If you’re craving a comforting, hearty dish that perfectly balances crispy, golden potatoes with tender, flavorful chicken, then you are going to love this Garlic Chicken Potato Skillet (Country Style) Recipe. It’s a one-pan wonder that brings together simple ingredients in a way that feels like a warm hug on a plate. The combination of fresh herbs, garlicky goodness, and perfectly seared chicken thighs makes this skillet meal irresistibly satisfying and easy enough for any weeknight dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Garlic Chicken Potato Skillet (Country Style) Recipe is in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays an essential role, from the richness of ghee enhancing the flavors, to the fresh parsley adding a bright, green pop that enlivens the dish. These staples work together to create both texture and vibrant taste.
- Small gold potatoes, quartered: Their creamy interior and thin skin crisp up wonderfully when seared.
- Ghee (or butter): Adds a luscious richness and helps achieve a beautiful golden crust on both potatoes and chicken.
- Minced garlic: Infuses the dish with a warm, aromatic punch that’s essential to the recipe’s signature flavor.
- Fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped: Brightens the dish with herby freshness and adds a lovely color contrast.
- Dried rosemary: Introduces a fragrant, piney note that pairs perfectly with the chicken and potatoes.
- Dried thyme: Offers subtle earthiness complementing the other herbs without overpowering.
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs, diced: Juicy and flavorful, they cook quickly and stay tender on the skillet.
- Garlic powder: Reinforces the garlic flavor in a mellow, well-rounded way.
- Onion powder: Adds depth and a slight sweetness to balance the garlic and herbs.
- Paprika: A mild smoky sweetness gives the chicken a warm hue and a hint of complexity.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential to enhance and bring all the flavors together perfectly.
- Optional: Juice of ½ lemon and fresh lemon slices for serving: Adds zing to brighten each bite when desired.
How to Make Garlic Chicken Potato Skillet (Country Style) Recipe
Step 1: Parboil or Microwave the Potatoes
Start by warming the potatoes just enough to soften them slightly without cooking them all the way through. You can parboil in salted boiling water for about 5 to 10 minutes or microwave them in a bowl with a little water for 5 minutes. The goal is to get them barely fork-tender, so they crisp up beautifully later without becoming mushy.
Step 2: Sear the Potatoes to Golden Perfection
Heat half of your ghee in a large cast-iron or heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Place the potatoes cut-side down and resist the urge to move them for about 3 minutes. This patience will reward you with a wonderful golden crust. Then stir them around and cook an additional 4 minutes so they’re evenly browned on all sides.
Step 3: Season and Sauté the Potatoes
Sprinkle in the minced garlic, chopped parsley, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. Toss gently so every potato piece is coated with that incredible garlicky herb mixture. Keep cooking for about 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, to let those flavors meld beautifully. Then, set the potatoes aside for the moment.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken with Bold Seasoning
Add the remaining ghee to your skillet and toss in the diced chicken thighs. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook the chicken undisturbed for 4 minutes to get a nice sear, then stir and cook an additional 5 minutes until the chicken pieces turn gorgeously browned and are cooked through.
Step 5: Combine and Finish the Skillet
Bring everything together by adding the seared potatoes back to the skillet. Stir well, letting all those garlicky, herby flavors combine with the chicken’s savory richness. Finish with a handful of extra fresh parsley for garnish, and don’t forget the lemon wedges and a squeeze of juice if you want to brighten the whole dish with a little citrus freshness.
How to Serve Garlic Chicken Potato Skillet (Country Style) Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley brings a lively green touch and a burst of herbiness that makes the dish feel fresh and inviting after cooking. Lemon slices and a squeeze of lemon juice aren’t just pretty; they add a subtle brightness to balance the rich, garlicky flavors, elevating each bite to something special.
Side Dishes
This skillet is a complete meal on its own, but if you want to round it out, consider pairing it with a crisp green salad or some steamed green beans for a touch of freshness and crunch. A simple coleslaw or roasted vegetables would also complement the heartiness of the chicken and potatoes beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this Garlic Chicken Potato Skillet (Country Style) Recipe straight from the skillet for a rustic, homey feel that’s perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. For a more elegant presentation, plate individual portions with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt to enhance flavors and textures.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors actually develop even more after a day, making for a delicious next-day meal. Leftovers should stay fresh for up to 3 days.
Freezing
If you want to save this dish for longer, freeze it in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that the texture of the potatoes might soften slightly after freezing, but the overall flavor remains satisfying.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the skillet leftovers on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to avoid drying out. Adding a splash of olive oil or butter can help revive the crispiness of the potatoes. You can also reheat portions in the microwave, but the skillet method yields the best texture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely, though chicken thighs offer more juiciness and flavor. If you swap in breasts, just keep a close eye on cooking times to prevent dryness.
Is ghee necessary, or can I use regular butter?
Ghee adds a nutty depth and a higher smoke point, perfect for searing. Butter works well too but watch the heat carefully to avoid burning.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! All the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this Garlic Chicken Potato Skillet (Country Style) Recipe safe for gluten-sensitive diets.
What’s the best type of potato to use?
Small gold potatoes are ideal because their skins are thin and they crisp nicely. You can also try red potatoes or baby Yukon Golds for similar results.
Can I add other vegetables to this skillet?
Definitely! Bell peppers, mushrooms, or green beans can be added when cooking the chicken to add color and nutrition.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Chicken Potato Skillet (Country Style) Recipe is one of those dishes that feels so satisfying and homey you’ll want to make it again and again. Its simplicity and rich, comforting flavors make it a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this skillet promises to deliver warmth, flavor, and plenty of smiles around the table. Go ahead and give it a try—you might just have found your new favorite go-to meal!
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Garlic Chicken Potato Skillet (Country Style) Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American Country Style
Description
This Garlic Chicken Potato Skillet is a hearty and flavorful one-pan meal featuring tender chicken thighs and golden potatoes cooked with aromatic garlic, fresh herbs, and spices. The country-style dish comes together quickly, making it perfect for a wholesome weeknight dinner with a fresh squeeze of lemon to brighten the flavors.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 1 pound small gold potatoes, quartered
Cooking Fats and Aromatics
- ¼ cup ghee (or butter)
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic (5–6 medium cloves)
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, plus more for garnish
Herbs and Spices
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Protein
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, diced into 1-inch pieces
Optional
- Juice of ½ lemon
- Fresh lemon slices for serving
Instructions
- Parboil or Microwave Potatoes: Begin by parboiling the quartered potatoes in boiling salted water for 5 to 10 minutes until they are barely fork-tender. Alternatively, you can microwave the potatoes submerged in a bowl of water for about 5 minutes. Once done, drain the potatoes well to prepare for searing.
- Sear Potatoes: Heat half of the ghee (about 2 tablespoons) in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Place the potatoes cut-side down in the skillet and cook undisturbed for 3 minutes to develop a golden brown crust. Stir the potatoes gently and cook for an additional 4 minutes to brown them evenly on all sides.
- Season and Cook Potatoes: Sprinkle the minced garlic, chopped parsley, dried rosemary, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper over the potatoes in the skillet. Stir to evenly coat the potatoes with the herbs and garlic, cooking for another 4 minutes while stirring occasionally to infuse the flavors.
- Set Potatoes Aside: Remove the cooked potatoes from the skillet and set them aside on a plate while you prepare the chicken.
- Cook Chicken: Add the remaining ghee to the same skillet and let it melt over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken thighs and season with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Let the chicken cook undisturbed for 4 minutes to get a nice sear, then stir and continue cooking for another 5 minutes until the chicken is fully browned and cooked through.
- Combine and Serve: Return the cooked potatoes to the skillet with the chicken. Stir gently to combine everything evenly and warm through. Garnish the dish with additional fresh parsley. Serve warm with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and lemon slices on the side, if desired, to add a bright citrus note.
Notes
- Parboiling the potatoes ensures they cook through while searing gives a delicious crispy exterior.
- Ghee adds a rich, nutty flavor, but butter can be used as a substitute if preferred.
- Using boneless, skinless chicken thighs keeps the meat tender and juicy.
- Adjust spices and herbs to taste for personal preference.
- Serve with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- For extra crispiness, you can finish the skillet under a broiler for 2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
