breasts, or even leftover roasted chicken.
• Perfect texture: Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and full of garlic butter goodness.

It’s the kind of recipe that tastes like you spent all afternoon cooking, but it comes together in about 40 minutes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll need only a few things for this dish. These are pantry staples, but the flavor they create is deep and comforting.

For the Chicken:

• 1½ pounds (about 700g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika (for color and mild flavor)
• ½ teaspoon onion powder (optional, but adds depth)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Potatoes:

• 1½ pounds (about 700g) baby potatoes or Yukon Gold potatoes, cut into small cubes or halves
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary

For the Garlic Butter Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 5–6 cloves garlic, minced (fresh garlic works best)
• ¼ teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for a light kick)
• Juice of half a lemon (about 1 tablespoon)
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or thyme

These ingredients create a sauce that’s rich but not heavy, buttery but balanced with lemon and herbs. The garlic gives the dish a deep flavor that makes every bite special.

Equipment You’ll Need

You don’t need anything fancy for this recipe. A good skillet makes all the difference, though.

• Large skillet or cast-iron pan: It helps you get crispy potatoes and nicely browned chicken.
• Spatula or tongs: For flipping chicken and stirring potatoes.
• Sharp knife and cutting board: For prepping your ingredients.
• Measuring spoons: To get your seasoning right.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This recipe has three main parts: cooking the potatoes, cooking the chicken, and finishing everything in garlic butter. Each step adds layers of flavor.

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Before you start cooking, get everything ready. Cut the potatoes into bite-sized pieces. If you’re using baby potatoes, cut them in half so they cook faster and crisp up nicely. Mince the garlic, chop the herbs, and pat your chicken dry with paper towels.

Drying the chicken helps it brown better. Moisture on the surface can cause it to steam instead of sear.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

In a bowl, mix the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, paprika, and onion powder. Drizzle a bit of olive oil to coat evenly. Let it sit while you start on the potatoes, even 10 minutes of marinating helps the flavors soak in.

Step 3: Cook the Potatoes

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the potatoes in a single layer. Sprinkle them with salt, pepper, and thyme.

Let the potatoes cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re golden on the outside and tender inside. If they start to brown too quickly, lower the heat a little. When they’re done, transfer them to a plate and set aside.

Step 4: Sear the Chicken

In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil if needed. Place the chicken pieces in the pan and let them cook undisturbed for 5–6 minutes on one side. This gives them that nice golden crust.

Flip and cook for another 5 minutes on the other side until fully cooked through. The exact time depends on the thickness of your chicken, but you want it to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

Once the chicken is done, transfer it to the plate with the potatoes.

Step 5: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

Now comes the heart of the recipe — the garlic butter sauce.

Lower the heat to medium. Add the butter to the same skillet and let it melt, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan (that’s where the flavor is).

Add the minced garlic and cook for 30–60 seconds, just until fragrant. Don’t let it burn. Stir in chili flakes (if using) and the lemon juice. The lemon cuts through the richness of the butter and gives a fresh lift.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Add the chicken and potatoes back into the skillet. Toss them gently in the garlic butter sauce, making sure everything is coated well. Let it cook for another 2–3 minutes so the flavors blend together.

Sprinkle with fresh parsley or thyme before serving.

Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes

Even though this recipe is simple, a few small tips can make it turn out even better every time.

 Use the Right Pan

A cast-iron skillet is ideal because it holds heat well and helps the chicken and potatoes brown evenly. If you don’t have one, use any heavy-bottomed pan.

 Don’t Overcrowd the Pan

If your pan is too small, the chicken and potatoes will steam instead of crisp. Cook in batches if needed.

Watch the Garlic

Garlic burns quickly, and burnt garlic tastes bitter. Always add it after lowering the heat and stir constantly for those few seconds.

Adjust the Butter

You can use more or less butter depending on how rich you want the dish. For a lighter version, use half butter and half olive oil.

Add Veggies

You can throw in vegetables like green beans, broccoli, or bell peppers toward the end. They soak up the garlic butter and make the dish more colorful.

Make It Creamy

If you want a creamy version, stir in a few tablespoons of heavy cream after adding the butter. Let it simmer for a minute before tossing in the chicken and potatoes.

Variations You Can Try

This dish is easy to customize. You can change the seasoning or ingredients based on what you have at home.

1. Garlic Butter Chicken with Sweet Potatoes

Swap the regular potatoes for sweet potatoes. They add a touch of sweetness that balances the garlic butter sauce.

2. Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken

Add a teaspoon of chili powder or a few dashes of hot sauce to the garlic butter for some heat.

3. Lemon Herb Chicken and Potatoes

Increase the lemon juice to a full lemon and add fresh herbs like basil, dill, or oregano for a bright, refreshing flavor.

4. Parmesan Garlic Chicken and Potatoes

Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese at the end while everything is still hot. It melts into the sauce, making it rich and cheesy.

5. Honey Garlic Butter Chicken

Add 1 tablespoon of honey to the sauce for a sweet-savory twist. The honey caramelizes slightly and gives a beautiful glaze.

Serving Suggestions

This skillet meal is hearty enough on its own, but you can pair it with simple sides if you want to stretch it for a family dinner.

• Green salad: A crisp salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the butter.
• Steamed vegetables: Try broccoli, green beans, or carrots for a healthy addition.
• Dinner rolls or garlic bread: To soak up the extra sauce.
• Rice or couscous: If you want a more filling meal.

For presentation, serve straight from the skillet at the table. It looks rustic and inviting, and the aroma of garlic butter fills the room.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers, this dish keeps well for a couple of days.

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a small knob of butter or a splash of water to keep it moist.
• Freeze: You can freeze cooked chicken and potatoes for up to 2 months, though the texture of potatoes may soften slightly when reheated.

If you’re planning for meal prep, cook the chicken and potatoes separately and combine them with the sauce just before serving. This keeps the texture perfect.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though this recipe is simple, there are a few common pitfalls:

• Using wet chicken: Always pat the chicken dry before seasoning. It helps in browning and flavor.
• Adding garlic too early: Garlic burns fast, so add it only after the butter has melted and the heat is lowered.
• Crowding the pan: This prevents browning. Work in batches if necessary.
• Not seasoning enough: Potatoes and chicken need salt to bring out their flavor. Season each step lightly.
• Skipping the lemon juice: That small squeeze of lemon balances the richness of butter and keeps the dish from tasting heavy.

The Secret Behind the Flavor

The magic of this recipe lies in browning and layering.

When the potatoes and chicken are seared first, they develop golden crusts that hold flavor. When you make the garlic butter sauce in the same pan, all those browned bits mix into the sauce, that’s where the deep, savory taste comes from.

The butter adds richness, the garlic brings aroma, and the lemon cuts through it all with freshness. Together, it creates a perfect balance of comfort and brightness.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

(Approximate values for one serving out of four)

• Calories: 470
• Protein: 34g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fat: 25g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 720mg

This is a balanced meal with protein, carbs, and healthy fats. You can reduce calories by using less butter or switching to chicken breasts instead of thighs.

Why This Recipe Works

Every part of this Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet is designed to make cooking simple and the flavor big. Here’s why it always turns out right:

• The two-step cooking method gives both the chicken and potatoes perfect texture.
• The one-pan approach builds flavor in layers, using the same oil and butter for depth.
• The garlic butter sauce ties everything together, savory, rich, and fragrant.
• Balanced seasoning means it never tastes too salty, oily, or heavy.

This recipe is ideal for families, couples, or anyone who wants a home-cooked meal that doesn’t feel like a chore.

Make It Ahead for Busy Nights

 

If you want to save time on a busy weeknight, you can prep ahead:

• Marinate the chicken in the fridge up to 24 hours before cooking.
• Pre-cook the potatoes by boiling them for 5 minutes, then store in the fridge. When it’s time to cook, just sear them for a few minutes before adding the chicken.
• Mix the garlic butter sauce ingredients (except butter) in a small jar so you can pour and cook quickly later.

This way, you can get dinner on the table in under 20 minutes.

How to Make It Look Perfect for Picture

If you love sharing your food online, presentation makes a big difference. Here are a few simple tricks:

• Use a cast-iron pan for that rustic look.
• Leave a few sprigs of herbs or lemon slices on top for color.
• Spoon some of the melted garlic butter over the chicken right before serving to give it a glossy shine.
• Photograph it near natural light, the golden tones of the potatoes and chicken really pop.

This dish not only tastes amazing but also looks stunning in photos.

Final Thoughts

Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet is one of those meals that reminds you why home cooking is worth it. With minimal effort, you get a complete dinner that’s flavorful, comforting, and deeply satisfying.

Every bite brings together the richness of butter, the warmth of garlic, and the heartiness of golden potatoes. It’s the perfect mix of crispy and creamy, savory and fresh, the kind of dish that pleases everyone at the table.

Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this one-pan recipe is sure to become a regular in your kitchen. It’s simple, wholesome, and always hits the spot.

So next time you’re thinking about what to make for dinner, grab a skillet, a few cloves of garlic, and some chicken and potatoes — and get ready for something truly satisfying.

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