Easy Garlic Butter Chicken & Potatoes Recipe

Savor tender Garlic Butter Chicken & Potatoes with this simple, flavorful recipe perfect for a quick and delicious weeknight meal. Bursting with rich garlic-infused butter, crispy golden potatoes, and juicy chicken, this dish combines ease and taste in every bite, making it a family favorite that’s as comforting as it is impressive.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless cooking: One-pan preparation means minimal cleanup and more time to enjoy your meal.
• Rich flavors: Garlic butter enhances both the chicken and potatoes with a mouthwatering taste.
• Quick meal: Ready in about 40 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Balanced texture: Crispy potatoes paired with tender chicken deliver satisfying contrast in every bite.
• Family-friendly: Appeals to adults and kids alike with comforting, familiar flavors.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Garlic Butter Chicken & Potatoes recipe uses straightforward, fresh ingredients easily found in your pantry or local market. Each ingredient plays a vital role in bringing out the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and aroma in this crowd-pleaser dish.

• Chicken thighs: Preferably bone-in and skin-on for juicy meat and crispy skin.
• Baby potatoes: Bite-sized and tender, they roast beautifully alongside the chicken.
• Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic ensures a vibrant, aromatic butter sauce.
• Unsalted butter: Essential to creating that rich, luscious garlic butter coating.
• Fresh herbs: Rosemary or thyme for a fragrant herbal note to complement the dish.
• Olive oil: Helps sear the chicken to golden perfection.
• Salt and pepper: To season and bring out all the natural flavors.
• Lemon juice: Adds a bright, subtle acidity that balances the richness.

Variations for Garlic Butter Chicken & Potatoes

Feel free to personalize this classic Garlic Butter Chicken & Potatoes recipe to suit your taste buds or dietary preferences. It’s highly adaptable with just a few tweaks!

• Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne to the garlic butter for heat.
• Vegetable boost: Toss in carrots, green beans, or asparagus for extra color and nutrients.
• Low-carb version: Swap potatoes for cauliflower florets or zucchini slices.
• Herb swap: Try dill or parsley instead of rosemary for a different flavor profile.
• Dairy-free option: Use vegan butter or olive oil to keep it dairy-free without losing richness.

How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken & Potatoes

Step 1: Prep the ingredients

Start by rinsing and halving the baby potatoes to ensure they cook evenly. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels, then season generously with salt and pepper on all sides.

Step 2: Brown the chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken skin-side down and cook without moving for about 6 minutes until golden and crispy. Flip and cook another 3-4 minutes, then remove and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the potatoes

In the same skillet, add halved potatoes and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until they start to soften and brown nicely.

Step 4: Make the garlic butter sauce

Reduce heat to medium and add butter, minced garlic, and fresh herbs to the potatoes. Stir gently to coat the potatoes and infuse the butter with garlicky goodness.

Step 5: Combine and finish cooking

Nestle the browned chicken thighs back into the skillet on top of the potatoes. Cover and cook for another 15 minutes or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and the potatoes are tender.

Step 6: Add fresh lemon juice

Just before serving, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the dish to brighten all the rich flavors.

Pro Tips for Making Garlic Butter Chicken & Potatoes

• Pat the chicken dry: Dry skin crisps up much better when searing.
• Use fresh garlic: Freshly minced garlic delivers a punch of flavor you can’t get from powders.
• Don’t crowd the pan: Give ingredients space to brown evenly instead of steaming.
• Finish with lemon: A touch of acidity lifts the dish and balances the butter’s richness.
• Rest before serving: Letting the chicken rest for five minutes keeps it juicy.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken & Potatoes

Garnishes

Fresh chopped parsley or thyme sprigs sprinkled on top add a pop of color and fresh herb aroma that makes the dish visually inviting and fragrant.

Side Dishes

Serve with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans to keep the meal balanced and nutritious.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the chicken and potatoes on a large wooden platter for a rustic, family-style presentation that invites everyone to dig in. For an elegant touch, drizzle leftover garlic butter sauce over the top before serving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. This dish won’t lose its flavor or texture and can be enjoyed cold or reheated.

Freezing

Freeze cooked chicken and potatoes separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat in a skillet over medium heat to maintain crispiness, or use a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes covered with foil. Avoid microwaving to keep textures intact.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes! Chicken breasts can be used, but thighs tend to stay juicier and more flavorful with this cooking method.

What type of potatoes work best?

Baby or new potatoes are ideal because they cook quickly and have a tender texture, but Yukon Gold or red potatoes also work well.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Garlic Butter Chicken & Potatoes contain no gluten ingredients, making it safe for gluten-sensitive diets.

Can this dish be made dairy-free?

You can swap the butter for a dairy-free alternative like vegan margarine or olive oil to make it dairy-free while still flavorful.

How do I make this recipe spicier?

Add chili flakes, cayenne pepper, or a dash of hot sauce to the garlic butter sauce for a spicy twist.

Final Thoughts

Easy, fast, and packed with flavor, Garlic Butter Chicken & Potatoes is one of those recipes you’ll turn to again and again when craving comfort and simplicity. Give it a try tonight and enjoy a deliciously satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

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