The Best Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet Recipe You’ll Love

Looking for a quick, satisfying dinner that feels gourmet but comes together in one pan? This Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet is your answer. Juicy chicken, crispy potatoes, and a rich garlic butter sauce come together for a meal that’s both comforting and crave-worthy. With easy prep, minimal cleanup, and simple pantry staples, this dish checks every box for a go-to weeknight recipe. Whether you’re cooking for the family or meal prepping for the week, this skillet delivers flavor, convenience, and comfort all in one.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes

There are so many reasons to love this one-skillet meal. First, it’s fast — under 45 minutes from start to finish. Second, it’s flavorful, thanks to golden seared chicken and buttery garlic-infused potatoes. Third, it’s flexible: swap in your favorite veggies or use chicken thighs or breasts. Plus, cleanup is easy since everything cooks in a single pan. It’s wholesome, family-friendly, and uses ingredients you likely already have. Whether it’s your first time cooking or you’re a kitchen pro, this dish is a guaranteed win.

What You’ll Need

This recipe keeps it simple with easy-to-find, wholesome ingredients. Here’s everything you need for a satisfying garlic butter chicken skillet:

• Chicken – 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks
• Baby potatoes – 1 lb, halved or quartered depending on size
• Garlic – 5–6 cloves, minced for bold flavor
• Butter – 4 tablespoons unsalted, for rich, creamy sauce
• Olive oil – 1 tablespoon, to sear and crisp the chicken and potatoes
• Paprika – 1 teaspoon, adds warmth and color
• Italian seasoning – 1 teaspoon, for depth
• Salt and black pepper – to taste
• Fresh parsley – chopped, for garnish

These pantry-friendly ingredients make a restaurant-quality dish with minimal effort.

How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes

1. Prep Ingredients: Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and halve potatoes. Mince garlic.
2. Sear Potatoes: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil and 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add potatoes, season with salt, pepper, and half the paprika. Cook for 10–12 minutes until golden and tender. Remove and set aside.
3. Cook Chicken: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tbsp butter and the chicken. Season with salt, pepper, remaining paprika, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 6–8 minutes until browned and cooked through.
4. Add Garlic: Stir in garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Combine & Finish: Return potatoes to skillet. Toss everything together to coat in the garlic butter sauce.
6. Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.

This easy method creates a skillet full of crispy potatoes, juicy chicken, and irresistible garlic butter flavor.

You Must Know

Before diving into this recipe, there are a few key things to keep in mind for success:

• Choose the Right Chicken: Boneless, skinless thighs offer more flavor and stay juicier than breasts, but both work well. Just be sure all pieces are evenly sized for even cooking.
• Use a Large Skillet: An overcrowded pan leads to steaming, not searing. Use a large non-stick or cast-iron skillet so everything browns beautifully.
• Don’t Skip the Garlic: Fresh garlic adds depth and aroma to the entire dish. Pre-minced garlic can work, but fresh cloves give the best flavor.
• Parboil Option: If you’re short on time, you can microwave or boil the potatoes for 4–5 minutes before searing. It helps speed things up and ensures tenderness inside.
• Balance the Butter: If you’re watching fats, reduce butter slightly and replace some with extra olive oil. You’ll still get a rich flavor without all the indulgence.

These small details ensure your garlic butter chicken and potatoes skillet comes out perfect every time.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To get golden-crisp potatoes and juicy chicken in one pan, timing and technique are everything:

• Start with the Potatoes: They take longer to cook than the chicken. Searing them first gives them that golden crust while allowing them to soften.
• Let the Chicken Sear: Avoid moving the chicken too much once it hits the pan. A good sear needs contact and time. Flip only once it’s browned on one side.
• Layer the Flavors: Cooking garlic after the chicken (not with it) keeps it from burning and turning bitter. Let it bloom in butter for that signature aroma.
• Deglaze if Needed: If anything sticks to the pan, a splash of chicken broth or water helps lift those flavorful bits without using wine or alcohol.
• Finish Together: Tossing the chicken and potatoes in the garlic butter at the end ensures they both soak up every last drop of flavor.

Follow these simple tips, and you’ll master this skillet dinner with ease.

Add Your Touch Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes

One of the best parts about this garlic butter chicken and potatoes skillet is how flexible it is. You can easily adapt it to fit your tastes, your pantry, or whatever’s in season. Here are some fun and flavorful ways to make this dish your own:

• Add Veggies: Toss in green beans, broccoli, or bell peppers during the last few minutes of cooking. They’ll soak up that garlic butter and add vibrant color and crunch.
• Spice It Up: Want some heat? Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne to the butter while sautéing the garlic.
• Cheesy Twist: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella or freshly grated Parmesan over the skillet before serving. Let it melt in for a gooey, comforting finish.
• Fresh Herbs: Instead of parsley, try fresh thyme, rosemary, or basil. A small sprinkle of lemon zest also brightens the entire dish.
• Make It Creamy: Add a splash of heavy cream or a spoonful of cream cheese to the garlic butter at the end for a luxurious sauce.
• Serve with a Side: Pair with a crisp side salad or crusty bread to complete the meal.

This dish works for a cozy night in or can be elevated for entertaining with just a few extra touches.

Storing & Reheating

Leftovers of this skillet meal store and reheat beautifully — making it great for meal prep or quick lunches.

To Store:

You might also enjoy this easy twist on a classic dinner.

• Let the skillet cool completely.
• Transfer to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.

To Freeze:

• Place fully cooled portions in freezer-safe containers.
• Freeze for up to 2 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

To Reheat:

• Stovetop: Add a splash of broth or water to a skillet and reheat over medium heat until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute bursts, stirring between intervals.
• Oven: For a larger batch, cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes.

Avoid overheating to keep the chicken tender and the potatoes from drying out. The garlic butter flavor actually deepens after a day, making leftovers even more delicious!

Chef’s Helpful Tips Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes

Making this garlic butter chicken and potatoes skillet a weeknight success is easy, especially with a few expert tips that bring out the best in every bite:

Here’s another go-to meal perfect for busy nights.

• Cut Even Sizes: Make sure your chicken and potatoes are cut into uniform sizes. This helps everything cook evenly and prevents some pieces from overcooking while others are underdone.
• Dry Before Searing: Pat the chicken and potatoes dry with paper towels before adding them to the skillet. Moisture causes steaming instead of searing, so drying them gives you that golden, crispy finish.
• Don’t Overcrowd: If your skillet is too packed, ingredients will steam instead of brown. Work in batches if necessary to get that nice caramelization on both the chicken and potatoes.
• Use Fresh Garlic: Skip the jarred stuff if you can — fresh garlic gives this dish its signature flavor. Add it at the end to avoid burning.
• Choose the Right Pan: A heavy-bottomed skillet (like cast iron) is ideal for retaining heat and achieving a crispy finish.
• Taste as You Go: Everyone’s salt and seasoning preferences differ. Don’t be afraid to taste and adjust the seasoning before serving.

These small tweaks make a big difference and guarantee every time you cook this dish, it turns out even better than the last.

FAQ FOR Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts are leaner and cook a bit faster, so be careful not to overcook them. Thighs tend to be juicier, but both work great.

Do I have to peel the potatoes?
Not at all. Leaving the skin on baby potatoes adds texture and nutrients. Just scrub them well before cooking.

If you enjoy bold flavors, this recipe will hit the spot.

Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the butter with a plant-based butter or just use more olive oil. The garlic and seasonings still bring plenty of flavor.

What if I don’t have Italian seasoning?
You can make your own using equal parts of dried oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary — or just use whichever dried herbs you have on hand.

Can I meal prep this recipe?
Definitely. This dish keeps well in the fridge and reheats wonderfully. Store in individual containers for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, all ingredients used are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check any packaged items like butter or broth to be safe.

Have more questions? Drop them in the comments or send a message — I love helping fellow home cooks make this dish perfect for their table!

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a meal that brings bold flavor, minimal cleanup, and pure comfort in every bite, this Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet delivers. It’s a one-pan recipe that brings together juicy chicken, crispy potatoes, and a rich garlic butter sauce—perfect for family dinners, busy weeknights, or even meal prep.

What makes this dish so appealing is its flexibility. You can tailor it to your taste, swap in seasonal vegetables, or adjust the seasonings to fit your flavor preferences. It’s also approachable for all cooking levels—no fancy techniques or tools required. Just a good skillet, a few ingredients, and a little love.

Whether you’re cooking to impress or simply trying to get dinner on the table fast, this dish won’t let you down. It’s flavorful, wholesome, and satisfying in every way. Plus, the leftovers (if you have any!) are just as tasty the next day.

So grab your skillet and make dinner something to look forward to tonight—this garlic butter chicken and potatoes recipe might just become your new favorite comfort food.