Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet

If you’ve ever found yourself standing in the kitchen, tired and hungry after a long day, wondering what to make that feels comforting and doable—you’re not alone. This Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet has become one of my go-to weeknight meals, and honestly, it never disappoints. It’s made in just one pan (because who wants more dishes?), and in about 30 minutes, you get a warm, flavorful dinner that feels like a little reward after a busy day.

The chicken turns golden and juicy, the potatoes crisp up beautifully, and everything is coated in a rich, garlicky butter sauce that smells like absolute heaven while it’s cooking. It’s the kind of dish that brings people to the table fast—no reminders needed. I’ve made this Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet more times than I can count, and every time, it’s met with clean plates and happy faces.

Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or just want something that tastes amazing without a ton of effort, this Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet hits all the marks. Trust me—this is one of those recipes you’ll come back to again and again

Why You'll Love This garlic butter chicken and potatoes skillet Recipe

There’s something incredibly comforting about walking through the door, tossing everything into a single pan, and ending up with a dish that feels like a warm hug. That’s exactly what the Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet delivers—simple, flavorful, and wonderfully satisfying, all without a mountain of dishes or complicated steps.

This Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet has become my go-to on chaotic weeknights when I’m craving something hearty and homemade but only have about 30 minutes to spare. Everything cooks together in one skillet—tender, golden chicken snuggled up with crispy, seasoned potatoes. And then there’s the garlic butter sauce—rich, aromatic, and absolutely irresistible. It fills the kitchen with the kind of mouthwatering scent that guarantees no one will be late to dinner.

The beauty of this Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet is how flexible it is. I’ll often toss in some green beans or sub in chicken thighs for a little extra flavor, and it never disappoints. Whether it’s a chilly fall evening or a busy weekday in spring, this dish always delivers comfort, flavor, and ease.

If you’re looking for a reliable one-pan meal that’s big on flavor and low on effort, this Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet is one you’ll come back to again and again—I know I do.

Jump to:

• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Dietary Benefits & Serving Suggestions
• Variations & Substitutions
• Equipment
• Storage Instructions
• The Secret That Changed My Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet Forever
• FAQ
• Why This Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet Belongs in Your Weekly Rotation
• Related
• Pairing
• Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet Recipe

Ingredients

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for more flavor)
• Baby potatoes, halved (red or gold work best)
• Butter, divided
• Garlic cloves, minced
• Olive oil
• Dried thyme
• Dried rosemary
• Paprika
• Red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Lemon, cut into wedges
• Chicken broth (optional, for extra sauce)

Ingredient Tips:

• Baby potatoes cook faster than larger varieties, but you can use regular potatoes cut into 1-inch cubes if needed
• For a dairy-free option, substitute butter with ghee or additional olive oil
• Fresh herbs can replace dried ones (use three times the amount)
• Add a sprinkle of parmesan cheese at the end for extra flavor

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients

1. Pat dry the chicken breasts with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
2. If chicken breasts are thick, slice them horizontally to create thinner cutlets that will cook more quickly and evenly.
3. Halve the potatoes (quarter larger ones) to ensure even cooking.
4. Mince the garlic and prepare all other ingredients before heating the skillet.

Cook the Potatoes

1. Heat a large skillet (cast iron works best) over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of butter and the olive oil.
2. Once hot, add the potatoes cut-side down and season with salt, pepper, half the paprika, and half the dried herbs.
3. Cook undisturbed for 5-6 minutes until the bottoms develop a golden crust.
4. Stir and continue cooking for another 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
5. Transfer potatoes to a plate and set aside.

Cook the Chicken

1. In the same skillet, add 2 more tablespoons of butter.
2. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
3. Remove chicken to the plate with the potatoes.

Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

1. Reduce heat to medium-low and add the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter to the skillet.
2. Once melted, add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
3. Add remaining herbs, paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using).
4. If you prefer a bit more sauce, add ¼ cup chicken broth and simmer for 2 minutes.

Bring It All Together

• Return the chicken and potatoes to the skillet and spoon the garlic butter sauce over them.
• Heat everything together for 2-3 minutes to warm through and allow flavors to meld.
• Sprinkle with fresh parsley and squeeze lemon juice over the top before serving.

Helpful Hints and Tips

• For the best garlic butter chicken and potatoes skillet, make sure your skillet is hot before adding the potatoes. This ensures they develop that crispy exterior we all love. Also, don't crowd the pan when cooking the chicken; cook in batches if needed for proper browning.
• A cast iron skillet provides the best heat retention and creates amazing browning, but any large, heavy skillet will work for this garlic butter chicken and potatoes skillet recipe.

Dietary Benefits & Serving Suggestions

• This garlic butter chicken and potatoes skillet is naturally gluten-free and can be part of a balanced meal when paired with a green vegetable. To make it lower in carbs, substitute half the potatoes with cauliflower florets.
• For a complete meal, serve with:
  • Steamed green beans or asparagus
  • A simple side salad with vinaigrette
  • Roasted broccoli with lemon
  • Sautéed spinach with garlic

Variations & Substitutions

• Lemon Garlic Chicken Version
  Add the zest of one lemon to the garlic butter sauce for a bright, citrusy twist.
• Creamy Garlic Sauce Variation
  Stir in ¼ cup of heavy cream after making the garlic butter sauce for a richer, creamier texture.
• Garlic Parmesan Option
  Add ½ cup grated parmesan cheese to the finished dish for a cheesy, savory flavor boost.
• Veggie-Packed Skillet
  Add bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes during the last 5 minutes of cooking for extra nutrition and color.

Equipment

• A 12-inch skillet is ideal for this garlic butter chicken and potatoes skillet recipe. Cast iron provides excellent heat retention and creates the best browning on both the chicken and potatoes. If you don't have cast iron, any large, heavy-bottomed skillet will work.
• Other helpful tools:
  • Meat thermometer to check chicken doneness
  • Sharp knife for cutting potatoes
  • Wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula

Storage Instructions

• Store leftover garlic butter chicken and potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often improve overnight, making this an excellent meal prep option.
• To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of chicken broth or water to keep everything moist. Microwave reheating works too, but the potatoes won't stay as crispy.
• This dish doesn't freeze well due to the potatoes' texture changing when thawed.

FAQ

Why This Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet Belongs in Your Weekly Rotation

There’s just something about this Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet that keeps bringing me back. Maybe it’s the way the buttery garlic clings to the crispy potatoes, or how the chicken turns out juicy and golden every single time—but more than anything, it’s the way this dish feels like home in a pan. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a cozy Sunday meal, this garlic butter chicken and potatoes skillet recipe checks every box: simple, flavorful, comforting, and irresistibly good.

And if you’re in the mood to keep the comfort food going, don’t miss my ultra-cheesy, crave-worthy Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs—they’re always a hit at gatherings and game nights. Or treat yourself to something sweet and stunning like this Tiramisu Layer Cake—it’s the perfect way to end a garlic butter-filled dinner on a high note. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.

Related

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Pairing

These are my favorite dishes to serve with this Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet recipe: