Garlic Butter Chicken And Potatoes Skillet Recipe

If you're searching for a meal that’s flavorful, satisfying, and simple to make, look no further than this Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet recipe! Packed with tender, juicy chicken and golden, crispy potatoes, all soaked in a rich garlic butter sauce, this dish is the perfect combination of savory goodness. Whether you're cooking for your family or whipping up a quick dinner for yourself, this recipe will become a household favorite. Read on to discover how to make this mouth-watering meal, step by step, and impress everyone at the dinner table!

What is Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet?

Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet is a one-pan meal that combines succulent chicken pieces with perfectly roasted potatoes, all brought together by a delicious garlic butter sauce. The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity; it only requires a few ingredients, yet it delivers big on flavor. With just one skillet, you can create a satisfying and wholesome dinner without the hassle of washing multiple dishes. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, but it’s also elegant enough for a weekend gathering or family dinner.

Ingredients List for Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delightful dish:

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

Substitutions and Variations

One of the great things about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can easily adjust the ingredients to fit your preferences or dietary needs.

• Chicken Alternatives: If you prefer, you can use chicken breasts instead of thighs for a leaner option. Just be mindful that breasts can cook faster, so keep an eye on them to avoid drying out the meat.
• Potato Options: If you don’t have baby potatoes, feel free to use Yukon gold or red potatoes. You can even substitute with sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter and healthier twist.
• Herb Variations: If you don’t have thyme or rosemary on hand, you can use Italian seasoning or fresh herbs like basil or oregano.
• Butter Alternatives: For a dairy-free version, you can swap out the butter for a vegan butter or even use extra olive oil.
• Garlic Lovers: If you’re a big fan of garlic, don’t hesitate to add an extra clove or two!

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s dive into the cooking process! With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a meal that’s packed with flavor and ready to serve in no time.

1. Prep the Ingredients: Start by prepping all your ingredients. Halve or quarter your baby potatoes, mince the garlic, and pat your chicken thighs dry with a paper towel. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika.
2. Cook the Potatoes: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the potatoes, cut side down, and season them with salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are golden and tender. Remove the potatoes from the skillet and set them aside.
3. Sear the Chicken: In the same skillet, add the butter and let it melt over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and sizzling, add the seasoned chicken thighs to the skillet. Cook for about 6-8 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown. Be careful not to overcrowd the skillet to ensure a good sear.
4. Add the Garlic: Once the chicken is cooked, reduce the heat to low and add the minced garlic to the skillet. Stir for about 1-2 minutes, allowing the garlic to become fragrant without burning.
5. Combine the Chicken and Potatoes: Return the cooked potatoes to the skillet with the chicken and garlic. Toss everything together so the potatoes and chicken are coated in the garlic butter sauce. Let everything heat through for another 3-5 minutes.
6. Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. If you like, serve with lemon wedges on the side for a burst of freshness.

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

To summarize the cooking process:

1. Prep your ingredients: halve the potatoes, season the chicken, and mince the garlic.
2. Cook the potatoes in olive oil until crispy and golden.
3. Sear the chicken thighs in butter until browned and cooked through.
4. Add the garlic to infuse the dish with extra flavor.
5. Combine the chicken and potatoes in the skillet.
6. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcrowding the Pan: If you add too many pieces of chicken at once, they won’t sear properly. This can result in soggy, steamed chicken instead of a crispy, golden exterior.
• Burning the Garlic: Garlic cooks quickly, and it can easily burn if you’re not careful. Make sure to lower the heat when you add the garlic, and stir constantly to avoid any bitterness.
• Undercooking the Potatoes: Make sure the potatoes are fully tender before removing them from the skillet. If they're too hard, they won't absorb the delicious garlic butter sauce.
• Dry Chicken: Chicken breasts can dry out if overcooked. If using breasts instead of thighs, keep an eye on the cooking time to ensure they stay juicy.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Presentation is key when serving a dish as flavorful as Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes. Here are a few ideas to elevate your dish:

• Serve Family Style: Bring the skillet to the table and serve straight from it for a rustic, homestyle feel. This also keeps the food warm.
• Use Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only adds color but also enhances the flavors of the dish.
• Lemon Wedges: Serve lemon wedges on the side to add a bright, zesty note that cuts through the richness of the garlic butter.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes

This dish is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving options. You can serve it with:

• A Fresh Salad: A side of mixed greens or a Caesar salad pairs well with the richness of the chicken and potatoes.
• Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus make for a healthy and delicious addition.
• Crusty Bread: Serve with a side of crusty bread to soak up the extra garlic butter sauce.

Presentation Ideas for Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes

For an elevated presentation, consider the following:

• Cast Iron Skillet: If you cooked everything in a cast iron skillet, serve it directly from the pan for a rustic, comforting vibe.
• Plated Elegance: Arrange the chicken and potatoes neatly on individual plates, drizzle with extra garlic butter, and garnish with fresh parsley.
• Garnish Generously: Sprinkle a little extra paprika or even some grated Parmesan on top for added flavor and color.

Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Recipe Tips

• Adjust Seasoning: Don’t be afraid to taste as you go. You can always add more salt, pepper, or herbs to suit your preferences.
• Chicken Thighs vs. Breasts: If you prefer juicy, tender meat, opt for chicken thighs. If you want a leaner dish, go for chicken breasts, but be mindful of the cooking time.
• Double the Sauce: Love a saucy dish? Double the garlic butter ingredients for extra flavor to drizzle over the chicken and potatoes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks, but keep in mind that bone-in pieces will take longer to cook. Adjust the cooking time accordingly and use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the chicken and potatoes ahead of time, but it’s best to cook them fresh for the crispiest results. Reheat leftovers in the skillet to bring back the original texture.

How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the skillet to maintain the crispiness of the potatoes and the juicy texture of the chicken.

Can I freeze this dish?
While the chicken freezes well, the potatoes may lose their texture when frozen and reheated. It’s best to enjoy this dish fresh, but you can freeze any leftover chicken and make fresh potatoes when serving again.

Conclusion

This Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet recipe is a delicious, easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a casual weekend dinner. The rich flavors of garlic butter, tender chicken, and crispy potatoes combine to create a comforting and satisfying dish that everyone will love. Plus, with its one-pan preparation, cleanup is a breeze! Give this recipe a try and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal right at home. Don't forget to experiment with the variations and make it your own!

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