If you are craving a hearty, comforting meal that bursts with cozy flavors, the Garlic Chicken Potato Skillet (Country Style) Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish brings together tender boneless chicken thighs, golden seared potatoes, and a fragrant mix of garlic, fresh herbs, and warming spices. With a perfect balance of crispy edges and juicy centers, this skillet meal is an everyday winner, whether for a busy weeknight dinner or a laid-back weekend feast. It’s like a warm hug on a plate, impressively simple to prepare yet incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Garlic Chicken Potato Skillet (Country Style) Recipe relies on straightforward ingredients you probably already know and love. Each one plays a vital role: the potatoes add hearty texture, the ghee enriches with buttery flavor, garlic gives that bold aroma, and fresh herbs bring brightness and depth to the dish.
- 1 pound small gold potatoes, quartered: Choose small potatoes for even cooking and perfect bite-sized pieces.
- ¼ cup ghee (or butter): Provides a rich, nutty flavor with a high smoke point, perfect for searing.
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic (5-6 medium cloves): The star flavor that infuses the entire skillet with warmth and pungency.
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley: Adds a fresh, green note and lovely color contrast.
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary: Offers an earthy, piney aroma that pairs beautifully with chicken and potatoes.
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme: A subtle herbaceous touch to round out the flavor profile.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, diced: These stay juicy and tender, making every bite delicious.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances garlic’s savory punch without overpowering.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Complements garlic and adds a touch of sweetness.
- ½ teaspoon paprika: Gives a mild smoky note and beautiful color.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all flavors.
- Optional: Juice of ½ lemon and fresh lemon slices: Adds a lovely bright acidity that cuts through the richness.
How to Make Garlic Chicken Potato Skillet (Country Style) Recipe
Step 1: Parboil or Microwave the Potatoes
Start by gently softening your potatoes so they cook evenly and develop that irresistible golden crust. Parboiling in salted boiling water for 5 to 10 minutes or microwaving them in a bowl with water for about 5 minutes gets them barely fork-tender. This step ensures the potatoes are perfectly cooked inside without burning during the skillet searing.
Step 2: Sear the Potatoes
Heat half the ghee in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Lay the potatoes cut-side down and resist the urge to stir right away—allow them to brown undisturbed for 3 minutes. This forms the crispy edges everyone loves. Then stir and cook for another 4 minutes to brown the other sides, building layers of flavor and texture.
Step 3: Season and Cook Potatoes with Garlic and Herbs
Sprinkle the minced garlic, chopped parsley, dried rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper over the potatoes. Stir well to coat each piece. This infusion of fresh and dried herbs with garlic will create a fragrant base for the rest of the dish. Cook for another 4 minutes, stirring occasionally so the garlic does not burn but releases its essence perfectly. Once done, remove the potatoes and set aside.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Add the remaining ghee to the skillet and toss in your diced chicken thighs. Season them generously with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let them cook undisturbed for 4 minutes to develop a caramelized exterior, then stir and cook for another 5 minutes until they are browned and cooked through. The chicken pieces should be juicy with those lovely browned bits that stick to the pan—flavor gold.
Step 5: Combine and Finish
Return the potatoes to the skillet with the chicken and stir everything together, allowing the flavors to meld. If you love a bright kick, squeeze in the juice of half a lemon and garnish with fresh lemon slices along with extra parsley for color and freshness. This final step ties the entire Garlic Chicken Potato Skillet (Country Style) Recipe together beautifully, making it ready to serve and enjoy.
How to Serve Garlic Chicken Potato Skillet (Country Style) Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your skillet meal, scatter a fresh handful of chopped parsley over the top right before serving. For a zesty contrast, add a few lemon slices or a quick squeeze of fresh lemon juice. This brightens the rich garlicky flavors and adds a pop of color that makes the dish inviting.
Side Dishes
This Garlic Chicken Potato Skillet (Country Style) Recipe is wonderfully complete on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or lightly steamed vegetables like green beans or asparagus adds a refreshing crunch and balances the richness. For bread lovers, some crusty sourdough to soak up any garlicky juices is always a winner.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming rustic touch, serve the skillet straight to the table, letting everyone dig in family-style. Alternatively, plate it artistically by layering a bed of potatoes, topping with chicken pieces, and garnishing with herbs and lemon wedges. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche for a creamy contrast that pairs wonderfully with the spices.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The garlic chicken and potatoes will keep well for up to 3 days, making this recipe a perfect option for next-day meals that still taste fresh and flavorful.
Freezing
This dish freezes nicely if you need a longer storage option. Freeze in a portioned container, making sure to cool completely first. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your Garlic Chicken Potato Skillet (Country Style) Recipe gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to warm evenly. Alternatively, use a microwave on medium power, covering to retain moisture, until heated through. Adding a tiny splash of water or broth helps prevent dryness during reheating.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts, but thighs tend to stay juicier and more tender in this skillet recipe. If using breasts, watch the cooking time closely to avoid drying out.
Is ghee necessary or can I use olive oil?
Ghee is preferred here for its rich flavor and high smoke point, which helps achieve perfect searing. Olive oil can be used as a substitute, but the taste and browning might be slightly different.
Can I make this recipe vegan or vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, swap the chicken for hearty vegetables like mushrooms or chickpeas and use vegan butter or olive oil in place of ghee. The potatoes and herbs will still deliver lots of flavor.
What can I do if I don’t have fresh parsley?
Dried parsley can be used in a pinch, but fresh parsley adds a vibrant, lively flavor that really perks up the dish. You can also try fresh cilantro or chives for a different herbaceous note.
How do I know when the potatoes are perfectly cooked?
After parboiling or microwaving, the potatoes should be just tender enough for a fork to pierce with slight resistance—meaning they won’t be mushy after searing but will cook fully while developing a crispy exterior.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Chicken Potato Skillet (Country Style) Recipe has quickly become one of those go-to meals that feel like home on a plate. Every component is simple, yet when coming together, you get an explosion of flavor, comforting textures, and beautiful aromas. Whether you’re feeding your family or impressing friends, this skillet is guaranteed to hit the spot and leave everyone wanting more. So grab your skillet, gather those ingredients, and dive into this delicious, fuss-free meal that invites warmth and happiness at every forkful.
Print
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 country-style dish featuring tender diced chicken thighs and crispy golden potatoes cooked with aromatic garlic, fresh herbs, and a blend of spices. Ready in just 30 minutes, this skillet recipe combines savory flavors and satisfying textures for a comforting one-pan meal.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 1 pound small gold potatoes, quartered
Garlic Herb Butter
- ¼ cup ghee (or butter)
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic (5–6 medium cloves)
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, plus more for garnish
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, diced into 1-inch pieces
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional
- Juice of ½ lemon
- Fresh lemon slices for serving
Instructions
- Parboil or Microwave Potatoes: Parboil the quartered potatoes in boiling salted water for 5 to 10 minutes until they are barely fork-tender. Alternatively, microwave the potatoes in a bowl with water for 5 minutes. Once done, drain the potatoes well.
- Sear the Potatoes: Heat half of the ghee 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 until browned. Stir the potatoes and continue cooking for an additional 4 minutes until they develop a golden crust.
- Season and Cook Potatoes with Garlic and Herbs: Sprinkle the minced garlic, chopped parsley, dried rosemary, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper over the potatoes. Stir gently to coat and cook for 4 more minutes, stirring occasionally to evenly distribute the flavors. Remove the potatoes from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the remaining ghee to the skillet. Add the diced chicken thighs and season with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook the chicken undisturbed for 4 minutes to brown one side, then stir and cook for another 5 minutes until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
- Combine and Serve: Return the seasoned potatoes to the skillet with the cooked chicken and stir to combine all ingredients. Garnish with additional chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately with optional lemon wedges and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness.
Notes
- Parboiling the potatoes before searing ensures they cook thoroughly and achieve a crispy exterior.
- Using ghee gives a rich, nutty flavor but butter can be substituted with slightly less heat tolerance.
- Dried herbs work well here, but fresh rosemary and thyme can be used if preferred—reduce quantity slightly to prevent overpowering.
- Adjust salt and pepper seasoning according to taste preferences.
- If you prefer a bit of heat, a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes can be added when seasoning the chicken.
- This recipe cooks entirely on the stovetop using a cast-iron skillet for the best searing and heat retention.
