Looking for a quick and delicious dinner idea? This Garlic Butter Chicken Potato Skillet is your answer! Packed with tender chicken, golden potatoes, and fresh spinach, it’s perfect for busy weeknights. You can whip it up in just one pan, and your family will love the rich garlic flavor. Let’s dive into this easy recipe that will turn your dinner stress into a flavorful delight!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- One-Pan Wonder: With minimal cleanup, all the cooking happens in one skillet, saving you time and effort.
- Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of garlic, butter, and spices creates a deliciously rich flavor in every bite.
- Healthy and Wholesome: Packed with protein and veggies, this dish is a nutritious option the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 4 medium potatoes, cut into small cubes
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Additional Ingredients
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- Fresh parsley for garnish
To make a great Garlic Butter Chicken Potato Skillet, you need simple, fresh ingredients. First, choose two boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Dicing them helps with quick cooking. Next, four medium potatoes add heartiness. Cut them into small cubes for even cooking.
For richness, you will use four tablespoons of unsalted butter. This butter is key to creating that savory garlic flavor.
Don’t forget the seasonings! You need one teaspoon of paprika and dried thyme. They add warmth and depth. A little salt and black pepper will enhance all the flavors.
Now, for the additional ingredients. Use four cloves of garlic, minced, for that bold taste. A half cup of chicken broth will keep everything moist and tasty. Fresh spinach adds color and nutrition.
Lastly, fresh parsley for garnish gives a lovely finish. With these ingredients, you set yourself up for a delicious meal that feels special yet is easy to prepare.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cooking the Potatoes
To start, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the butter melts, add the diced potatoes. Sauté them for about 10-12 minutes. You want them to be golden brown and tender. Stir them often to avoid sticking. This step is key for flavor and texture.
Tips for achieving golden brown texture:
- Cut the potatoes into small, even cubes. This helps them cook evenly.
- Make sure the skillet is hot enough before adding the potatoes.
Cooking the Chicken
After the potatoes are cooked, take them out and set them aside. In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Then, add the diced chicken breasts. Sprinkle paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper on the chicken. Cook for about 6-8 minutes. You want the chicken to be browned and cooked all the way through.
Ensuring chicken is cooked through:
- Use a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach 165°F (75°C).
- Make sure there is no pink inside before serving.
Final Assembly
Once the chicken is cooked, add minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté it for 1-2 minutes until it smells great. Next, pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer for 3-5 minutes. This step combines all the flavors.
Now, it’s time to bring it all together. Return the sautéed potatoes to the skillet and mix everything well. Finally, fold in the fresh spinach. Cook until the spinach wilts, which takes about 2 minutes. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Tips & Tricks
Best Practices
To enhance flavor in your Garlic Butter Chicken Potato Skillet, use fresh herbs. Fresh parsley adds a nice touch. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice for a zesty kick. Avoid overcooking the garlic. It can turn bitter if burned. Make sure to stir the chicken and potatoes often to prevent sticking.
Cooking Techniques
To perfectly sauté, heat your skillet before adding butter. Let the butter melt and bubble, but don’t let it brown. This gives your dish a rich flavor. Use a large, heavy skillet. It helps cook everything evenly and prevents overcrowding.
Customization Options
You can adjust spice levels to fit your taste. If you like heat, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper. For substitutions, you can swap chicken for shrimp or tofu. Both will cook quickly and absorb the flavors well. Feel free to add your favorite veggies like bell peppers or broccoli for extra nutrition.
Pro Tips
- Perfectly Cooked Potatoes: To ensure your potatoes are golden and tender, cut them into uniform cubes for even cooking.
- Flavor Boost: For an extra layer of flavor, marinate the chicken in the spices for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
- Garlic Timing: Add the minced garlic just before the chicken is fully cooked to prevent it from burning and becoming bitter.
- Spinach Substitute: If you don’t have fresh spinach, feel free to use kale or any other leafy greens you prefer.
Variations
Protein Alternatives
You can mix it up by using shrimp or tofu instead of chicken. If you choose shrimp, cook them for about 3-5 minutes until they turn pink. For tofu, use firm tofu and sauté it for 6-8 minutes until golden. Adjusting cooking times is key. Shrimp cooks fast, while tofu needs a bit more time to soak up flavors.
Vegetable Additions
Adding bell peppers or broccoli can boost nutrition and flavor. Slice bell peppers and toss them in with the chicken. Broccoli works well too; just steam it for 2-3 minutes before adding it to the skillet. Seasonal variations keep your dish fresh. Try adding zucchini in summer or root veggies in winter for a new twist.
Flavor Enhancements
Want to add a zing? Try adding lemon juice or zest. This brightens the dish and cuts through the richness of the butter. Incorporating different herbs can also elevate your meal. Fresh basil or oregano can provide a new flavor profile. Experiment with herbs to find your favorite mix!
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
To store your Garlic Butter Chicken Potato Skillet, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh. Store it in the fridge. It will stay good for about 3 to 4 days.
Reheating Instructions
When you want to eat leftovers, use the stovetop or microwave. For the stovetop, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a little butter or oil to prevent sticking. Stir often until it warms through. In the microwave, cover the dish and heat in short bursts. This keeps the chicken juicy and the potatoes tender.
Freezing Options
You can freeze this dish for later. Let it cool completely, then place it in a freezer-safe container. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. To thaw, put it in the fridge overnight. Reheat as I mentioned before. This way, you enjoy a tasty meal anytime!
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just make sure to thaw it first for even cooking. If you cook it from frozen, it will take longer. Cook until the chicken reaches 165°F. This temperature keeps it safe to eat. You can also add a bit more broth to keep it moist.
What can I serve with Garlic Butter Chicken Potato Skillet?
This dish pairs well with many sides. Here are a few ideas:
- Steamed broccoli for a healthy crunch
- A simple green salad for freshness
- Garlic bread to soak up the juices
- Rice or quinoa for added fiber
These sides will enhance the meal and add variety.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, swap the butter for olive oil or vegan butter. This keeps the flavors rich. You can use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. This keeps the dish flavorful without dairy. Enjoy the same great taste while meeting your dietary needs!
This blog post covered a simple and tasty recipe for Garlic Butter Chicken Potato Skillet. We discussed key ingredients like chicken, potatoes, and seasonings. You learned step-by-step cooking tips, common mistakes to avoid, and ways to customize the dish.
Remember, cooking is an adventure. Don’t be afraid to try new flavors or ingredients. Enjoy your cooking and share this delicious meal with family and friend
Garlic Butter Chicken Potato Skillet
Ingredients
- 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 4 medium potatoes, cut into small cubes
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- none Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the diced potatoes and sauté for about 10-12 minutes, or until they are golden brown and tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Once the potatoes are cooked, remove them from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the diced chicken breasts and season with paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 6-8 minutes until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
- Add the minced garlic to the chicken and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, allowing the flavors to meld together for about 3-5 minutes.
- Return the sautéed potatoes to the skillet and mix everything together well.
- Fold in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary before removing from heat.
- Serve hot and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
