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## How to Make Golden Garlic Butter Chicken & Potatoes
Now that you have all the ingredients, let’s walk through the steps for preparing this delicious dish. The cooking process is straightforward and doesn’t require any fancy techniques, making it a great choice for both novice and experienced cooks alike.
### Step 1: Prep the Chicken and Potatoes
1. **Preheat the Oven**: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your potatoes and chicken will cook at the right temperature for optimal crispiness and tenderness.
2. **Season the Chicken**: Season the chicken thighs or breasts generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried herbs. If you’re using lemon zest, sprinkle a little over the chicken for an added layer of flavor.
3. **Prepare the Potatoes**: Wash and scrub the potatoes to remove any dirt. Cut the baby potatoes into halves or quarters, depending on their size. You want them to be bite-sized so they cook evenly.
### Step 2: Sear the Chicken
1. **Heat the Skillet**: Heat a large oven-safe skillet (preferably cast-iron) over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil. Allow the oil to heat up and become shimmering before adding the chicken.
2. **Sear the Chicken**: Place the seasoned chicken in the hot skillet, skin-side down (if using bone-in skin-on chicken thighs). Sear the chicken for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side until it’s golden brown. This step helps to lock in the juices and create that crispy exterior.
3. **Remove the Chicken**: Once the chicken is golden brown on both sides, remove it from the skillet and set it aside. You don’t need to cook the chicken all the way through at this point since it will finish cooking in the oven.
### Step 3: Roast the Potatoes
1. **Toss the Potatoes**: In the same skillet where you seared the chicken, add the halved or quartered potatoes. Drizzle with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, and toss everything together to coat the potatoes evenly.
2. **Roast the Potatoes**: Place the skillet in the preheated oven and roast the potatoes for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy on the edges. You can give them a stir halfway through to ensure they cook evenly.
### Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
1. **Melt the Butter**: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
2. **Add Chicken Broth and Heavy Cream**: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
3. **Stir in Parmesan Cheese and Lemon Juice**: Once the sauce has thickened, add the grated Parmesan cheese and a splash of lemon juice. Stir until the cheese melts into the sauce, creating a creamy, smooth texture.
4. **Season the Sauce**: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. If you like a little heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a slight kick.
### Step 5: Assemble and Finish Cooking
1. **Combine the Chicken and Potatoes**: Once the potatoes are golden and crispy, remove them from the oven. Nestle the seared chicken thighs or breasts back into the skillet with the potatoes. Pour the garlic butter sauce over the chicken and potatoes, making sure everything is generously coated.
2. **Return to the Oven**: Place the skillet back into the oven for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the potatoes are tender. The sauce should be bubbling and the chicken should be fully cooked through.
### Step 6: Garnish and Serve
1. **Garnish**: Once the dish is done, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the chicken and potatoes for a burst of color and freshness.
2. **Serve**: Serve the golden garlic butter chicken and potatoes with a side of your favorite vegetables or a crisp salad. This dish is hearty on its own, but it pairs beautifully with roasted broccoli, steamed asparagus, or even a fresh garden salad.
## Tips for the Best Golden Garlic Butter Chicken & Potatoes
1. **Use Bone-In, Skin-On Chicken**: For extra flavor and juiciness, opt for bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. The skin crisps up beautifully in the skillet, adding texture to the dish. If you prefer boneless, skinless chicken breasts, that will work as well, but you might need to adjust the cooking time.
2. **Customize the Seasonings**: Feel free to adjust the seasonings based on your preferences. Add more garlic, experiment with herbs like sage or tarragon, or throw in a few dashes of paprika for a smoky undertone.
3. **Make It Spicy**: If you like a bit of heat, consider adding some crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce or seasoning the chicken with chili powder before cooking.
4. **Serve with a Side**: This dish is delicious on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, serve it with a side of vegetables, rice, or bread to soak up all that delicious garlic butter sauce.
## Conclusion
**Golden Garlic Butter Chicken & Potatoes** is a flavorful, satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s easy to prepare, bursting with savory flavors, and the combination of tender chicken with crispy potatoes makes every bite an indulgence. The garlic butter sauce is the real star, enveloping the chicken and potatoes in a creamy, rich texture that’s irresistible. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly meal or something to impress your guests, this dish is sure to deliver.
With minimal ingredients, simple steps, and plenty of opportunities for customization, this recipe will quickly become a household favorite. Make sure to save this recipe and share it with your loved ones—it’s guaranteed to be a hit at the dinner table!
