Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Recipe

This incredibly delicious Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes dish combines tender, flavorful chicken with golden, crispy potatoes – all cooked in a savory garlic butter sauce that’s simply irresistible. Ready in under an hour, this one-skillet wonder delivers restaurant-quality taste with minimal effort, making it perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Chicken tenderloins: Naturally tender and quick-cooking, these are perfect for weeknight meals. They absorb marinade beautifully for maximum flavor.
• Soy sauce: Provides that rich umami base that deepens the overall flavor of the dish.
• Olive oil: Used in both the marinade and for frying the potatoes, it helps transfer flavors and creates a beautiful golden exterior.
• Hot sauce: Adds a gentle kick without overwhelming heat. It balances the richness of the butter and garlic.
• Spices (pepper, garlic powder, onion powder): This blend creates a foundation of flavor that permeates the chicken.
• Baby gold potatoes: Their waxy texture holds up well to the parboiling and frying process, and their naturally buttery flavor complements the sauce.
• Butter: Creates that irresistible richness that makes this dish so satisfying.
• Fresh garlic: The star of the show! Fresh cloves provide an aromatic punch that dried just can’t match.
• Green onion: Adds a mild, fresh onion flavor and a pop of color.
• Italian seasoning: This herb blend ties everything together with notes of oregano, basil, and thyme.
• Fresh parsley: Optional but recommended for a bright finish that cuts through the richness.

Variations

Protein Swaps

Try using boneless chicken thighs for even juicier results, or swap in pork tenderloin medallions for something different.

Vegetable Add-Ins

Throw in some halved Brussels sprouts or broccoli florets during the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrition and color.

Spice It Up

For heat lovers, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño with the garlic for an extra kick.

Herb Variations

Replace the Italian seasoning with herbs de Provence or a simple mix of thyme and rosemary for a different flavor profile.

How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Mix chicken tenderloins with soy sauce, olive oil, hot sauce, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder in a large bowl. Let the flavors meld together while you prepare the potatoes. This quick marinade works wonders in a short time.

Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes

Quarter the baby gold potatoes and parboil them in salted water for 8 minutes until they’re fork-tender but still firm. This pre-cooking step ensures they’ll be perfectly cooked through after frying while maintaining their shape.

Step 3: Fry the Potatoes

Heat olive oil and butter in a cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add the well-drained potatoes and fry them until golden and crispy, about 8 minutes. Use tongs to turn them carefully so they remain intact. Once they’re perfectly golden, remove them from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Place the marinated chicken strips in the same skillet, allowing them to sear undisturbed on each side for maximum flavor development. The caramelization that happens here is crucial for taste. After flipping, add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Pour in the reserved marinade, which will create a delicious sauce as it reduces.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Once the chicken is cooked through (165°F internal temperature), return the crispy potatoes to the skillet. Add sliced green onion and Italian seasoning. Toss everything together until heated through and well-coated in the garlic butter sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

This dish is substantial enough to stand alone, but a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette makes for a perfect complement, cutting through the richness with bright acidity.

Bread Options

Serve with crusty bread to soak up every last drop of that incredible garlic butter sauce – French baguette or garlic bread works wonderfully.

Wine Suggestions

A crisp Pinot Grigio or unoaked Chardonnay pairs beautifully with the garlicky, buttery flavors of this dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop nicely overnight, making for a delicious next-day lunch.

Freezing

While you can freeze this dish, the texture of the potatoes may change slightly upon thawing. If you plan to freeze, slightly undercook the potatoes to prevent them from becoming mushy after reheating.

Reheating

Gently reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of chicken broth to revive the sauce. Microwaving works in a pinch, but you’ll lose some of the textural contrast that makes this dish special.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes recipe transforms simple ingredients into something truly special. The combination of tender, flavorful chicken and crispy, buttery potatoes creates a meal that feels indulgent without requiring any fancy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. It’s the perfect recipe to keep in your back pocket for those nights when you want something impressive yet manageable. Trust me – once you try it, this one-pan wonder will quickly become a regular in your dinner rotation!

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