This Garlic Butter Chicken and Potato Skillet is a one-pan wonder packed with golden, buttery potatoes, juicy bites of perfectly seasoned chicken, and fragrant herbs. It’s cozy, crave-worthy comfort food—done in just 30 minutes and sure to be your new weeknight favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- All-in-One Dinner: Juicy chicken and crispy potatoes, swirled with garlic and herbs, come together in one skillet for minimal mess and maximum flavor.
- Pure Comfort Food: The combination of buttery potatoes and tender chicken coated in a luscious garlic sauce will satisfy those cozy cravings.
- Ready in 30 Minutes: Quick microwave pre-cooking and skillet browning mean dinner lands on the table in a flash—even on a busy weeknight.
- Healthy & Wholesome: With Whole30-compliant ingredients and a good dose of fresh herbs, it’s a meal you’ll feel great about serving.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about this Garlic Butter Chicken and Potato Skillet is how easy the ingredient list is. Each item adds something special—whether it’s flavor, heartiness, or that mouthwatering golden color that makes everyone hungry before the first bite.
- Small gold potatoes: Their creamy texture and thin skins turn deliciously tender and golden when browned in the skillet.
- Ghee: This clarified butter is key for rich flavor and crisp browning while keeping the dish Whole30-friendly.
- Garlic cloves: Freshly minced garlic infuses both the chicken and potatoes with irresistible aroma and depth.
- Fresh rosemary & thyme: These herbs bring a savory, woodsy flavor that pairs perfectly with chicken and potatoes.
- Fresh parsley: Minced parsley adds a pop of color and a fresh finish that brightens up every bite.
- Boneless skinless chicken thighs: Thigh meat stays tender and juicy in the hot skillet—every bite is succulent!
- Sea salt and black pepper: A simple combo, but crucial for highlighting all the savory, herby flavors.
- Garlic powder & onion powder: These pantry spices bring extra flavor and balance to the chicken.
- Smoked paprika: Just a little adds color and a subtle smoky note that takes the whole dish up a notch.
Variations
Don’t be afraid to make this Garlic Butter Chicken and Potato Skillet your own! With just a few tweaks, you can tailor it to your favorite flavors or whatever’s in your fridge—so every skillet night is a little different.
- Swap the Potatoes: Try sweet potatoes or baby red potatoes for a new spin on the classic combination.
- Make it Dairy-Free: Use olive oil or a plant-based butter instead of ghee to keep things dairy-free and vegan-friendly (just replace chicken with tofu or chickpeas!).
- Change Up the Protein: Boneless chicken breast, turkey cutlets, or even shrimp work beautifully for a quick-cooking main.
- Add Veggies: Toss in asparagus, spinach, green beans, or bell peppers for extra color and nutrition.
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken and Potato Skillet
Step 1: Quick-Soften the Potatoes
To get that coveted crisp-tender texture, microwave the quartered potatoes in a bowl with a splash of water for 5–6 minutes. This little shortcut gives them a head start without boiling—no fuss, just fork-tender potatoes ready for golden browning.
Step 2: Sauté the Potatoes
Set your biggest, heaviest skillet over medium-high heat and melt half the ghee. Once shimmering, add the potatoes and season generously with sea salt and black pepper. Brown them for about 2 minutes untouched, then stir and cook for another 4 minutes, gently turning so all sides get that gorgeous, crispy color. The aroma will be incredible!
Step 3: Add Garlic & Herbs
In the last minute of potato cooking, scoot them to one side and add the garlic, rosemary, thyme, and parsley. Sauté just until fragrant—this infuses the oil and coats the potatoes in herby garlic goodness. Scoop everything into a bowl and keep warm.
Step 4: Brown the Chicken
Add the rest of the ghee to the skillet, then tumble in the chicken—seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Spread it out and let it cook undisturbed for 3 minutes (don’t stir too soon!). Flip and continue cooking for 4–5 more minutes, until your chicken is crisp, golden, and irresistible.
Step 5: Toss Together & Serve
Add the garlicky potatoes and herbs back to the pan. Toss everything together so each bite gets a little potato, juicy chicken, and a smattering of fresh green parsley. Serve straight from the skillet—this Garlic Butter Chicken and Potato Skillet is meant for sharing!
Pro Tips for Making Garlic Butter Chicken and Potato Skillet
- Microwave Hack for Potatoes: Pre-cooking potatoes in the microwave means they brown faster and more evenly in the skillet, saving you time without sacrificing texture.
- Don’t Skimp on Ghee: Ghee adds both rich flavor and helps the potatoes and chicken develop that drool-worthy golden crust—don’t be shy with it!
- Let the Chicken Brown: Resist the urge to stir the chicken too soon so you get those crispy, caramelized edges that everyone fights over.
- Use a Heavy Skillet: Cast iron or another heavy-bottomed pan holds heat well, helping everything brown instead of steam—essential for skillet perfection.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken and Potato Skillet
Garnishes
A shower of fresh parsley brightens each plate, but you can also sprinkle on extra minced rosemary or thyme for stronger herb flavor. For a finishing touch, a squeeze of fresh lemon adds zing and lifts all the warm, buttery richness—totally optional, totally delicious.
Side Dishes
This Garlic Butter Chicken and Potato Skillet truly stands alone, but a simply dressed green salad, sautéed leafy greens, or quickly steamed green beans round out the meal beautifully. Have some crusty bread or warm grain-free rolls on hand to soak up all that amazing pan sauce!
Creative Ways to Present
For family dinners, serve it straight from the skillet in the center of the table—it’s rustic and inviting! To elevate things for guests, plate it in shallow bowls, swirling some fresh herbs and lemon over the top. For meal prep, divide into containers and sprinkle with extra parsley for a pop of color when you reheat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool leftovers to room temperature, then store your Garlic Butter Chicken and Potato Skillet in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for up to 4 days—making for fantastic next-day lunches or hassle-free dinners later in the week.
Freezing
While the chicken freezes beautifully, the potatoes can soften a bit when thawed. If you do want to freeze, let the skillet cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. Reheat straight from the freezer or thaw overnight for best texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to keep things moist and saucy. For single portions, the microwave works just fine—just pop a lid on so it steams gently and doesn’t dry out. Fresh parsley or lemon at serving wakes everything right back up!
FAQs
-
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breast cooks up leaner and a bit firmer, but still tastes great. Cut into 1-inch pieces and be careful not to overcook—since breast meat dries out more quickly, check for doneness a minute or two sooner than with thighs.
-
I don’t have ghee—what else can I use?
If you’re not following Whole30, unsalted butter is a perfect stand-in. For dairy-free, use olive oil or avocado oil—the taste will change slightly, but you’ll still get delicious browning.
-
Can I meal prep Garlic Butter Chicken and Potato Skillet?
Yes! This skillet reheats really well. Simply portion into storage containers and refrigerate. Add fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon after reheating to revive those bright, fresh flavors.
-
What’s the best way to get crispy potatoes?
Don’t overcrowd your pan, use plenty of ghee, and let the potatoes brown on one side before stirring—patience pays off for that golden, crispy finish! The quick microwave step is also key for tender centers and crisp edges.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a hearty, crowd-pleasing dinner that’s both simple and a little bit special, this Garlic Butter Chicken and Potato Skillet truly delivers. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table—so dig in, enjoy every garlicky bite, and don’t forget to share your own favorite touches!
PrintGarlic Butter Chicken and Potato Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: Whole30
- Diet: Whole30
Description
This Garlic Butter Chicken and Potato Skillet is a flavorful and satisfying dish that comes together quickly in one pan. Tender potatoes, seasoned chicken, and aromatic herbs cooked in ghee make for a delicious meal that is perfect for a Whole30 diet.
Ingredients
Potatoes:
- 1 1/2 pounds small gold potatoes, quartered (about 1/2” thick)
Garlic Butter Mixture:
- 4 tablespoons ghee, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
Additional Seasonings:
- 2 tablespoons parsley, minced, plus more for garnish
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1” pieces
- Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
- Prepare Potatoes: Soften the potatoes in a microwave-safe bowl with water for 5-6 minutes until fork-tender.
- Cook Potatoes: Brown the potatoes in ghee with seasonings until golden brown and tender. Set aside.
- Cook Chicken: Season chicken with spices, cook until crisp and golden brown.
- Combine and Serve: Toss chicken with potatoes, top with fresh herbs, and serve hot.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 340mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *