If you’re craving a comforting dish that brings together crispy, golden potatoes and tender chicken in a flavorful skillet meal, this Chicken Fried Potatoes Recipe is the answer to your dinner prayers. Featuring lightly boiled baby potatoes pan-fried to crispy perfection with savory onions, garlic, and juicy chicken, every bite bursts with warmth and satisfying textures. It’s a wonderfully simple, yet irresistible dish that makes weeknights feel special without a ton of fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this recipe is both straightforward and rewarding; each element plays a key role in building the perfect balance of crispy texture, rich flavor, and vibrant color.
- Baby potatoes (1 1/2 pounds): Their small size cooks evenly and creates a delightful crisp exterior with a creamy interior.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds a fruity, subtle earthiness while helping to crisp the potatoes.
- Butter (1 tablespoon): Boosts flavor and provides a lovely golden finish with its rich, creamy texture.
- Small onion, finely chopped (1): Brings a sweet and savory base that elevates every mouthful.
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Infuses the dish with warm, aromatic notes that balance the potatoes and chicken.
- Cooked chicken (1 cup, shredded or diced): Adds hearty protein and a tender contrast to the crispy potatoes.
- Paprika (1 teaspoon): Offers a subtle smoky sweetness that complements the dish beautifully.
- Dried thyme (1/2 teaspoon): Brings earthy complexity without overpowering the other flavors.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon) and black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Essential for seasoning and enhancing all ingredients.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (2 tablespoons, optional): A pop of green freshness that brightens and finishes the dish elegantly.
How to Make Chicken Fried Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Start by boiling your baby potatoes in salted water until they are just fork-tender. This step ensures they will cook evenly and become nice and soft inside while still holding their shape during frying. Drain them thoroughly once done and set aside to dry a little. Dry potatoes will crisp up better in the pan.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic
In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat until melted and shimmering. Toss in the finely chopped onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until it becomes translucent, releasing a gentle sweetness. Add the minced garlic and cook for just another 30 seconds, careful not to let it burn, so it remains fragrant and flavorful.
Step 3: Fry the Potatoes
Turn the heat up to medium-high, then add your boiled potatoes to the skillet. Lay them out evenly and allow them to cook undisturbed for 3 to 4 minutes so that a golden crust forms on the bottoms. After that, stir and continue frying for about 10 minutes until the potatoes are beautifully browned and crispy all over. This step is where magic happens, transforming tender spuds into irresistible bites.
Step 4: Add Chicken and Seasonings
Now it’s time to bring in the shredded or diced cooked chicken for a protein-packed boost. Sprinkle the paprika, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper over the skillet. Gently stir everything together, ensuring the seasoning coats the potatoes and chicken evenly. Let it cook another 2 to 3 minutes to warm the chicken thoroughly and meld all the flavors.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
For the final touch, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a vibrant pop of color and herbal brightness. Serve your Chicken Fried Potatoes Recipe right from the pan while it’s hot and savory.
How to Serve Chicken Fried Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
A simple garnish like fresh chopped parsley adds not only a burst of color but also a fresh contrast to the warm, savory flavors. You can also offer a dollop of sour cream or sprinkle crumbled feta cheese for an extra layer of creaminess and tang.
Side Dishes
This recipe stands strong as a complete meal but pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads, roasted vegetables, or even steamed broccoli to balance the richness. For a heartier feast, add a side of baked beans or a fresh tomato salsa to brighten the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
For entertaining, serve the Chicken Fried Potatoes Recipe in individual cast-iron skillets or rustic bowls to retain the warmth and crispy texture. You might also layer the mixture into a gratin dish topped with cheese and bake until bubbly for a cozy twist that everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover chicken fried potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking. They remain delicious for up to 3 days, making for an easy next-day meal or snack.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked dish by placing it in a freezer-safe container or bag, where it will keep well for up to 2 months. To ensure the best texture, reheat it gently from frozen, avoiding overcooking which can make the potatoes mushy.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat to regain their crispiness, or pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep that satisfying crunch.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes for this Chicken Fried Potatoes Recipe?
Absolutely! While baby potatoes work wonderfully due to their size and texture, you can use Yukon Golds or red potatoes cut into similar-sized pieces for comparable results. Just be mindful of cooking times and adjust as needed.
What type of cooked chicken is best for this recipe?
Rotisserie chicken, leftover roasted chicken, or even shredded poached chicken work perfectly. The key is using fully cooked chicken so you only need to warm it through in the skillet.
Can I add vegetables to the recipe?
Yes! Adding diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or even some spinach can elevate the dish with extra flavor and nutrition. Sauté vegetables along with onions for the best integration.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, this Chicken Fried Potatoes Recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for people avoiding gluten as long as you use gluten-free seasonings and chicken.
How do I get the potatoes extra crispy?
Ensuring the boiled potatoes are dry before frying and not stirring them too soon when frying helps create a crispy crust. Using both olive oil and butter contributes to enhanced browning and flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Fried Potatoes Recipe is a warm hug in food form — simple ingredients coming together in a comforting, crispy, and flavorful skillet meal. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you want a fuss-free yet satisfying dish. Give it a try and see how effortlessly delicious homemade comfort food can be!
Print
Chicken Fried Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Chicken Fried Potatoes recipe is a comforting and flavorful main course featuring tender baby potatoes and succulent cooked chicken, seasoned with paprika and thyme, then pan-fried to golden crispiness. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, it combines simple ingredients with a satisfying texture and taste that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Potatoes and Chicken
- 1 1/2 pounds baby potatoes, halved or quartered
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded or diced
Seasonings and Flavorings
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Boil Potatoes: Boil the baby potatoes in salted water for 8 to 10 minutes, until they are just fork-tender but still hold their shape well. Drain the potatoes and set them aside to prepare for frying.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent. Then add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds to release its aroma.
- Fry Potatoes: Increase the heat to medium-high and add the boiled potatoes to the skillet. Let them cook undisturbed for 3 to 4 minutes to allow them to brown on one side. Stir the potatoes and continue cooking for about 10 more minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are golden and crispy all over.
- Add Chicken and Seasonings: Add the cooked chicken, paprika, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine all ingredients and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the chicken is thoroughly heated and the seasonings are well distributed.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve the chicken fried potatoes warm as a hearty and flavorful main dish.
Notes
- For convenience, use rotisserie chicken or leftover roasted chicken.
- Optionally add bell peppers or mushrooms to the skillet for extra flavor and texture.
- Be sure not to overboil the potatoes to keep them firm enough for frying.
- You can substitute olive oil with another cooking oil, but olive oil adds a distinct flavor.
