If you are searching for a cozy, comforting meal that bursts with flavor, the Garlic Chicken Potato Skillet (Country Style) Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish brings together tender, juicy chicken thighs and golden, crispy potatoes infused with garlic and fresh herbs, creating a homey skillet meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s effortless to prepare yet impressive with every bite, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings with friends and family. The balance of herbaceous notes, garlic richness, and a touch of lemon zest truly elevates this humble skillet dish into a true crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Garlic Chicken Potato Skillet (Country Style) Recipe calls for some wonderfully simple ingredients that each play a crucial role in building the dish’s irresistible taste and texture. From the creamy gold potatoes to the fragrant herbs and the rich ghee, everything works harmoniously to deliver the ideal combination of crispy edges and juicy centers.
- 1 pound small gold potatoes, quartered: These hold their shape beautifully and develop a crispy, golden crust when cooked.
- ¼ cup ghee (or butter): Provides a nutty richness that helps brown the potatoes and chicken perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic (5-6 medium cloves): Packs an aromatic punch that is the heart of the recipe’s flavor.
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, plus more for garnish: Adds a fresh, bright contrast to the rich components.
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary: Brings subtle piney, savory notes that deepen the dish’s complexity.
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme: Offers an earthy, floral undertone that complements the chicken.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, diced into 1-inch pieces: Their natural fat keeps the chicken moist and flavorful.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the garlic flavor in a gentle, evenly distributed way.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds a mild sweetness and enhances savoriness.
- ½ teaspoon paprika: Provides warmth and a beautiful color to the chicken.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors.
- Optional: Juice of ½ lemon, and fresh lemon slices for serving: Adds a bright, zesty finish that cuts through the richness.
How to Make Garlic Chicken Potato Skillet (Country Style) Recipe
Step 1: Parboil the Potatoes
Start by parboiling the quartered gold potatoes until they are just barely fork-tender. This step is key because it ensures the potatoes cook evenly without becoming mushy later in the skillet. You can do this by boiling them in salted water for about 5 to 10 minutes or use the microwave method by placing them in a bowl with water for 5 minutes. Drain them well once ready, and set aside.
Step 2: Brown the Potatoes
Heat half of the ghee in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat, then add the potatoes cut-side down. Let them cook undisturbed for about 3 minutes so they can get that beautiful, crispy golden crust. After this initial sear, stir and continue cooking for an additional 4 minutes until they are evenly browned.
Step 3: Add Aromatics to the Potatoes
Sprinkle the minced garlic, chopped parsley, dried rosemary, thyme, plus salt and pepper over the potatoes. Give everything a gentle stir to coat the potatoes with these aromatic seasonings, then cook for about 4 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step infuses the crispy potatoes with tons of flavor. Once done, remove the potatoes from the skillet and set them aside to make room for the chicken.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
To the same skillet, add the remaining ghee to keep things flavorful and prevent sticking. Toss in the diced chicken thighs and season them generously with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Let the chicken cook undisturbed for 4 minutes to develop a nice sear, then stir and continue cooking for another 5 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and beautifully browned.
Step 5: Combine and Finish
Now, add the potatoes back to the skillet with the cooked chicken and stir everything together so the flavors marry perfectly. Garnish with extra fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve with lemon wedges and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice if you want to add that refreshing citrus brightness to balance the richness.
How to Serve Garlic Chicken Potato Skillet (Country Style) Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes elevate this dish wonderfully. More chopped parsley adds a lovely green contrast and freshness. Fresh lemon slices and a quick squeeze of lemon juice just before serving brighten every bite and provide a gentle tang that wakes up the flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
This Garlic Chicken Potato Skillet (Country Style) Recipe is a full meal on its own, but adding a crisp green salad, steamed vegetables, or some warm crusty bread can make your dinner even more satisfying. A side of sautéed green beans or roasted asparagus pairs beautifully with the earthy rosemary and thyme in the skillet.
Creative Ways to Present
For a country-style feast, serve the skillet straight from the pan for a rustic, family-style touch that invites everyone to dig in. Alternatively, plate it individually over a bed of buttery mashed potatoes or rice to soak up the garlicky juices. Drizzle a bit of leftover ghee or a splash of olive oil on top for added richness and a glossy finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The chicken and potatoes keep well without losing their flavor, making it perfect for a quick lunch or dinner the next day.
Freezing
This skillet dish freezes nicely, too. Place cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture and flavor retention.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the leftovers in a skillet over medium heat to help retain the crispy texture of the potatoes, adding a small splash of water or broth if needed to prevent drying out. Alternatively, microwave until heated through, though this may soften the crispy edges a bit.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs?
Yes, you can substitute boneless chicken breasts, but chicken thighs are preferred for their higher fat content, which keeps the meat tender and flavorful. If using breasts, watch the cooking time carefully as they can dry out faster.
Is ghee necessary, or can I use butter or oil?
Ghee adds a rich, nutty flavor and has a high smoke point perfect for searing. Butter or a neutral oil like avocado oil can be used as alternatives, but ghee enhances the taste and texture best in this recipe.
How do I make this recipe spicier?
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce when seasoning the chicken to introduce some heat without overpowering the garlic and herbs.
Can I prepare this dish for a larger crowd?
Definitely! This recipe scales up well, just adjust the quantities accordingly and use a larger skillet or cook in batches to ensure everything browns nicely.
What other herbs can substitute rosemary and thyme?
Fresh or dried oregano, sage, or marjoram work well as substitutes and will provide a slightly different but equally delicious flavor profile that complements the chicken and potatoes.
Final Thoughts
If you’re in the mood for a dish that feels both familiar and special, the Garlic Chicken Potato Skillet (Country Style) Recipe is a fantastic choice. It’s hearty yet fresh, simple yet full of layers of flavor — truly a dependable classic to have in your cooking repertoire. Gather your ingredients, turn on some good music, and enjoy making a meal that will have everyone asking for seconds!
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 comforting one-pan dish featuring tender boneless chicken thighs and golden potatoes, infused with garlic, fresh herbs, and warm spices. Perfect for a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner, it combines simple ingredients with straightforward cooking to deliver a hearty meal with a country-style flair.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 1 pound small gold potatoes, quartered
Seasonings and Herbs
- 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
- 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
Fat & Oil
- ¼ cup ghee (or butter)
Optional
- Juice of ½ lemon
- Fresh lemon slices for serving
Instructions
- Parboil Potatoes: Parboil the quartered potatoes in boiling salted water for 5-10 minutes or microwave them in a bowl with water for 5 minutes, until they are barely fork-tender. Drain well to remove excess moisture.
- Brown 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 another 4 minutes to get an even golden color.
- Add Garlic and Herbs to Potatoes: Sprinkle the minced garlic, chopped parsley, dried rosemary, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper over the potatoes. Stir well to coat the potatoes evenly and cook for an additional 4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Then remove the potatoes from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook Chicken: Add the remaining ghee to the skillet. Add the diced chicken thighs and season with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook the chicken undisturbed for 4 minutes to allow browning, then stir and cook for another 5 minutes until the chicken pieces are browned and cooked through.
- Combine and Serve: Return the cooked potatoes to the skillet with the chicken and stir to combine all ingredients. Garnish with additional fresh parsley. Serve immediately with optional lemon wedges and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
Notes
- Parboiling potatoes before pan-frying ensures they cook evenly and develop a nice golden crust.
- Using ghee adds a rich, buttery flavor, but butter can be substituted if preferred.
- For extra brightness, add fresh lemon juice just before serving.
- Chicken thighs are preferred for their juiciness and flavor, but chicken breasts can be used with slightly adjusted cooking times.
- This recipe works best in a cast iron or heavy-bottomed skillet for even heat distribution.
