If you’re looking for a comforting, hearty meal that practically cooks itself and fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas, the Garlic Chicken Potato Skillet Recipe is a total game-changer. This one-pan wonder combines tender chicken, crispy golden baby potatoes, and a fragrant garlic butter sauce that ties everything together beautifully. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, and every bite bursts with savory goodness that feels both simple and special. You’ll love how easy it is to make and how quickly it disappears from the plate!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to this flavorful skillet sensation. Each item plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of texture, taste, and color that makes this dish so memorable.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Bite-sized pieces cook quickly and stay juicy throughout.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided): Helps crisp the potatoes and sear the chicken beautifully.
- 1 lb baby potatoes (halved or quartered): These get gloriously golden with a soft, creamy center.
- 1 small onion (sliced): Adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.
- 4 garlic cloves (minced): Infuses the dish with that signature fragrant punch everyone loves.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A perfect blend of herbs that complements both chicken and potatoes.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Brings a gentle warmth and earthy smokiness to the skillet.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning every flavor-packed component.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Creates a rich, luscious coating to everything in the skillet.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped): Adds a pop of color and fresh brightness.
- Optional: grated Parmesan for serving: A sprinkle of cheesy goodness to finish it off.
How to Make Garlic Chicken Potato Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Potatoes to Golden Perfection
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When the oil shimmers, add the halved or quartered baby potatoes. Let them cook undisturbed for a few minutes before stirring occasionally, allowing the potatoes to develop a gorgeous golden crust. After about 12 to 15 minutes, they should be perfectly tender inside and seasoned with salt and pepper. Once done, remove the potatoes and set them aside for the next stage.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken and Sauté the Onions
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and toss in the chicken pieces. Season with Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Brown the chicken on all sides for 5 to 7 minutes until cooked through and deliciously golden. Then add the sliced onions, cooking for another 2 minutes until they soften and start to caramelize, enhancing the dish’s natural sweetness.
Step 3: Infuse with Garlic and Combine Everything
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds until fragrant—don’t let it burn because that will create bitterness. Now it’s time to bring everything back together: add the cooked potatoes to the skillet along with 2 tablespoons of butter. Use a spatula to toss and coat the chicken and potatoes in that dreamy garlic butter sauce. Let the skillet cook for another couple of minutes so all the flavors meld into one irresistible bite.
Step 4: Finish with Fresh Parsley and Optional Parmesan
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the skillet for a vibrant touch, and if you’re feeling indulgent, add a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan to take this dish over the top. Serve it warm straight from the pan to your plate—that’s when this Garlic Chicken Potato Skillet Recipe shines brightest.
How to Serve Garlic Chicken Potato Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley not only adds a beautiful green pop but also a fresh contrast to the savory richness. A light dusting of grated Parmesan lends a salty, nutty finish that melts beautifully into the garlic butter sauce. For an extra kick, try a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a squeeze of lemon to brighten every mouthful.
Side Dishes
This skillet meal is fantastic on its own, but if you want to round out your plate, consider serving it with a crisp green salad or steamed seasonal veggies. Garlic-roasted asparagus or lightly dressed arugula work beautifully to balance the hearty textures and add some fresh crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For a rustic family-style dinner, serve it straight from the cast iron skillet at the table and let everyone help themselves. Alternatively, plate it neatly with a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a more elegant presentation. Leftovers also shine when stuffed into warm pita bread or wrapped in a tortilla for a savory wrap with all the flavors of this Garlic Chicken Potato Skillet Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This dish keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors meld even further overnight, making for an excellent next-day meal. Just be sure to let it cool before sealing it up to keep the textures intact.
Freezing
If you want to prep ahead, you can freeze portions of this skillet dish. Use freezer-safe containers and reheat within one month for the best quality. Potatoes and chicken freeze well, though the texture of the potatoes may soften slightly after thawing.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the skillet gently over medium heat or microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. Adding a little butter or a drizzle of olive oil can help revive the dish’s original richness and crispness.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs add extra juiciness and flavor to the Garlic Chicken Potato Skillet Recipe and work beautifully with the seasonings.
What potatoes work best for this recipe?
Baby potatoes are ideal because they cook evenly and get crispy. You can also use fingerlings or red potatoes as great alternatives.
Is it possible to add vegetables to the skillet?
For sure! Spinach, bell peppers, or even green beans can be added toward the end of cooking for extra color and nutrients.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, simply skip the butter or substitute it with a non-dairy alternative like olive oil or vegan butter, and omit the Parmesan or use a dairy-free cheese.
How do I make the potatoes extra crispy?
Using a cast iron skillet and allowing the potatoes to cook undisturbed for several minutes gives them that perfect crispy crust. Also, make sure they’re dry before cooking to avoid steaming.
Final Thoughts
The Garlic Chicken Potato Skillet Recipe is one of those brilliant dishes that brings comfort and flavor together in the most effortless way. Whether you’re feeding family on a busy weeknight or looking for a crowd-pleaser with minimal fuss, this skillet meal ticks all the boxes. Once you try it, it’s bound to become a beloved staple in your cooking rotation. So grab your skillet and get ready to fall in love with dinner all over again!
Print
Garlic Chicken Potato Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Garlic Chicken Potato Skillet is a comforting one-pan meal featuring tender chicken pieces cooked with baby potatoes, onions, and garlic in a flavorful garlic butter sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, this recipe combines simple ingredients with Italian seasoning and smoked paprika for a delightful and satisfying dish.
Ingredients
Protein and Vegetables
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 lb baby potatoes, halved or quartered
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
Seasonings and Fats
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Optional: grated Parmesan for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Potatoes: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the halved or quartered baby potatoes and cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn golden brown and are fork-tender. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Once done, remove the potatoes from the skillet and set them aside.
- Cook the Chicken and Aromatics: In the same skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and season with Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook the chicken for 5–7 minutes until browned on the outside and cooked through. Then add the sliced onion and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, making sure not to burn the garlic.
- Combine and Finish: Return the cooked potatoes to the skillet with the chicken and onions. Add 2 tablespoons of butter and toss everything together in the skillet. Cook for another 2–3 minutes to heat through and allow the garlic butter sauce to coat all the ingredients.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the skillet dish with fresh chopped parsley and, if desired, some grated Parmesan cheese. Serve warm immediately for a delicious, easy meal.
Notes
- Great for quick weeknight dinners and easy meal prep.
- Add spinach or bell peppers along with the onions for extra vegetables.
- Substitute chicken with sausage if preferred.
- Using a cast iron skillet helps achieve extra crispiness on the potatoes and chicken.
