If there’s one thing we all crave after a long day, it’s a comforting meal that doesn’t require hours of prep or a mountain of dishes. Enter the Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet—a dish that is equal parts flavorful, easy to make, and perfect for busy weeknights.

With just one skillet and a handful of simple ingredients, you’ll have a hearty, satisfying dinner on the table in no time. Trust me, this recipe will quickly become a household favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
When life gets hectic, the last thing you want to do is spend hours in the kitchen. This recipe is the ultimate lifesaver—it’s quick, requires minimal cleanup, and is packed with bold, comforting flavors. The combination of tender chicken strips, golden baby potatoes, and fragrant garlic butter creates a dish that feels indulgent but is still simple to make.
What’s more, it’s versatile! You can tweak the seasoning to fit your taste or even swap out ingredients to suit dietary preferences. Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting friends, this skillet meal delivers every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Most of these ingredients are pantry staples, making it easy to whip up on short notice. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Skillet:
- 1 ½ lb (650g) chicken breast: Cut into strips for quicker cooking.
- 1 ½ lb (650g) baby yellow potatoes: Quartered for even cooking.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing.
- 3 tablespoons butter: Divided for different stages of cooking.
- 5 garlic cloves: Minced for that irresistible aroma.
- 1 teaspoon each of fresh thyme, rosemary, and oregano: These herbs add depth and freshness.
- Salt and fresh cracked pepper: To taste.
- Crushed red chili pepper flakes (optional): For a touch of heat.
For the Marinade:
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce: Adds umami richness.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps coat the chicken evenly.
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (like Sriracha): A little kick to balance the flavors.
- Fresh cracked pepper: Because everything tastes better with it.
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Marinate the Chicken
Start by preparing your chicken. In a large bowl, mix the chicken strips with soy sauce, olive oil, hot sauce, and fresh cracked pepper. Let this marinate while you move on to the potatoes. The marinade not only infuses the chicken with flavor but also keeps it juicy during cooking.
2. Parboil the Potatoes
To speed up cooking and achieve that perfect golden crust, parboil your quartered baby potatoes in salted boiling water for about 8 minutes. This step ensures they’ll be tender on the inside and crispy on the outside once sautéed.
3. Sauté the Potatoes
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter melts, add your drained potatoes. Cook them for about 4 minutes on one side before stirring and cooking for another 4–5 minutes. The goal is to get them golden and fork-tender. Once done, transfer them to a plate and set aside.
4. Cook the Chicken
Using the same skillet (no need for extra dishes!), add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Lay your marinated chicken strips in a single layer and sprinkle in minced garlic and red chili pepper flakes if desired. Cook each side for about 1 minute or until nicely browned—adjust based on how you like your chicken cooked.
5. Add Flavor and Combine
Pour in the reserved marinade from the chicken bowl and stir it into the skillet. Allow the marinade to cook down slightly, coating the chicken in its flavorful goodness. Add your fresh herbs—thyme, rosemary, and oregano—and give everything a quick stir.
6. Bring It All Together
Return your sautéed potatoes to the skillet with the chicken and herbs. Toss everything together and heat through for a couple of minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Remove from heat and serve immediately. For an extra touch, garnish with crushed chili flakes, more fresh herbs, or even a sprinkle of parmesan cheese over the top. Pair this dish with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Skip Parboiling: It may seem like an extra step, but parboiling ensures your potatoes cook evenly and develop that irresistible golden crust in the skillet.
- Use Fresh Herbs: While dried herbs work in a pinch, fresh ones elevate this dish to restaurant-quality status.
- Customize Heat Levels: If you’re not a fan of spice, skip the chili flakes and hot sauce—or reduce their quantities.
- One Skillet = Less Cleanup: Make sure your skillet is large enough to handle both the chicken and potatoes without overcrowding.
Why This Recipe Works
The combination of garlic butter with fresh herbs creates layers of flavor that complement both the chicken and potatoes beautifully. The marinade adds tangy richness to the chicken while keeping it tender during cooking. Meanwhile, parboiling ensures your potatoes are soft on the inside but crispy on the outside—a texture pairing that’s hard to beat.
Plus, everything comes together in one skillet! This means less time spent cleaning up and more time enjoying your meal with loved ones.
Perfect Pairings
While this dish is satisfying on its own, here are some ideas for side pairings:
- A crisp green salad: Add some freshness to balance out the richness of garlic butter.
- Steamed broccoli or asparagus: Light veggies complement the hearty flavors.
- Crusty bread: Perfect for soaking up any leftover garlic butter sauce.
Final Thoughts
The Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet is proof that simple ingredients can create extraordinary meals. Whether you’re feeding a family of four or just treating yourself to something special, this dish is guaranteed to impress without requiring hours in the kitchen.
So grab your skillet, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a meal that’s as easy as it is delicious. Trust me—this recipe will quickly earn its spot in your weekly dinner rotation!
Let me know if you try it out—I’d love to hear how it turned out! Happy cooking!
Print
Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: High-Protein
Description
This garlic butter chicken and potatoes skillet is the easiest and tastiest weeknight dinner – One skillet for amazing flavors!
Ingredients
Chicken & Potatoes:
- 1 ½ lb (650g) chicken breast, cut into strips
- 1 ½ lb (650g) baby yellow potatoes, quartered
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp butter, divided
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tsp fresh oregano, chopped
- Salt and fresh cracked pepper, to taste
- Crushed red chili pepper flakes, optional
Marinade:
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce (or coconut aminos for paleo)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp hot sauce (such as Sriracha)
- Fresh cracked pepper, to taste
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken:
In a large bowl, combine chicken strips with soy sauce, olive oil, hot sauce, and pepper.
Set aside to marinate while you prepare the potatoes.
Parboil the Potatoes:
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
Add potatoes and cook for 8 minutes.
Drain and set aside.
Sauté the Potatoes:
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add drained potatoes and cook for 4 minutes.
Stir and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes until golden and fork-tender.
Transfer to a plate and set aside.
Cook the Chicken:
In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tbsp butter.
Add chicken strips in a single layer and sprinkle with minced garlic and red chili pepper flakes.
Cook for 1 minute per side until nicely browned.
Combine Everything:
Stir in the reserved marinade and cook until fully absorbed.
Add fresh herbs and sauté briefly.
Return the potatoes to the skillet and heat through.
Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
Serve:
Remove from heat and serve immediately.
Garnish with additional chili flakes, fresh herbs, and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy!
Notes
For extra crispiness, broil the skillet for 2-3 minutes before serving.
Swap yellow potatoes for sweet potatoes for a different flavor.
Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 100mg