Looking for a quick and satisfying dinner for a busy weeknight? This One-Pan Creamy Garlic Chicken & Potatoes brings tender chicken, golden potatoes, garlic, herbs, and a creamy sauce together in one skillet.
With simple ingredients and minimal cleanup, this comforting dinner is perfect for family meals when you want something homemade without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1½ lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For the Potatoes
- 1½ lb baby potatoes, quartered
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce
- 2 tbsp butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp paprika
- 1 cup fresh spinach, optional
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
How to Make One-Pan Creamy Garlic Chicken & Potatoes
1. Season the Chicken
Place the chicken pieces in a bowl. Add paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Toss until evenly coated.
2. Cook the Potatoes
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the potatoes, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook for about 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes develop a golden exterior and become tender.
Transfer the potatoes to a plate.
3. Cook the Chicken
Add another tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet.
Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
Transfer the chicken to the same plate as the potatoes.
4. Make the Garlic Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium and add butter to the skillet.
Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth and scrape the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Add the heavy cream, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and paprika.
Stir until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
5. Combine Everything
Return the cooked chicken and potatoes to the skillet.
Add spinach if using. Stir gently to coat everything in the creamy garlic sauce.
Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the sauce thickens slightly.
6. Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle fresh parsley and extra Parmesan over the top.
Serve immediately while the sauce is warm and creamy.
Tips for the Best One-Pan Chicken Dinner
- Cut the potatoes into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Pat the chicken dry before seasoning for better browning.
- Use a large skillet so the ingredients have enough room to cook properly.
- Freshly grated Parmesan creates a smoother sauce.
- Let the sauce simmer gently rather than boiling rapidly.
- Add spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms for extra vegetables.
- Serve immediately for the creamiest texture.
Easy Variations
Creamy Mushroom Chicken
Add sliced mushrooms after cooking the potatoes. Sauté until golden before preparing the sauce.
Spicy Garlic Chicken
Add ¼ to ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the creamy sauce for extra heat.
Broccoli Chicken
Add small broccoli florets during the final few minutes of cooking for a simple vegetable addition.
Lemon Garlic Chicken
Add 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice and a little lemon zest to the finished sauce for a bright flavor.
What to Serve With This Dinner
This one-pan meal is filling on its own, but it pairs well with:
- Fresh green salad
- Garlic bread
- Steamed vegetables
- Roasted asparagus
- Dinner rolls
- Simple cucumber salad
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently in a skillet over low to medium heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce becomes too thick.
Recipe Summary
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: About 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Category: Quick & Easy Dinner
Cuisine: American
Final Thoughts
One-Pan Creamy Garlic Chicken & Potatoes is a comforting dinner designed for busy evenings. Tender chicken, golden potatoes, and creamy garlic Parmesan sauce create a flavorful meal while keeping cleanup simple.
Save this recipe for your next weeknight dinner and enjoy a warm, homemade meal in about 35 minutes.
