Simple Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet with Fresh Herbs

Craving a comforting, easy dinner with minimal cleanup? This Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet is the perfect one-pan meal. Juicy, golden chicken and crispy baby potatoes are cooked together in a rich, flavorful garlic butter sauce—no need for fancy ingredients or complicated steps. It’s hearty, satisfying, and comes together in under an hour.

This recipe is a go-to for busy weeknights, but it’s impressive enough for casual gatherings, too. Plus, it’s made without any pork or alcohol-based ingredients, making it suitable for a wide range of diets. Whether you’re cooking for family or meal-prepping for the week, this skillet delivers flavor, convenience, and comfort in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes

There’s a lot to love about this Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet. For starters, the garlic butter sauce is incredibly savory and coats everything in rich, mouthwatering flavor. The chicken is juicy with a crisp sear, and the potatoes turn golden on the outside and soft inside—pure texture heaven.

It’s a full meal in one skillet, saving time and dishes. This dish is also customizable—use chicken thighs, breasts, or drumsticks, and swap in your favorite herbs or veggies. It’s perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or even Sunday dinner. No pork, no wine—just pure, feel-good food the whole family will love.

What You’ll Need

This recipe relies on simple, everyday ingredients that come together for maximum flavor. Here’s what you’ll need to create this savory skillet meal:

Ingredients:

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or boneless if preferred)
• 1 lb baby potatoes, halved
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon paprika (optional for a smoky kick)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

These ingredients are pantry staples but packed with flavor. Chicken thighs stay juicy, while butter and garlic create a rich base. Baby potatoes roast beautifully in the same pan, soaking up all that goodness. The touch of lemon adds brightness, and fresh parsley finishes it off with color and freshness.

Feel free to substitute Yukon Gold or red potatoes if baby potatoes aren’t on hand. And if you prefer, you can use chicken breasts—just adjust the cooking time to avoid drying them out.

How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet

This one-skillet meal comes together in a few easy steps. Here’s how to make it:

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prep the ingredients: Pat chicken dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Halve the baby potatoes and mince your garlic.
2. Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken thighs skin-side down for 5–6 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook another 4–5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
3. Cook the potatoes: In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add potatoes cut-side down, season with salt, and cook for 5–6 minutes until golden.
4. Add garlic & butter: Stir in the remaining butter and garlic. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Combine and roast: Return chicken to the pan. Add lemon juice. Cover and cook on low for 20–25 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and potatoes are fork-tender.
6. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve straight from the skillet for easy cleanup and rustic charm.

It’s a full-flavored, no-fuss dish that’s ready in under an hour and perfect for weeknight comfort.

You Must Know

Before diving into this skillet recipe, here are a few important things every home cook should know to make the most of it:

1. Use the right cut of chicken: Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs work best. They stay juicy and develop a beautifully crispy skin when seared. If you use boneless thighs or breasts, reduce the cooking time to avoid overcooking.

2. Don’t skip searing: Searing locks in moisture and adds deep flavor. Let the chicken cook undisturbed for several minutes per side to get that golden-brown crust—it makes a big difference.

3. Garlic timing matters: Garlic burns fast. That’s why it’s added after the potatoes have started cooking. Just 30–60 seconds in the butter is enough to release its flavor without bitterness.

4. Pan size counts: Use a large, heavy-bottomed skillet (cast iron is ideal). You need space for everything to cook evenly without steaming. Overcrowding will make your potatoes soggy instead of crisp.

5. Let it rest: Once cooked, let the skillet rest uncovered for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute and makes every bite more flavorful.

6. Customize with care: Feel free to add vegetables like green beans, mushrooms, or asparagus in the last 10 minutes of cooking. Just make sure they don’t overpower the garlic butter flavor.

7. Keep it alcohol-free: This recipe avoids wine or beer, but you can enhance flavor naturally with a splash of chicken broth or a squeeze of lemon for brightness—family-friendly and just as tasty.

Understanding these little details ensures you get the most from this easy yet impressive skillet dinner. It’s all about timing, balance, and smart cooking decisions.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Perfecting your Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet doesn’t require professional chef skills—just a few tried-and-true techniques that elevate flavor and texture.

Start with high heat for searing: Begin by heating your skillet well before adding oil or chicken. A hot pan ensures you get that golden sear quickly without drying out the meat. Don’t move the chicken too soon—let it form that flavorful crust.

Layer your flavors: Build depth by seasoning each component. Season the chicken, then the potatoes separately. Layering the salt and herbs ensures every bite is packed with flavor rather than relying on just the garlic butter.

Butter vs. oil: Butter provides rich flavor, but it can brown quickly. Start with olive oil for the sear, then switch to butter when cooking the potatoes and garlic. This prevents burning and keeps the sauce smooth.

Use a lid strategically: Covering the skillet during the final stage of cooking helps the chicken cook through and steams the potatoes just enough while keeping the moisture in. Want crispier skin or potatoes? Uncover the pan for the last few minutes and bump up the heat slightly.

Baste the chicken: For extra moisture and flavor, spoon the garlic butter over the chicken in the last few minutes of cooking. It helps the flavors penetrate and adds a glossy finish.

Watch for doneness: Use a meat thermometer if you’re unsure. Chicken is safely cooked at 165°F (74°C), but thighs are more forgiving and stay tender even if slightly over. Potatoes should be fork-tender but not mushy.

Finish with brightness: Don’t underestimate what a touch of lemon juice and fresh herbs can do. They brighten the rich garlic butter and balance out the richness perfectly.

By following these tips, you’ll create a restaurant-quality skillet dinner at home—every time.

Add Your Touch Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes

One of the best things about this Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet is how customizable it is. While the base recipe is already flavorful and satisfying, you can easily make it your own with simple tweaks and additions.

1. Make it veggie-packed
Want to turn this into a one-pan balanced meal? Toss in some vegetables during the last 10–15 minutes of cooking. Great options include:

• Green beans
• Broccoli florets
• Zucchini rounds
• Cherry tomatoes
  These veggies pair well with garlic butter and roast beautifully alongside the potatoes and chicken.

2. Swap the seasoning
Italian seasoning is a great all-purpose blend, but you can customize the flavor with alternatives like:

• Lemon pepper for extra brightness
• Smoked paprika for a mild kick
• Herbs de Provence for a French twist
• Cajun seasoning for a bold, Southern-style punch

3. Choose your chicken
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts can be used instead of thighs—just reduce the cooking time and watch closely to avoid dryness. You can also use drumsticks or chicken tenders if that’s what you have on hand.

4. Make it dairy-free
Swap the butter for olive oil or a dairy-free butter substitute. While the flavor profile will be a bit different, you’ll still get a rich, savory sauce that works beautifully.

5. Go low-carb
Trying to reduce carbs? Swap potatoes for cauliflower florets or chopped turnips. Roast them the same way and you’ll still get a golden, garlicky finish.

6. Add crunch or toppings
Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan or add crispy onions on top right before serving. A drizzle of creamy garlic sauce or ranch can also give it a fun, flavorful twist.

7. Spice it up
Add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for heat. You could also mix in a dash of hot sauce into the garlic butter if you’re craving a spicy edge.

With so many easy variations, this skillet dinner can evolve with your taste, the seasons, or whatever’s left in your fridge. It’s flexible, family-friendly, and never boring.

Storing & Reheating

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers of this garlic butter chicken and potatoes, you’re in for an easy second meal. Here’s how to properly store and reheat them so they taste just as great the next day.

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Storage Instructions:

• Refrigerate: Let the chicken and potatoes cool to room temperature. Store in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.
• Separate if needed: If your skillet is large and components are sticking together, feel free to store chicken and potatoes in separate containers to preserve texture.
• Freezer option: You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. Wrap chicken tightly in plastic wrap or foil, and store in a freezer-safe container. Potatoes may soften slightly when frozen but will still taste good after reheating.

Reheating Instructions:

• Stovetop (best method): Add a splash of water or chicken broth to a nonstick skillet, cover, and warm over medium-low heat until heated through. This keeps the chicken moist and helps revive the buttery sauce.
• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place leftovers in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake for 15–20 minutes.
• Microwave: Place a portion on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second bursts. This method is convenient but may soften the crispy textures.

Reheating Tips:

• Add a little fresh butter or lemon juice while reheating to revive flavors.
• Avoid overheating, especially in the microwave, to prevent the chicken from drying out.
• If reheating from frozen, thaw in the fridge overnight first for best results.

With proper storage and reheating, this dish stays flavorful and filling—making it great for meal prep or enjoying as leftovers the next day.

Chef’s Helpful Tips for Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes

Every home cook, whether beginner or advanced, can benefit from a few extra tricks in the kitchen. These chef-approved tips will help you take your Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet to the next level—from flavor enhancements to perfect timing.

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1. Use cast iron for best results

A heavy-duty cast iron skillet holds heat better than nonstick or aluminum pans. It delivers that golden sear on the chicken and ensures the potatoes get crispy without sticking. If you don’t have one, any oven-safe skillet will work—just monitor the heat more carefully.

2. Dry the chicken before seasoning

Pat your chicken thighs dry with paper towels before seasoning and searing. This helps the skin crisp up better and gives a cleaner browning effect without steaming.

3. Don’t overcrowd the pan

Overcrowding the pan traps steam and prevents browning. If your skillet is smaller, consider searing the chicken in batches before combining everything later in the cooking process.

4. Keep garlic from burning

Burnt garlic = bitter garlic. Always add it after the heat has lowered slightly and stir constantly for no more than a minute. This ensures that you get the rich aroma without any harsh flavors.

5. Add broth for extra sauciness

Want more garlic butter sauce for dipping bread or drizzling over veggies? Add ¼ cup of low-sodium chicken broth when returning the chicken to the skillet. Let it simmer down into a luscious, garlicky glaze.

6. Finish under the broiler (optional)

If you’re using an oven-safe skillet, pop the pan under the broiler for 2–3 minutes after cooking to crisp up the chicken skin and lightly brown the top of the potatoes. Just be sure to watch closely!

7. Don’t skip the lemon juice

That final splash of lemon juice isn’t optional—it brightens the entire dish, balancing the richness of the garlic butter. Fresh lemon juice works best, but bottled can be used in a pinch.

These tips ensure your dish not only turns out flavorful and well-cooked, but also looks and smells amazing—like something out of a restaurant kitchen.

FAQ for Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes

Can I use boneless chicken instead of bone-in?

Yes! Boneless thighs or breasts can be used in place of bone-in chicken. Just reduce the cooking time slightly to prevent drying. Boneless cuts cook faster and are easier to eat for kids or quick meals.

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What’s the best type of potato to use?

Baby potatoes are ideal because they cook quickly and get crispy on the outside. Yukon Gold or red potatoes also work well—just cut them into even 1-inch pieces for consistent cooking.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can prep everything earlier in the day—season the chicken, halve the potatoes, and store them separately in the fridge. Then just cook everything fresh when you’re ready. You can also fully cook the dish and reheat (see the “Storing & Reheating” section).

How can I make this dish dairy-free?

Replace the butter with olive oil or your favorite non-dairy butter substitute. You’ll lose a bit of richness, but the garlic and herbs still carry plenty of flavor.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, all the listed ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to double-check any store-bought seasonings or broth for additives or hidden gluten if you’re cooking for someone with sensitivities.

Can I cook this in the oven instead of on the stovetop?

Yes, you can. After searing the chicken and cooking the potatoes briefly on the stovetop, transfer the entire skillet to a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven and roast for 20–25 minutes, or until everything is cooked through and golden.

How do I make the dish spicier?

Add crushed red pepper flakes or a bit of cayenne pepper when seasoning the chicken. You can also drizzle with your favorite hot sauce before serving for an extra kick.

Conclusion

The Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet is more than just a recipe—it’s a reminder that comfort food can be both simple and deeply satisfying. With its crisp golden potatoes, tender chicken, and rich garlicky butter sauce, this one-pan meal brings big flavor with minimal effort. Whether you’re feeding your family on a busy weeknight or treating yourself to a cozy dinner, it’s a dish that checks every box: hearty, flavorful, and flexible.

From the crispy sear on the chicken to the way the butter and herbs coat every bite, each element of this meal is designed to deliver maximum taste. Even better, you can personalize it with your favorite herbs, veggies, and protein cuts—making it a go-to recipe no matter the season or occasion. And since it’s made without pork or alcohol, it’s accessible and family-friendly, fitting a variety of dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.

So next time you’re short on time but craving something special, reach for your skillet and give this recipe a try. You’ll be amazed by how much flavor can come from a handful of pantry staples and a little kitchen know-how. Be sure to serve it hot, garnish with fresh herbs, and watch how quickly it disappears.

If you try this Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet at home, don’t forget to share your photos, leave a comment, or rate the recipe below. I’d love to hear how you made it your own!

Happy cooking!