Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet: A Comforting One-Pan Meal for Busy Nights

There’s nothing quite as comforting as a skillet meal that delivers on taste, texture, and ease of preparation. This garlic butter chicken and potatoes skillet is one of those dishes you’ll find yourself making again and again, especially on nights when you want something hearty and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. Perfectly seared chicken, golden and crispy baby potatoes, and a buttery garlic herb sauce come together to create a complete meal in one pan. It’s rich, flavorful, and filling, yet easy enough for beginner cooks to master. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or preparing meals ahead of time, this recipe is dependable, adaptable, and deeply satisfying. In just about 40 minutes, you’ll have a restaurant-quality dish that works well for a weeknight dinner, casual get-together, or make-ahead lunch box meal. It’s made from common ingredients, but the flavor combination is anything but ordinary.

Ingredients and Preparation

To keep things simple and approachable, this recipe uses pantry staples and fresh produce. Each ingredient serves a specific purpose in building layers of flavor.

1. Main Ingredients

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized chunks or thick strips)
• 1½ pounds baby potatoes (halved)
• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided use)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 5 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary (or ½ teaspoon dried)
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried)
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• ¼ cup low-sodium chicken broth (optional, for deglazing)
• Fresh chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

2. Ingredient Substitutions

• If baby potatoes aren’t available, Yukon gold or red potatoes work just as well. Cut into 1-inch chunks.
• For a leaner dish, use chicken breast, but chicken thighs may also be used for added juiciness.
• Butter can be replaced with a plant-based alternative for a dairy-free version.
• Chicken broth can be swapped with vegetable broth or water.

3. Preparation Tips

• Wash and scrub potatoes thoroughly. No need to peel if the skins are thin.
• Cut all chicken pieces and potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help it sear properly in the pan.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This dish comes together in a few simple steps. Follow them carefully for perfect results every time.

1. Parboil the Potatoes

• Fill a medium saucepan with salted water and bring to a boil.
• Add halved baby potatoes and boil for 5–7 minutes until slightly tender.
• Drain the potatoes and set them aside to dry.

2. Season the Chicken

• While the potatoes are boiling, place chicken pieces in a bowl.
• Add ½ teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon onion powder, salt, and pepper.
• Toss until the chicken is evenly coated with seasoning.

3. Cook the Potatoes

• In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
• Add the parboiled potatoes cut-side down in a single layer.
• Let them cook undisturbed for 5–7 minutes to form a crispy crust.
• Toss and cook for another 5 minutes until golden and tender.
• Remove the potatoes from the skillet and set them aside.

4. Sear the Chicken

• Add another tablespoon of butter to the same skillet.
• Add seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer.
• Sear the chicken without moving it for 3–4 minutes until browned on one side.
• Flip the chicken and cook for another 3–4 minutes until fully cooked.
• Transfer chicken to the plate with the potatoes.

5. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

• Reduce heat to medium-low.
• Add remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet.
• Stir in minced garlic, thyme, and rosemary. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Optional: Add ¼ cup chicken broth to deglaze the pan. Scrape up browned bits and let it simmer for 1–2 minutes to reduce slightly.

6. Combine and Simmer

• Return the cooked chicken and potatoes to the skillet.
• Gently toss everything to coat with the garlic butter sauce.
• Let everything simmer together for 2–3 minutes so the flavors can meld.

7. Finish and Serve

• Sprinkle chopped parsley over the dish for a fresh touch.
• Serve hot, straight from the skillet or portioned onto plates.

Beginner Tips and Notes

Even if you’re new to cooking, this recipe is easy to follow with these helpful tips:

• Use a Large Skillet: Overcrowding leads to steaming instead of browning. Use a 12-inch skillet if available.
• Let Ingredients Sit: When searing chicken or potatoes, let them sit without stirring to develop that delicious crust.
• Keep Garlic from Burning: Always lower the heat when adding garlic so it doesn’t turn bitter.
• Deglaze for Flavor: Don’t skip deglazing the pan—it lifts the flavor-packed brown bits stuck at the bottom.
• Rest the Chicken: Let the cooked chicken rest for a few minutes before combining with the potatoes. This helps retain moisture.
• Add Vegetables: If desired, stir in quick-cooking vegetables like spinach or peas toward the end of cooking.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is versatile and can be paired with a variety of sides or served on its own.

1. With Greens

• Pair with a fresh green salad tossed in vinaigrette for contrast to the rich butter sauce.

2. On a Bed of Grains

• Serve over quinoa, rice, or couscous to stretch the meal and add texture.

3. With Extra Veggies

• Roasted carrots, green beans, or steamed broccoli make great companions.

4. As a Meal Prep Option

• Divide the chicken and potatoes into meal containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
• Reheat gently in the microwave or skillet with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.

5. With Bread

• A slice of crusty bread or a warm dinner roll is perfect for mopping up any extra garlic butter.

Print

Engagement Features

Here are a few conversation starters or reflection prompts to enhance your cooking experience or share with others:

• What’s your favorite herb to use with garlic butter—thyme, rosemary, or something else?
• Would you add vegetables to this dish? Which ones would you try?
• Have you made other one-skillet meals before? What’s your go-to combination?
• If making this for a crowd, how would you double the recipe or adapt it for a larger group?
• What tweaks would you make next time—maybe a touch of lemon juice, chili flakes, or different protein?

Conclusion

Garlic butter chicken and potatoes skillet is a cozy, satisfying meal that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen when it actually comes together in less than an hour. With just one skillet, a handful of ingredients, and a little patience, you can create a dish that’s bursting with flavor and texture. The golden seared chicken, crispy-edged potatoes, and buttery garlic herb sauce make every bite indulgent yet balanced. This recipe is forgiving and flexible, perfect for adapting to your taste or what’s in your pantry. Try it once, and you’ll understand why it becomes a repeat favorite in so many homes. Give it a shot, and feel free to share how you made it your own.