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- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 4 large Yukon Gold potatoes - 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided - 6 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon dried rosemary - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped Gather these simple ingredients to make a tasty meal. Chicken thighs are juicy and full of flavor. Yukon Gold potatoes are creamy and perfect for smashing. Unsalted butter adds richness. Fresh garlic gives the dish its name and aroma. For seasoning, dried thyme and rosemary bring warmth and depth. Paprika adds a lovely color and slight heat. Salt and black pepper will enhance all the flavors. Finally, fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish. With these ingredients, you can create a comforting meal that’s easy and satisfying. Trust me, your family will love it! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by filling a large pot with water. Add a good amount of salt to the water. Bring it to a rolling boil. Carefully add the Yukon Gold potatoes. Cook them for 15-20 minutes. They should be tender enough to pierce with a fork. Once they are done, drain the water. Let the potatoes cool a bit. This will make them easier to handle when smashing. When the potatoes are cool, place them on a lined baking sheet. Use the bottom of a glass or a potato masher. Press down on each potato gently until they are smashed. Aim for a thickness of about half an inch. This helps create crispy edges. Next, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a small saucepan. Brush this melted butter over the smashed potatoes. Make sure to coat them evenly. Sprinkle them with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Add a light dusting of paprika for flavor and color. Bake the smashed potatoes in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C). Bake for about 20 minutes until they are golden and crispy. While the potatoes bake, season the chicken thighs. Use salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. In a large skillet, melt the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. When the butter is frothy, add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute. It should smell fragrant but not brown. Carefully place the seasoned chicken thighs in the skillet. Cook each side for about 6-7 minutes. The chicken should be cooked through and have a golden-brown color. While it cooks, use a spoon to baste the chicken with the garlic butter. This adds great flavor. Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the skillet. Let it rest for a few minutes. This helps it stay moist. Slice the chicken for serving. Arrange the crispy smashed potatoes and sliced chicken on a plate. Drizzle any leftover garlic butter from the skillet over both. This adds a delicious finishing touch. To make cooking easy, use your oven and stove at the same time. Start boiling the potatoes while you prepare the chicken. This way, you save time and keep the meal moving. Basting the chicken helps add flavor. As the chicken cooks, use a spoon to pour the garlic butter over it. This keeps the chicken moist and packed with taste. For crispy potato edges, smash them to about half an inch thick. This helps them get golden and crunchy when baked. The more surface area, the better the crunch! To keep the chicken tender and juicy, don’t overcook it. Cook each side for about 6-7 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check if the chicken reaches 165°F. Letting it rest after cooking keeps the juices inside. If you want to switch things up, try different herbs. Fresh thyme or rosemary can add a new twist. You can also mix in some Italian seasoning or lemon zest for a fresh taste. For added flavor, sprinkle some garlic powder or onion powder on the chicken before cooking. A touch of chili powder can add a nice kick. Play around and find what you love! Pro Tips Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary can elevate the flavor of your chicken; consider using them instead of dried for a more aromatic dish. Perfectly Smashed Potatoes: For extra crispy edges, ensure your smashed potatoes are a bit irregular in shape, as this increases the surface area that gets crisped up in the oven. Butter Basting Technique: Basting the chicken with garlic butter not only adds flavor but also helps keep the meat moist and juicy. Don't skip this step! Resting Time: Allowing the chicken to rest after cooking is crucial; it helps the juices redistribute, resulting in a more succulent bite. {{image_4}} You can change the herbs in this dish to suit your taste. Fresh herbs offer a bright flavor. Use about three times more fresh herbs than dried herbs. For example, if a recipe calls for one teaspoon of dried thyme, use three teaspoons of fresh thyme. Fresh rosemary has a strong taste, so use it sparingly. Other seasonings also work well. Consider using lemon zest for a fresh twist. Smoked paprika adds a nice depth. Try a pinch of chili flakes if you like heat. Experimenting with flavors can make this dish new each time. Adding vegetables can boost nutrition and flavor. Carrots, green beans, or bell peppers pair well with this dish. Chop them into small pieces for even cooking. You can sauté them in the same skillet after the chicken. Just cook them for about 5-7 minutes until tender. You can also roast vegetables alongside the smashed potatoes. Toss them in olive oil and seasonings. This method gives a nice caramelized flavor. Just make sure to cut the veggies small for even cooking. Pair garlic butter chicken and potatoes with simple sides. A fresh salad with vinaigrette adds a nice contrast. You can also serve it with crusty bread to soak up the garlic butter. If you have leftovers, they can become a fun new dish. Chop the chicken and mix it with pasta. Toss in some fresh veggies and a light sauce for a quick meal. You can also make a savory wrap with the chicken and some greens. This keeps your meals interesting and reduces waste. After you finish your meal, let the garlic butter chicken and potatoes cool. This helps prevent moisture buildup. Use shallow containers to store your leftovers. They help the food cool quickly and evenly. Make sure the container has a tight lid. This keeps your meal fresh and tasty. To freeze garlic butter chicken and potatoes, first, let them cool completely. Divide them into portions. Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. This stops freezer burn. When you want to eat them again, thaw in the fridge overnight. To reheat, you can bake them in the oven or warm them on the stove. You can keep garlic butter chicken and smashed potatoes in the fridge for up to three days. For the best taste, eat them within this time. If you freeze them, they will stay good for about three months. Just remember to label your containers with the date. This way, you know when to use them. Cook chicken thighs for about 12 to 14 minutes. Each side needs around 6 to 7 minutes. You want the chicken to reach an internal temperature of 165°F. This ensures it is safe to eat. A meat thermometer helps check the doneness. Yes, you can use other potatoes. Each type has a unique flavor and texture. For example, Russet potatoes are fluffier and absorb flavors well. Red potatoes are waxy and hold their shape better. Yukon Gold potatoes give a creamy texture and buttery taste. Choose what you like best! You can use olive oil or coconut oil as a substitute for butter. Both add rich flavor. For a dairy-free option, try vegan butter. You can also use ghee for a healthier choice. Each option changes the taste slightly but keeps the dish delicious. This blog post showed how to prepare a tasty garlic butter chicken with smashed potatoes. You learned about the key ingredients and how to cook them step-by-step. Remember, using fresh herbs can boost flavor, while freezing leftovers helps keep your meal fresh. Experiment with variations to make this dish your own. Follow these steps for a delicious meal that is easy and fun to make. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Garlic Butter Chicken & Smashed Potatoes

A delicious dish featuring tender garlic butter chicken thighs served alongside crispy smashed Yukon Gold potatoes.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 4 large Yukon Gold potatoes
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 6 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • for garnish Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Potatoes: Begin by filling a large pot with water and adding a generous amount of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Carefully add the Yukon Gold potatoes and cook them for 15-20 minutes, or until they are tender enough to be easily pierced with a fork. Once cooked, drain the potatoes and allow them to cool slightly, making them easier to handle.
  • Smashed Potatoes: After the potatoes are cool enough to touch, place them on a baking sheet that is lined with parchment paper. Using the bottom of a glass or a potato masher, gently press down on each potato until they are smashed but still intact. Aim for a thickness of about half an inch to achieve crispy edges.
  • Season the Potatoes: In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Brush this melted butter generously over the smashed potatoes, ensuring even coverage. Season with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a light dusting of paprika for added color and flavor. Bake the smashed potatoes in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 20 minutes, or until they are golden and have crispy edges.
  • Cook the Chicken: While the potatoes are baking, prepare the chicken thighs. Season each thigh with salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. In a large skillet, melt the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once the butter is frothy, add the minced garlic, sautéing it for about 1 minute or until it becomes fragrant but not browned—watch it closely to avoid burning.
  • Add Chicken to Skillet: Carefully place the seasoned chicken thighs into the skillet. Cook each side for approximately 6-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and achieves a beautiful golden-brown exterior. While the chicken cooks, use a spoon to baste it with the garlic butter in the skillet, enhancing the flavor as it cooks.
  • Rest and Serve: Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the skillet and allow it to rest for a few minutes to retain moisture. After resting, slice the chicken for easier serving. Arrange the crispy smashed potatoes and sliced chicken on a platter or individual plates. Drizzle any remaining garlic butter from the skillet over both the chicken and the potatoes for a flavorful finishing touch.
  • Garnish and Enjoy: Just before serving, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the dish for a vibrant pop of color and a hint of freshness that complements the richness of the chicken and potatoes.

Notes

Ensure to baste the chicken while cooking for enhanced flavor.
Keyword chicken, garlic butter, potatoes, smashed potatoes