Creamy Chicken and Potatoes Skillet

Created on February 18th, 2026 at 08:09 pm

The Ultimate One-Pan Chicken and Potatoes Dinner

When you need a comforting, satisfying meal that comes together in one pan, this Creamy Chicken and Potatoes Skillet delivers every time. Tender chicken breasts are seared until golden, then simmered alongside crispy potatoes in a rich garlic cream sauce that coats every bite. It is hearty without being heavy and simple enough for a busy weeknight.

This is the kind of chicken and potatoes dinner that feels like comfort food but does not require hours in the kitchen. Everything cooks in a single skillet, making cleanup easy and flavor deep. The potatoes soak up the creamy sauce while the chicken stays juicy and tender.

If you love easy skillet meals that feel cozy but still practical, this recipe deserves a permanent place in your dinner rotation.

Why You Will Love This Creamy Chicken and Potatoes

This recipe combines three things everyone loves: crispy potatoes, juicy chicken, and creamy garlic sauce.

The potatoes cook directly in the skillet, absorbing flavor from the pan while developing golden edges. The chicken stays moist thanks to a quick sear followed by gentle simmering in cream and broth.

It is also extremely versatile. You can use chicken breasts or thighs, baby potatoes or Yukon gold, and adjust the creaminess to your preference.

If you enjoy rich skillet-style chicken recipes, you might also love this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skillet, which offers a similar creamy texture with a bold Parmesan twist.

For a Mediterranean-style creamy option, Creamy Tuscan Chicken with Spinach is another excellent one-pan dinner packed with garlic and herb flavor.

Time Breakdown

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 ½ pounds baby potatoes, halved
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup chicken broth
¾ cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
Fresh parsley for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

Wash and halve the baby potatoes. Keeping them similar in size ensures even cooking. Pat them dry so they crisp properly in the skillet.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the potatoes cut side down. Season lightly with salt and pepper.

Cook for about 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and beginning to soften. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken

Pat chicken dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.

In the same skillet, add butter. Once melted, place chicken in the pan. Sear for 4 to 5 minutes per side until golden brown. The goal is to develop color, not fully cook the chicken.

Remove chicken and set aside.

Step 3: Build the Cream Sauce

Lower heat to medium-low. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.

Pour in chicken broth to deglaze the skillet. Scrape up browned bits from the bottom of the pan to add depth of flavor.

Let the broth simmer for 2 to 3 minutes.

Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Allow the sauce to gently simmer for 3 to 5 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 4: Combine and Simmer

Return potatoes to the skillet and nestle the chicken on top. Spoon some sauce over the chicken.

Cover and reduce heat to low. Let everything simmer together for 10 to 15 minutes until the chicken reaches 165°F internally and the potatoes are fork tender.

If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of broth.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Serve directly from the skillet for a rustic family-style presentation.

How to Serve Chicken and Potatoes Skillet

This dish works beautifully on its own because it already includes protein and starch.

For extra vegetables, add a side of roasted broccoli or green beans.

You can also stir in spinach during the last 5 minutes for added greens.

For a richer version, add a splash more cream and extra Parmesan before serving.

Make It Lighter

Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.

Reduce Parmesan slightly.

Add extra vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for more volume with fewer calories.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.

Avoid high microwave heat, as cream sauces can separate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, thighs work beautifully and remain very tender.

Can I bake this instead?
Yes. After searing, transfer everything to a baking dish and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes.

Can I make this dairy free?
You can substitute coconut cream and nutritional yeast, though flavor will differ.

Can I prep this ahead of time?
Yes. You can par-cook the potatoes and refrigerate until ready to assemble.

What potatoes work best?
Baby Yukon gold or red potatoes hold shape well and develop crispy edges.

The Perfect One-Skillet Family Dinner

Creamy Chicken and Potatoes Skillet is proof that simple ingredients can create deeply satisfying meals. With golden potatoes, juicy chicken, and a rich garlic cream sauce, this one pan dinner is perfect for busy nights when you want comfort without complexity.

It is hearty, practical, and endlessly customizable, making it a dependable go-to for easy chicken dinners.