Garlic Butter Chicken And Potatoes Skillet Recipe

If you’re looking for a simple, mouthwatering dinner that’s packed with flavor and can be made in one pan, this Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet recipe is perfect for you. With juicy chicken, tender potatoes, and a savory garlic butter sauce, this meal is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for your family or impressing guests, this dish will leave everyone craving more. So, get ready to dive into this recipe, and be sure to read all the way through for pro tips, variations, and answers to common questions that will make your cooking experience even smoother!

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What is Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes?

Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes is a delightful skillet dish that combines tender chicken breast or thighs with perfectly cooked potatoes, all drenched in a rich garlic butter sauce. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity: it's made in one skillet, which means less mess and more flavor as all the ingredients cook together, infusing every bite with garlic, butter, and deliciously seasoned chicken. This hearty, well-balanced meal is perfect for a weeknight dinner and can be customized to suit your taste.

Ingredients List for Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• 1 pound baby potatoes, halved
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)

Ingredients List for Garlic Butter Sauce

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
• Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme (for garnish)

Substitutions and Variations

One of the best things about this Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet is its versatility. Here are some substitutions and variations you can try to suit your dietary preferences or make use of ingredients you already have:

1. Chicken: If you don’t have chicken breasts or thighs on hand, you can use chicken tenders or even bone-in chicken pieces. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary with different cuts.
2. Potatoes: Baby potatoes are ideal because they cook quickly and evenly, but Yukon Gold or red potatoes can work just as well. You can also substitute sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter flavor.
3. Butter: For a dairy-free option, swap the butter for a plant-based alternative or olive oil. The flavor will change slightly, but it will still be delicious.
4. Garlic: If you’re a garlic lover, feel free to add more than the suggested amount, or if you prefer a milder flavor, reduce it by a clove or two.
5. Spices: You can adjust the spices to your liking—try adding Italian seasoning or Cajun spices for a different twist on the recipe.
6. Vegetables: To make this a one-skillet meal with extra nutrition, throw in some veggies like broccoli, bell peppers, or green beans during the last few minutes of cooking.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken and Potatoes: Begin by seasoning your chicken breasts or thighs with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, thyme, and rosemary. Set aside. In the meantime, halve your baby potatoes so they cook more evenly.
2. Cook the Potatoes: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter. Once the butter has melted and the oil is hot, add the potatoes cut-side down. Let them cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and tender. Once cooked, remove the potatoes from the skillet and set them aside.
3. Cook the Chicken: In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and butter. Place the seasoned chicken into the pan and sear on both sides until golden brown and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of your chicken. If using chicken thighs, make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside with the potatoes.
4. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: Lower the heat to medium-low. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, making sure not to burn it. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the garlic, stirring to combine. For an extra zing, you can add a squeeze of lemon juice at this stage along with red pepper flakes if you prefer a bit of heat.
5. Combine and Finish: Return the cooked potatoes and chicken to the skillet, making sure everything is coated well in the garlic butter sauce. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes to ensure all the flavors meld together.
6. Garnish and Serve: Once everything is heated through, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and flavor. Serve immediately, with optional lemon wedges on the side for an added citrusy touch.

How to Cook Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Season chicken and potatoes.
2. Sear and cook potatoes until golden brown.
3. Sear chicken until cooked through.
4. Prepare garlic butter sauce.
5. Combine and finish the dish in the skillet.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overcrowding the Skillet: If you crowd the pan with too many ingredients at once, the chicken and potatoes will steam instead of sear, resulting in a less crispy texture. Use a large skillet, or cook in batches if necessary.
2. Not Patting the Chicken Dry: For the perfect golden-brown sear, make sure to pat your chicken dry before seasoning it. This step helps the seasoning stick and gives the chicken a crisp exterior.
3. Burning the Garlic: Garlic can burn easily, especially over high heat. To avoid this, lower the heat when adding garlic to the skillet and keep a close eye on it.
4. Undercooking Potatoes: Make sure your potatoes are fork-tender before removing them from the skillet. If they’re not cooked through, they won’t soak up the flavors of the garlic butter sauce as well.
5. Skipping the Garnish: Fresh herbs like parsley not only enhance the presentation of the dish but also add a bright, fresh flavor. Don’t skip the garnish!

Serving and Presentation Tips

A beautifully presented Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet can elevate a simple meal into a showstopper. Here are some tips to serve and present this dish like a pro:

1. Serve in the Skillet: For a rustic, family-style presentation, serve the dish directly in the skillet. This not only keeps the food warm but also looks inviting on the dinner table.
2. Use Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a pop of green that contrasts nicely with the golden chicken and potatoes.
3. Add Lemon Slices: Garnishing the dish with thin lemon slices or wedges not only brightens the flavor but also adds a beautiful visual element.
4. Choose the Right Plate: If you prefer to plate the dish individually, use large white plates to let the golden hues of the chicken and potatoes stand out.
5. Drizzle Extra Sauce: Before serving, drizzle some of the remaining garlic butter sauce over the top for extra richness and flavor.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes

This hearty dish can be served on its own as a complete meal, but you can also pair it with a side salad or some crusty bread to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce. For a more balanced plate, consider serving it alongside roasted vegetables or steamed greens like broccoli or asparagus.

Presentation Ideas for Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes

1. Serve the chicken on a bed of mashed potatoes for an extra comforting meal.
2. Stack the chicken breast on top of the potatoes and drizzle with sauce for a restaurant-style presentation.
3. Use a cast-iron skillet for cooking and serving—it retains heat and adds a rustic, homestyle feel to your meal.

Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Recipe Tips

1. Use room-temperature chicken: Let your chicken come to room temperature before cooking to ensure even cooking throughout.
2. Don’t rush the searing process: Give the chicken and potatoes enough time to develop a golden, crispy exterior. This adds both texture and flavor.
3. Season generously: Potatoes and chicken can both benefit from plenty of seasoning. Taste as you go to make sure everything is well seasoned.
4. Deglaze the pan: After cooking the chicken and potatoes, you can deglaze the skillet with a bit of chicken broth or white wine before making the garlic butter sauce. This adds depth of flavor and helps lift any stuck-on bits from the bottom of the pan.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use other meats in this recipe? Yes! Pork chops or turkey breasts can be used as a substitute for chicken. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? While this dish is best served fresh, you can make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat it in a skillet over low heat to keep the chicken juicy and the potatoes tender.
3. What if I don’t have a large skillet? You can cook the chicken and potatoes in batches if your skillet isn’t large enough. Alternatively, you can transfer the dish to a baking sheet and finish it in the oven.
4. Is this dish gluten-free? Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure that any additional ingredients, like broth or seasonings, are certified gluten-free.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet is a delicious, one-pan wonder that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a casual dinner party. The combination of juicy chicken, tender potatoes, and rich garlic butter sauce creates a meal that’s comforting and full of flavor. With the step-by-step instructions and tips provided, you’ll be able to create a dish that not only tastes incredible but also looks impressive. So, grab your skillet and start cooking—you won’t be disappointed!

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