This Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet is a tasty one-pan meal that’s super easy to make. Juicy chicken and crispy potatoes come together in a buttery garlic sauce that’s simply irresistible!
Honestly, this dish makes weeknight dinners feel special. I love how I can cook everything in one pan, which means fewer dishes to wash—now that’s a win in my book! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: This dish highlights tender chicken breast strips. If you prefer dark meat, feel free to use boneless thighs for a juicier option. You could also use tofu or chickpeas for a plant-based choice.
Baby Potatoes: Baby potatoes are convenient and flavorful. If you don’t have them, feel free to use regular potatoes—just cut them into smaller pieces. Sweet potatoes can also be a great alternative for a different taste.
Butter: A big part of that garlic butter flavor comes from using good quality butter. If you want to lighten it up, you can substitute half with olive oil or use a vegan butter if you’re dairy-free.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds depth, but if you run out, garlic powder can work in a pinch—just use about 1/8 teaspoon for each clove. I love using fresh when possible for the big flavor boost!
Dried Herbs: Thyme and rosemary bring great flavors, but if you have Italian seasoning or herbs de Provence on hand, they can work too. Just remember to use a bit less since they’re often mixed with salt.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken Stays Juicy?
Cooking chicken can be tricky, but there are some easy tricks to keep it juicy! Start by not overcrowding the skillet; this helps it sear instead of steam. Season your chicken well—you want to build that flavor from the start!
- Use medium-high heat to get a good sear, but watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Flip the chicken strips only a few times during cooking to let each side gain color and flavor.
- Always check the internal temperature; it should reach 165°F (75°C) to be safe!
Lastly, letting the chicken rest a couple of minutes after cooking helps keep the juices inside, making each bite tender and delicious.
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken And Potatoes Skillet
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Main Dish:
- 1.5 lbs chicken breast, sliced into strips
- 1 lb baby potatoes, halved (or quartered if large)
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious and simple dish takes about 30 minutes to make, including preparation and cooking time. You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping the ingredients, and the cooking will take around 20 minutes. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Potatoes:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the halved baby potatoes to the skillet, generously season them with salt and pepper, and cook them for about 15-20 minutes. Stir them occasionally so they cook evenly. You want them to be golden brown and tender enough to pierce with a fork.
2. Seasoning the Chicken:
While the potatoes are cooking, season the sliced chicken breast with paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This will give your chicken a delicious flavor.
3. Adding the Chicken:
Once the potatoes are perfectly cooked, push them to one side of the skillet. Add 2 tablespoons of butter to the empty side of the skillet and let it melt. Then, add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until you can smell the garlic. It’s going to smell amazing!
4. Cooking the Chicken:
Next, increase the heat to medium-high. Now, add the seasoned chicken strips to the skillet. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes, flipping occasionally until the chicken is cooked through, and you achieve a lovely golden brown color on the outside.
5. Mixing It All Together:
Once the chicken is cooked, stir in the dried thyme and rosemary, mixing everything well to coat both the chicken and potatoes in that tasty garlic butter mixture. Then, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. As it melts, mix everything together so it gets coated evenly.
6. Finishing Touches:
Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish for a pop of color and flavor. Serve it up hot and enjoy your flavorful one-skillet meal!
Can I Use Other Types of Potatoes for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While baby potatoes are great for their size and ease, you can use any type of potato. Just remember to cut larger potatoes into smaller, even pieces to ensure they cook through at the same rate as the chicken. Russets, Yukon Golds, and red potatoes all work wonderfully here!
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Garlic?
No worries! You can substitute fresh garlic with garlic powder; use about 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder for each clove of garlic. Just add it in along with the other seasonings. Keep in mind that the flavor will be a bit different, but still delicious!
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the chicken and potatoes ahead of time! Simply cook everything and let it cool before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if it needs moisture.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to allow it to cool completely before sealing. To reheat, use a skillet over low heat for best results, stirring occasionally to avoid drying out the chicken and potatoes.
