If you’re craving a meal that’s equal parts cozy, speedy, and bursting with bold, garlicky flavor, you’re in for a treat. Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet is a one-pan wonder, marrying tender strips of chicken with golden, buttery potatoes, all swirled in a fusion of aromatic herbs and a kicky marinade. It’s hearty, family-friendly, and impossible not to love!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unbeatable Flavor: The garlic butter sauce infuses both the chicken and potatoes, making every bite a burst of savory, aromatic deliciousness.
- All-in-One Skillet: You’ll love how everything comes together in one pan, saving you time on both cooking and cleanup.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy get-together, this dish always draws rave reviews from kids and adults alike.
- Easy to Adapt: Swap in your favorite herbs or tweak the level of heat to suit any flavor preference or dietary need.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need a packed pantry or any special equipment for this Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet—just a handful of humble, everyday ingredients that each play a vital role. Every item brings its own note of flavor, richness, or color to the finished dish, making it far more than the sum of its parts.
- Chicken breast: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips so they cook quickly and soak up all that garlicky butter goodness.
- Baby yellow potatoes: These are naturally creamy and develop golden, crispy edges; quartering helps them cook evenly and rapidly.
- Olive oil: Gives a subtle richness and ensures a beautiful sear, both for the potatoes and chicken.
- Butter: The backbone of our skillet—the more butter, the richer and silkier the sauce.
- Garlic cloves: Don’t skimp; freshly minced garlic is the flavor star of the show!
- Fresh thyme, rosemary, and oregano: Using real herbs lifts everything with bright, lemony, and slightly piney notes.
- Salt and fresh cracked pepper: Simple seasonings that tie all flavors together.
- Crushed red chili pepper flakes (optional): Perfect for a touch of heat—use as much or as little as you like.
- Low sodium soy sauce (or coconut aminos): Adds a subtle savoriness to the marinade while keeping sodium in check.
- Hot sauce: Just a spoonful for zing—Sriracha is classic but feel free to play.
- Fresh cracked pepper: For a fragrant kick in both the marinade and final dish.
Variations
The best part about this recipe is how customizable it is! With just a few tweaks, you can put your own spin on Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet to match whatever’s in your fridge or suit your taste buds.
- Swap the protein: Try boneless thighs, turkey breast, or even firm tofu for a vegetarian touch—the marinade and garlic butter work every time!
- Mix up the herbs: If you don’t have fresh thyme or rosemary, dried versions or even Italian seasoning can be a quick and tasty substitute.
- Add extra veggies: Stir in quick-cooking favorites like baby spinach, bell peppers, or snap peas near the end for a burst of color and extra nutrients.
- Make it dairy-free: Use a plant-based butter alternative and coconut aminos in place of soy sauce for a skillet that suits more diets.
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Begin by tossing your chicken strips in a bowl with low sodium soy sauce, olive oil, hot sauce, and a generous crack of pepper. Giving the chicken some time to marinate while you get the potatoes going means every bite will be especially juicy and flavorful.
Step 2: Parboil the Potatoes
Pop those quartered baby potatoes into a pot of boiling, salted water for about 8 minutes. This helps them cook faster in the skillet and ensures they turn golden and crisp on the outside while staying fluffy inside—totally worth the extra minute!
Step 3: Sauté the Potatoes
Heat up a skillet with olive oil and a pat of butter, then add the drained potatoes. Let them sear undisturbed for a few minutes so they really caramelize and pick up flavor, then give them a stir for even golden color. Set them aside once they’re tender and crisp.
Step 4: Sear the Chicken
With the same skillet (no need to wash out that flavor!), melt a bit more butter and lay your marinated chicken strips in a single layer. Sprinkle over the minced garlic and—if you like a little fire—some chili flakes. Sear each side just until golden, about a minute per side, so the pieces stay tender and juicy.
Step 5: Deglaze and Combine
Pour in the reserved marinade and simmer briefly, letting the sauce bubble and surround the savory chicken. Toss in your chopped herbs, then return the sautéed potatoes to the skillet. Give everything a quick toss to coat in that beautiful garlic butter sauce and heat through.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once everything is piping hot and fragrant, take the skillet off the heat. Serve your Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet right away, topping with more herbs, a sprinkle of chili flakes, and Parmesan if you’re feeling extra indulgent. Get ready for satisfied smiles all around!
Pro Tips for Making Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet
- Marinade Magic: Give your chicken as much time as you can in the marinade—even 10 extra minutes makes a difference in flavor depth.
- Potato Perfection: Quartering the potatoes to equal sizes keeps their texture uniform—no undercooked centers or over-browned edges.
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: Cook the chicken in batches if necessary to get that irresistible golden sear rather than steaming the pieces.
- Finishing Touch: Taste for salt just before serving; with both soy sauce and butter, you may need less than you think.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet
Garnishes
Add a flourish of chopped fresh herbs—like more thyme or parsley—over each plate for a pop of color and a fresh, aromatic boost. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan and a pinch of chili flakes elevates the dish and truly makes it irresistible!
Side Dishes
This skillet is hearty enough to stand alone, but it shines alongside a simple green salad, garlicky sautéed greens, or some roasted broccoli for a bit of crunch and added nutrition—plus, they’re perfect for mopping up extra garlic butter sauce!
Creative Ways to Present
Serve Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet family-style straight from the pan for an inviting, rustic touch, or scoop individual portions into shallow bowls for a more elegant dinner. For parties, pile onto a platter and finish with microgreens and a lemon wedge for a vibrant, crowd-wowing centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Let it cool completely before packing up to preserve the flavors and texture.
Freezing
If you want to freeze for later, portion the cooled chicken and potatoes into freezer-safe containers. They’ll keep for up to a month—just know that the potatoes will be a bit softer upon reheating, but all that garlicky flavor stays intact.
Reheating
For the best texture, reheat gently in a skillet on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to keep things moist. You can also pop them in the microwave, stirring halfway, until hot and steamy throughout.
FAQs
-
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will be extra succulent in this recipe. Just be sure to cut them into strips or bite-size pieces and adjust cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a touch longer to cook through than breasts.
-
Do I have to parboil the potatoes?
Parboiling is key for super-tender insides and golden, crispy outsides in the short cook time. If you skip this step, the potatoes may remain tough or get too dark before softening.
-
Can I make Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet ahead of time?
You can prep the chicken and potatoes a day in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready, just finish the final sauté together for maximum freshness and flavor.
-
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be! Simply substitute coconut aminos for soy sauce and double-check your hot sauce and seasoning blends for any hidden gluten.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a meal that brings everyone around the table and fills the house with the dreamy aroma of garlic and herbs, this Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet will not disappoint. It’s comforting, lively, and incredibly satisfying—so gather your favorite people and let this dish work its magic!
PrintGarlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 20 min
- Total Time: 30 min
- Yield: 4 Servings 1x
- Category: Stovetop
- Method: Stovetop
Description
This Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet is a savory and satisfying one-pan meal that combines tender chicken strips, golden sauteed potatoes, and a flavorful garlic butter sauce. It’s a delicious and easy dish perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Potatoes:
- 1 1/2 lb (650g) chicken breast, cut into strips
- 1 1/2 lb (650g) baby yellow potatoes, quartered
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoons butter, divided
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh oregano, chopped
- Salt and fresh cracked pepper
- Crushed red chili pepper flakes, optional
For the Marinade:
- 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce (or coconut amino if you’re strictly paleo)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (e.g., Sriracha)
- Fresh cracked pepper
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine chicken strips with soy sauce, olive oil, pepper, and hot sauce. Allow to marinate while preparing the potatoes.
- Parboil the Potatoes: Boil potatoes in salted water for 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Cook Potatoes: In a skillet, cook potatoes in olive oil and butter until golden and tender. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Cook Chicken: In the same skillet, cook chicken strips with garlic, red chili flakes, and herbs until browned. Add reserved marinade, then return potatoes to the skillet. Season and heat through.
- Serve: Garnish with chili pepper, herbs, and parmesan cheese. Enjoy hot!
Notes
- Adjust spice levels to taste.
- Ensure chicken is cooked through before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 624 kcal
- Sugar: 4.24 g
- Sodium: 241.42 mg
- Fat: 32.95 g
- Saturated Fat: 11.35 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19.36 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 39.2 g
- Fiber: 5.25 g
- Protein: 43.71 g
- Cholesterol: 132.19 mg