Creamy Garlic Chicken & Potatoes is one of those comforting homemade dinners that comes together with simple ingredients and plenty of flavor. Tender pieces of chicken are cooked with golden potatoes and coated in a creamy garlic sauce that is rich, savory, and satisfying.
This is an easy recipe for busy weeknights because everything comes together in one skillet. The potatoes become tender while the chicken stays juicy, and the garlic cream sauce brings everything together.
If you enjoy simple meals that don’t require a long list of ingredients, this is a recipe worth keeping on hand.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are a few things that make this creamy chicken and potato dinner especially convenient.
First, it uses everyday ingredients that are easy to find. You don’t need anything unusual to create a flavorful meal.
Second, most of the cooking happens in one skillet, which means less cleanup afterward.
The combination of chicken and potatoes also makes the dish filling enough to serve as a complete dinner. Add a simple green salad or steamed vegetables on the side if you’d like to make the meal even more substantial.
The creamy garlic sauce is another highlight. Fresh garlic adds plenty of flavor without overpowering the chicken and potatoes.
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Potatoes
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 pound baby potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 5–6 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Creamy Sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, for serving
How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken & Potatoes
1. Prepare the Ingredients
Wash the potatoes well and cut them into bite-sized pieces.
If you’re using larger potatoes, cut them into smaller pieces so they cook evenly and don’t take too long.
Cut the chicken into medium-sized pieces. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels before seasoning. This helps it brown better in the skillet.
In a small bowl, combine the salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
2. Season the Chicken
Place the chicken pieces in a bowl and sprinkle them with the seasoning mixture.
Toss until the chicken is evenly coated.
You can use chicken breast or chicken thighs for this recipe. Chicken thighs tend to stay especially juicy, while chicken breast gives you a leaner option.
3. Brown the Chicken
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the olive oil and let it heat for a moment. Add the seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer.
Cook for about 4–5 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is nicely browned on the outside.
The chicken doesn’t need to be completely cooked through at this point because it will finish cooking later in the sauce.
Transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside.
4. Cook the Potatoes
Add the butter to the same skillet.
Once melted, add the potatoes.
Cook the potatoes for approximately 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to turn golden on the outside.
If the potatoes are browning too quickly, reduce the heat slightly.
Add the minced garlic during the final minute of this step. Stir frequently so the garlic becomes fragrant without burning.
5. Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
Pour the chicken broth into the skillet.
Use a wooden spoon or spatula to gently scrape the browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Those little browned pieces add extra flavor to the sauce.
Allow the broth to simmer for about 2 minutes.
Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the heavy cream.
Stir gently until the cream combines with the broth.
Add the Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
Continue stirring until the Parmesan melts into the sauce and the mixture becomes creamy.
6. Return the Chicken
Add the browned chicken back to the skillet.
Stir gently so the chicken and potatoes become coated with the creamy garlic sauce.
Cover the skillet and cook for another 5–8 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the potatoes are fork-tender.
The exact cooking time will depend on the size of your chicken and potato pieces.
For food safety, chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
7. Adjust the Sauce
Remove the lid and check the consistency of the sauce.
If it seems too thick, add a small splash of chicken broth or cream and stir.
If the sauce is thinner than you’d like, let the skillet simmer uncovered for a few additional minutes.
Taste and adjust the salt and black pepper as needed.
8. Finish and Serve
Turn off the heat and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top.
Let the dish rest for a couple of minutes before serving.
The sauce will continue to thicken slightly as it sits.
Serve the chicken and potatoes warm, spooning plenty of the creamy garlic sauce over each portion.
Tips for the Best Creamy Chicken and Potatoes
Cut the potatoes evenly. Similar-sized pieces will cook at roughly the same rate.
Don’t overcrowd the chicken. If your skillet is small, brown the chicken in batches. Crowding the pan can cause the chicken to steam instead of developing a nice golden surface.
Use fresh garlic. Freshly minced garlic gives the sauce a much stronger homemade flavor.
Don’t boil the cream aggressively. Keep the heat at medium-low once the cream is added. A gentle simmer helps the sauce stay smooth.
Use freshly grated Parmesan when possible. It melts more smoothly into the sauce than many pre-shredded varieties.
Let the chicken brown first. Those browned pieces left in the skillet add extra flavor to the finished sauce.
Easy Variations
You can easily change this recipe depending on what you have available.
For extra vegetables, add sliced mushrooms, spinach, broccoli, green beans, or peas.
For a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
You can also add a little lemon juice at the end to brighten the rich creamy sauce.
If you prefer chicken thighs, they work particularly well because they remain tender during cooking.
For a stronger cheese flavor, add a little extra Parmesan before serving.
What to Serve With It
Creamy Garlic Chicken & Potatoes can be served on its own, but a simple side can make the meal feel more complete.
Try serving it with:
- A simple green salad
- Steamed broccoli
- Roasted vegetables
- Green beans
- Sautéed spinach
- Fresh cucumber salad
Because the dish already contains potatoes, you don’t need another heavy starch on the side.
How to Store Leftovers
Allow leftovers to cool before transferring them to an airtight container.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
When reheating, warm the chicken and potatoes gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a small splash of chicken broth or cream while reheating.
The dish can also be portioned into individual containers for easy lunches during the week.
Final Thoughts
Creamy Garlic Chicken & Potatoes is a simple comfort-food dinner made with tender chicken, golden potatoes, fresh garlic, Parmesan, and a creamy homemade sauce.
It’s easy enough for a weeknight but flavorful enough to serve when you want something a little more special. The one-skillet cooking method also makes cleanup much easier.
If you’re looking for a hearty homemade dinner that uses familiar ingredients and doesn’t require complicated preparation, this creamy garlic chicken and potato recipe is a great one to try.
