Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet

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When I want a dinner that feels gourmet but cooks in just one pan, Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet is my go-to. I savor tender chicken thighs crisped to perfection, smothered in garlic-infused butter, alongside golden, herb-roasted potatoes. Hands down, it’s comfort and flavor in one tidy, mess-free skillet.

I first developed this dish after craving something hearty but without the fuss. By roasting chicken and halved baby potatoes together in garlic and butter, everything cooks in one go—yielding crispy chicken skin and potatoes that soak up all the savory goodness. I call it a weeknight hero; it’s elegant enough to serve guests, simple enough for a cozy night in.

Whether you’re hunting for easy chicken skillet dinner, skillet chicken and potatoes, or garlic butter chicken thighs with crispy potatoes, this recipe has you covered. It’s packed with buttery garlic flavor, fresh herbs, and minimal cleanup—fast becoming my family’s favorite.

What’s on the Plate

Overview

Cuisine: American Comfort / Fusion
Course: Main Dish, Dinner
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4

What’s in Every Bite (per serving)

Calories: ~520 kcal
Carbohydrates: 30 g
Protein: 36 g
Fat: 28 g
Sugar: 2 g
Fiber: 3 g
Sodium: 680 mg

Total Recipe Cost (Estimate)

Total: $16 USD
Per Serving: ~$4
Main ingredients: chicken, butter, and potatoes

The Story Behind the Flavor

This dish is inspired by classic homestyle one-pan meals but elevated with bold garlic butter, crisp chicken skin, and rosemary-infused potatoes. I created Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet when I needed dinner that felt indulgent but cooked easily. The first time I combined chicken with aromatics and potatoes in a cast-iron skillet, the aroma was so inviting I almost burnt myself running back for the camera.

What set this recipe apart is how the garlic butter seeps into each bite, while the chicken juices caramelize on the potatoes. Since that first try, it’s become my weekday staple and the dish people ask for when they come over. The flavor is rich, balanced, and seriously satisfying—every single time.

Perfect For

• Busy Weeknight Dinners:
  • Need something that tastes like a Sunday supper but fits into your Tuesday schedule? This one-pan wonder is your answer. With minimal prep and big flavor payoff, it’s the weeknight hero you’ll actually have energy for. Plus, cleanup is a breeze — just one skillet, a cutting board, and boom, dinner’s done.
• Hands-Off Meal Prep:
  • Set it and forget it (almost). Once those golden-crisp chicken thighs and potatoes hit the oven, you’re free to walk away and tackle everything else — whether it’s homework duty, folding laundry, or that glass of wine waiting for you. Perfect for meal preppers who want real food without babysitting the stove.
• Family-Style Comfort Meals:
  • This dish was made for gathering around the table. With its crispy chicken skin, buttery potatoes, and rich pan juices, it brings back that classic comfort food vibe — but with a modern, no-fuss twist. Just bring the skillet straight to the table and let everyone dig in. Seconds are practically guaranteed.
• Casual Dinner Parties:
  • Hosting but don’t want to hover over the stove? This skillet meal is impressive enough for guests but relaxed enough to keep things cozy. Serve it up with a salad, crusty bread, and maybe a glass of wine — effortless entertaining at its finest. Bonus: your kitchen will smell like a dream.
• Fans of Skillet Chicken Thighs and Potatoes (You Know Who You Are):
  • If you’re one of those folks who loves crispy-skinned, juicy chicken thighs and tender, flavor-infused potatoes (join the club!), this dish is right in your comfort zone. One pan. All the flavor. No compromise.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bold Garlic-Butter Flavor That Sings:
  • Let’s be real — garlic and butter are the power couple of comfort food, and they don’t hold back here. The rich, savory sauce seeps into every corner of the pan, coating the chicken skin, crisping the potatoes, and filling your kitchen with the kind of smell that gets people wandering in asking, “When’s dinner ready?”
• Juicy, Crispy Chicken Thighs Done Right:
  • Chicken thighs are the unsung hero of weeknight cooking — and this recipe gives them the royal treatment. Crispy skin on top, tender and juicy underneath, they soak up all that garlicky goodness and roast to golden perfection right in the same skillet.
• Tender, Flavorful Potatoes That Soak Up the Sauce:
  • The potatoes pull their weight here too. Nestled right in with the chicken, they roast in the drippings, turning soft and creamy on the inside, with just the right amount of crispy edges. Every bite is buttery, seasoned, and totally irresistible.
• One-Pan Cooking = Fewer Dishes, More Joy:
  • This meal is weeknight gold — because it all happens in one skillet. That means less mess, faster cleanup, and more time doing literally anything else (like relaxing on the couch while your dinner roasts itself to perfection).
• Easily Customizable to Suit Your Cravings:
  • Got carrots, Brussels sprouts, or mushrooms in the fridge? Toss them in. Want a little kick? Add crushed red pepper or smoked paprika. Craving lemony brightness? Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon and a handful of herbs. This dish is wildly flexible — tailor it to your pantry and taste buds with zero stress.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For Chicken & Potatoes

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (~1¼ lb)
• 1½ lb baby potatoes, halved
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp dried or fresh thyme
• 1 tsp dried or fresh rosemary
• Salt and pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Optional garnish: chopped parsley

Optional Add-ins

• ½ cup chicken broth or white wine
• A squeeze of lemon juice
• Added veggies: green beans or carrots
• A pinch of chili flakes for heat

Ingredient Highlights

Chicken Thighs (skin-on): Crisps beautifully and retains juicy flavor.
Baby Potatoes: Roast golden and absorb garlic butter sauce.
Garlic Butter: Delivers rich aromatics and depth of flavor.
Herbs: Fresh thyme and rosemary elevate the dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep & Season: Pat chicken dry; season with salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary. Halve potatoes; lightly season.
2. Sear Chicken: Heat oil and 2 tablespoons butter in an oven-safe skillet. Sear chicken thighs skin-side down until golden; flip and sear briefly. Remove to a plate.
3. Sauté Potatoes & Garlic: Add remaining butter, potatoes, garlic, and optional wine/broth. Stir to coat; cook a few minutes.
4. Add Chicken & Roast: Return chicken to skillet atop potatoes; bake at 400°F for 25 minutes, until cooked to 165°F and potatoes are tender.
5. Finish Crispy: Broil 1–2 minutes for crispier skin if desired.
6. Serve: Garnish with parsley or lemon; serve hot.

Pro Tips

• Dry the Chicken Before Searing — Crispy Skin or Bust:
  • Before that chicken even hits the pan, grab some paper towels and pat those thighs dry, skin side especially. This removes excess moisture so the skin can crisp up and turn a beautiful golden-brown. Moisture = steam, and steam = sad, floppy skin. Let’s keep it crispy and proud.
• Cut Potatoes into Uniform Pieces for Even Cooking:
  • You don’t want some potatoes mushy while others are still raw in the center. Aim for evenly sized chunks or wedges — about 1 to 1½ inches thick — so they roast up tender on the inside and golden on the edges at the same pace. Pro tip: don’t overcrowd the pan or they’ll steam instead of crisp.
• Add a Splash of Broth or Wine If the Pan Gets Dry:
  • If your skillet starts to look a little too dry while roasting (especially toward the end), deglaze with a splash of chicken broth, white wine, or even water. Not only does it loosen up all that garlicky goodness stuck to the bottom, but it also creates a flavorful pan sauce that’s perfect for spooning over the chicken at serving time.
• Let the Chicken Rest Before Serving:
  • Resist the urge to dig in right away! After pulling the skillet from the oven, let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This gives the juices time to redistribute, keeping every bite succulent and juicy instead of dry and disappointing.
• Stir Potatoes Midway Through for Gorgeous Browning:
  • Halfway through roasting, give those potatoes a quick toss or flip. This helps ensure even browning on multiple sides, not just the one that sat in the butter pool the whole time. More surface area = more crispy bits = more happy forks.

Recipe Variations

• Southern-Style Skillet Chicken and Potatoes:
  • Give your dish a bold, smoky Southern flair by seasoning your chicken thighs with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and a pinch of cayenne before searing. Toss the potatoes in the same spice blend, and boom — you’ve got a skillet full of deep, comforting heat with crispy edges and rich flavor. Serve with a drizzle of hot sauce or a spoonful of creamy ranch for that Southern kick.
• Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet with Baby Potatoes:
  • Feeling a little indulgent? Once the chicken and potatoes are cooked through, stir in a splash of heavy cream (about ¼ cup) and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes to thicken into a silky sauce. The cream blends with the garlic butter and pan juices for a rich, velvety finish that’s dinner-party worthy. Baby potatoes work especially well here — they stay tender and soak up all that dreamy flavor.
• One-Pan Meal with Veggies:
  • Want to sneak in some greens (or clean out the fridge)? Add carrots, green beans, Brussels sprouts, or broccoli florets to the pan about halfway through roasting so they stay vibrant but still get that buttery, roasted magic. Pro tip: toss veggies with olive oil, salt, and pepper before adding them to the skillet so they cook evenly and caramelize just right.
• Garlic Butter Chicken Breast and Potato Recipe:
  • Not into thighs? No problem. You can swap in bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts — just keep in mind they cook a bit faster. Sear the breasts until golden, then reduce the oven baking time to about 25–30 minutes, depending on size. Check for doneness with a thermometer (165°F internal temp), and rest before serving to keep the meat tender and juicy.
• Bonus Twist – Lemon Herb Version:
  • Want a fresh, zesty spin? Add lemon zest, fresh thyme, or rosemary to your garlic butter. It brings brightness and lift to the richness — perfect for spring or summer versions of this cozy meal. A squeeze of lemon over the finished dish adds the perfect finishing pop.

Gluten-Free Version

The best part? This skillet garlic butter chicken and potatoes recipe is naturally gluten-free at its core — juicy chicken thighs, tender potatoes, rich garlic butter… all real ingredients, no gluten required! But as always, a few smart checks will make sure your meal stays safe for anyone avoiding gluten, especially those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

Double-Check Your Broth:
If you’re using chicken broth or stock in the pan (either to deglaze or boost the sauce), be sure it’s clearly labeled gluten-free. Some commercial broths use wheat-based thickeners or additives that can sneak in gluten where you’d least expect it.

Seasoning Smarts:
Spices and blends like Cajun seasoning, garlic salt, or bouillon powders sometimes include anti-caking agents or flavor enhancers that contain gluten. When in doubt, use single-ingredient dried herbs and spices or certified GF blends to be totally safe.

Avoid Cross-Contamination:
Make sure your cutting board, skillet, tongs, and prep surfaces haven’t come in contact with gluten-containing ingredients. Even trace amounts can cause issues for folks with celiac disease. If you’ve made garlic bread or pasta on the same cutting board earlier? Wipe it down or use a fresh one.

Bonus Tip – Make It a Full GF Meal:
Round out your skillet with naturally gluten-free sides like steamed green beans, a simple garden salad, or roasted carrots. Skip the bread basket and instead serve with a scoop of mashed potatoes or a drizzle of extra garlic butter over your veggies for added comfort.

Kid-Friendly Version

Got picky eaters at the table? No problem — this skillet garlic butter chicken and potatoes adapts beautifully for younger palates. With just a few tweaks, you can turn this bold, savory meal into a comforting, mild, and totally kid-approved dish that even your tiniest diners will devour.

Go Light on the Garlic and Herbs:
While we grown-ups can’t get enough of that rich garlic butter, kids often prefer gentler flavors. Cut the garlic down to 1–2 cloves (or even use garlic powder for a softer flavor), and skip stronger herbs like thyme or rosemary. Instead, stick with a little salt, pepper, and maybe a pinch of mild paprika to keep things familiar and tasty without overwhelming tiny taste buds.

Quarter the Potatoes for Faster, Softer Results:
Smaller potatoes not only cook faster, they’re easier for little mouths to chew. Quarter your baby potatoes or dice larger ones into bite-sized chunks. They’ll roast up tender and buttery, soaking up flavor without taking forever in the oven — and that means less “I’m hungry now!” complaints.

Skip the Spice:
Leave out any spicy additions like crushed red pepper, Cajun seasoning, or bold chili powders. Kids generally do better with milder, cozy flavors, and this dish still brings tons of buttery richness without the heat.

Serve with a Side of Familiar Favorites:
To make it a full kid-friendly meal, plate the chicken and potatoes alongside steamed carrots, sweet corn, or applesauce. Add a drizzle of honey on the chicken if your kids prefer a hint of sweetness — it pairs surprisingly well with the garlic butter and encourages those “clean plate” moments.

Let Them Help (Optional But Fun!):
Get your kids in on the fun by letting them help toss the potatoes in oil or sprinkle a bit of salt. A little kitchen involvement can make even the pickiest eaters more excited to try what they helped create.

Taste What’s Next

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese
Black Pepper Chicken
or you Can Dig Deeper Recipes by clicking this: Appetizer, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Desserts.

Storage & Reheating

• Garlic butter chicken and potatoes is one of those meals that tastes just as comforting the next day — if you store and reheat it right. Follow these simple pro tips to keep your chicken juicy, your potatoes tender, and your crispy skin from going soggy.
• Refrigeration – Store Separately for Best Texture:
  • Once the skillet has cooled to room temperature, transfer the chicken and potatoes into separate airtight containers. This helps preserve their individual textures — especially the chicken skin, which can soften if stored with the potatoes or any leftover sauce. Refrigerated properly, both components will keep well for up to 3 days.
• Reheating – Skillet or Oven Is Best:
  • Want to bring back that golden, crispy magic? Skip the microwave. Instead:
  • Skillet method: Warm a bit of butter or oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the potatoes and chicken (skin side down), and reheat gently until warmed through, letting the skin crisp back up in the pan.
  • Oven method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the chicken and potatoes on a baking sheet or oven-safe dish. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 10–15 minutes, removing the foil for the last 5 minutes to re-crisp the skin.
• Avoid microwaving unless you’re in a real rush — it tends to turn the chicken rubbery and potatoes mushy, and you’ll lose all that savory, crispy edge you worked so hard to build.
• Freezing – With Caution:
  • While this dish isn’t ideal for freezing as a whole (the potatoes and skin lose texture), you can freeze the components separately:
  • Chicken: Freeze cooked thighs in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
  • Potatoes: If you must freeze them, expect a slightly softer texture after reheating. Wrap tightly in foil or store in a freezer-safe container.
• Chef’s Tip: If you’re planning for leftovers or meal prep, you can even roast a double batch of chicken thighs and use them in salads, wraps, or grain bowls later in the week. This recipe is a flavor base that keeps on giving.

Equipment

• Cast-iron or oven-safe skillet
• Tongs and spatula
• Meat thermometer (optional)
• Cutting board and knife

FAQs

How to make garlic butter chicken and potatoes in a skillet?
You start by searing seasoned chicken in garlic butter and oil, then sautéing halved potatoes with garlic and herbs, and finish in the oven—all in one skillet.

Is this an easy garlic chicken and potatoes one-pan meal?
Yes. This dish streamlines prep, cooking, and cleanup, combining garlic chicken thighs with crispy skillet potatoes in a single pan.

How do I get garlic butter chicken thighs with crispy potatoes?
Ensure both chicken and potatoes cook in garlic butter; sear the chicken skin-side first, roast uncovered, and broil briefly for extra crisp.

Can you make garlic butter chicken thighs with crispy potatoes ahead of time?
Absolutely. Cook, then store chicken and potatoes separately in the fridge. Reheat gently in a skillet or oven to maintain crispy texture.

What is the best way to make weeknight garlic butter chicken and potato skillet?
Use seasoned bone-in thighs and halved baby potatoes; sear in butter and oil, bake at 400°F until done, then garnish with parsley.

External Resources

• USDA – Chicken Nutrition Facts
• USDA – Butter Nutrition Profile
• FDA – Safe Cooking Temperatures for Poultry

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet is a weeknight hero wrapped in buttery, garlicky goodness. Crispy chicken skin, tender potatoes, and vibrant herbs all come together in one-pan simplicity. It’s satisfying, flavorful, and stress-free—just how dinner should be.

Whip it up, savor every bite, and when your skillet dish becomes a hit, tag me or mention me in your post—I can’t wait to see your skillet creations!