The Best Easy Chicken Potato Recipes for Busy Weeknights

Need a quick and satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen? Easy chicken potato recipes are the perfect solution! With just a few ingredients, you can create hearty, flavorful, and budget-friendly meals for busy weeknights.

Whether you prefer a crispy skillet dish, a baked casserole, or a healthy air fryer option, chicken and potatoes offer endless possibilities. In this post, we’ll explore some of the best chicken and potato recipes that are simple to prepare. Get ready to turn these pantry staples into mouthwatering dinners your whole family will love!

Why Chicken and Potatoes Are the Ultimate Weeknight Meal

Why Chicken and Potatoes Make a Great Dinner Option

Before diving into the recipes, let’s explore why chicken and potatoes are a go-to choice for easy, delicious meals.

1. Budget-Friendly & Easily Available

Chicken and potatoes are affordable, widely available, and pantry staples in most households. They require only a few additional ingredients to create a hearty, comforting meal without breaking the bank. Whether you’re making a simple roasted dish or a creamy casserole, this combo delivers great taste on a budget.

2. Versatile & Easy to Cook

This duo works well with almost any cooking method baking, grilling, roasting, or pan-frying. You can season them with herbs and spices for bold flavors, add creamy sauces for richness, or keep them crispy and light. Whether you prefer a spicy, savory, or cheesy dish, chicken and potatoes adapt beautifully to any taste preference.

3. Perfect for Meal Prep

Chicken and potatoes store well and taste even better the next day. Many dishes can be prepared in advance and reheated without losing their flavor or texture. Whether you’re packing leftovers for lunch or meal prepping for the week, this combination is a time-saving solution for busy schedules.

With their affordability, versatility, and convenience, chicken and potatoes make the perfect foundation for effortless, delicious meals!

Quick & Easy Chicken Potato Skillet Recipes

Quick & Easy Skillet Chicken and Potato Recipes

When you’re pressed for time, skillet recipes are your go-to solution. These one-pan meals not only cook quickly but also offer rich flavors while keeping cleanup minimal. Here are three of the most popular and easy chicken and potato skillet dishes that you can whip up in no time.

1. Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes

This recipe brings together juicy chicken and crispy golden potatoes in a flavorful garlic butter sauce. The addition of fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme enhances the aroma and flavor, making it perfect for any night of the week.

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 3 medium potatoes (cubed)
• 3 tbsp butter
• 4 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp salt & black pepper
• 1 tbsp fresh rosemary or thyme (chopped)

Instructions:

1. Cook the potatoes: Heat 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the cubed potatoes, season with paprika, salt, and pepper, and sauté for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the potatoes to be golden brown and crispy on the outside while soft on the inside. Once done, remove them from the pan and set aside.
2. Cook the chicken: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tbsp butter. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is golden and cooked through.
3. Add garlic and butter: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Return the cooked potatoes to the pan, stir everything together, and cook for another 2-3 minutes so the potatoes soak up the flavors.
4. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle the dish with fresh rosemary or thyme and serve immediately.

2. Creamy Chicken and Potato Skillet

This rich, creamy skillet recipe features tender chicken breast, small baby potatoes, and a cheesy cream sauce that’s just perfect for a comforting dinner. It’s quick, satisfying, and sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts (cubed)
• 3 medium potatoes (diced)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves (minced)
• ½ tsp salt & pepper
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

Instructions:

1. Cook the potatoes: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced potatoes, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 8-10 minutes until they are soft on the inside and golden on the outside. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.
2. Cook the chicken: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil. Add the cubed chicken breast and cook for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
3. Prepare the creamy sauce: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and stir in the Italian seasoning. Allow the cream to come to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
4. Add the cheese: Stir in the mozzarella cheese and cook until it melts and the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Combine and serve: Return the cooked potatoes to the skillet and stir to coat them with the creamy sauce. Let everything cook together for another 2 minutes. Serve hot and enjoy!

3. Spicy Cajun Chicken with Roasted Potatoes

This dish is all about bold flavors with a little kick from Cajun spices. The roasted potatoes add a crispy texture that pairs perfectly with the spicy chicken.

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 3 medium potatoes (cubed)
• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp salt & pepper
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the potatoes: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a bowl, toss the cubed potatoes with 1 tbsp olive oil, Cajun seasoning, salt, and smoked paprika. Spread the potatoes on a baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes, or until they are golden and crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
2. Cook the chicken: While the potatoes roast, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken thighs with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper, then cook for 6-8 minutes per side until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked.
3. Combine the chicken and potatoes: Once the chicken is done, remove the potatoes from the oven and add them to the skillet with the chicken. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the garlic to infuse the dish with flavor.
4. Garnish and serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve the chicken with roasted potatoes for a flavorful, spicy dinner.

These easy chicken and potato skillet recipes are perfect for any night when you want a quick, delicious meal. They provide a great balance of protein and carbs, are full of flavor, and are so easy to make all in one pan! Give these a try next time you need a hassle-free dinner.

Baked Chicken and Potato Recipes for a Hands-Off Meal

Oven-Baked Chicken and Potato Recipes

Oven-baked recipes are ideal for busy weeknights because they allow you to enjoy a flavorful dinner without spending too much time in the kitchen. With a few simple ingredients, you can create hearty meals with a minimal amount of cleanup. Let’s dive into three oven-baked chicken and potato recipes that are full of flavor, easy to prepare, and perfect for any night of the week.

1. Oven-Roasted Chicken and Potatoes

This recipe combines crispy, golden potatoes with juicy baked chicken thighs, seasoned with olive oil, garlic, and paprika. The result? A perfectly balanced meal that’s comforting and easy to make.

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on for maximum flavor)
• 3 medium potatoes (cubed)
• 3 tbsp olive oil (for crispy skin and rich flavor)
• 2 garlic cloves (minced for a strong, aromatic base)
• 1 tsp paprika (for a smoky taste)
• ½ tsp salt & pepper (to taste)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). A high temperature will ensure a crispy, golden exterior on both the chicken and potatoes.
2. In a large bowl, toss the cubed potatoes with olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
3. Arrange the seasoned potatoes on a baking sheet, ensuring they spread out in a single layer. This ensures they roast evenly and become crispy.
4. Season the chicken thighs with olive oil, salt, and pepper. You can also add additional seasonings like rosemary or thyme if you prefer.
5. Place the chicken thighs on the baking sheet, nestled between the potatoes. This allows the chicken juices to flavor the potatoes as they bake.
6. Roast everything in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C) and the potatoes are golden and crispy.
7. Let the dish rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme if desired.

Why it’s great: This recipe is not only budget-friendly, but it also requires minimal prep while delivering maximum flavor. You can also swap chicken thighs for breasts if you prefer, though thighs tend to stay juicier.

2. Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken with Baby Potatoes

For a lighter, freshly flavored meal, this recipe is a winner. The lemon and garlic provide a burst of zest, while the fresh herbs create a fragrant, well-rounded dish. Perfect for those who want a quick and healthy dinner option.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (tender and quick to cook)
• 2 cups baby potatoes (halved for even cooking)
• 2 tbsp olive oil (helps with roasting)
• 2 garlic cloves (minced for aromatic flavor)
• 1 lemon (juiced, zest for added zing)
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme (or rosemary for a different flavor)
• 1 tsp salt & pepper (to taste)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, fresh thyme, salt, and pepper. This will serve as your marinade.
3. Toss the baby potatoes in the marinade until evenly coated, then arrange them on a sheet pan. Make sure there’s enough space between the potatoes so they roast properly.
4. Season the chicken breasts with the remaining marinade and place them on the sheet pan, directly on top of the potatoes. This allows the chicken to infuse the potatoes with flavor as they bake.
5. Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Halfway through, check the chicken’s internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (74°C). Stir the potatoes around to ensure even roasting.
6. Once done, remove from the oven and garnish with fresh lemon zest or additional thyme.
7. Serve hot with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Why it’s great: The lemon garlic combination brightens up the dish, while the baby potatoes soak up all those flavors, making this dish refreshing yet hearty. It’s an easy one-pan meal that’s great for meal prepping.

3. Cheesy Chicken and Potato Casserole

If you’re in the mood for something indulgent, this cheesy casserole is a family favorite. It’s the perfect dish for meal prepping since it stores well and can be easily reheated without losing flavor.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (use rotisserie chicken to save time)
• 4 medium potatoes (peeled and diced)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of your favorites)
• 1 cup heavy cream (for a rich, creamy texture)
• 1 cup chicken broth (to keep the dish moist)
• 1 tsp garlic powder (for an extra kick)
• ½ tsp salt & pepper (adjust to taste)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken and diced potatoes. Layer them evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, chicken broth, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour the mixture evenly over the chicken and potatoes. This will create a creamy base that absorbs into the potatoes as they cook.
5. Top with shredded cheddar cheese, ensuring an even coverage. You can add more cheese if you love it extra cheesy!
6. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 40-45 minutes. After this, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to allow the cheese to melt and become golden.
7. Once the casserole is bubbling and the potatoes are tender, remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Why it’s great: This dish is comforting and filling. The creamy, cheesy sauce combined with tender potatoes and shredded chicken makes it a crowd-pleaser. It’s also perfect for leftovers, as the flavors only improve the next day!

Healthy Chicken Potato Recipes for Nutritious Dinners

Healthier Chicken and Potato Recipes for Nutritious Meals

If you’re looking for a healthier twist on classic chicken and potato dishes, these recipes are perfect. They’re full of protein, nutrients, and flavor while keeping things light and satisfying. Whether you’re grilling, using an air fryer, or slow cooking, these dishes deliver in taste and nutrition.

1. Herb-Grilled Chicken with Roasted Sweet Potatoes

This dish combines boneless, skinless chicken breast with nutrient-rich sweet potatoes, creating a healthy and filling meal. The herb seasoning adds flavor without excess calories, making it a great option for any night.

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 medium sweet potatoes (cubed)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• Salt & pepper (to taste)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. Toss the cubed sweet potatoes with olive oil, thyme, garlic, salt, and pepper. Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet.
3. Grill the chicken breasts for 6-7 minutes per side or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
4. Meanwhile, roast the sweet potatoes in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through for even cooking. They should be golden and tender.
5. Once everything is cooked, plate the chicken and sweet potatoes, and serve immediately.

Why it’s great: This recipe provides a balanced meal full of healthy fats and fiber from the sweet potatoes, along with lean protein from the chicken. It’s simple, satisfying, and perfect for anyone seeking a light dinner without compromising flavor.

2. Air Fryer Chicken and Potatoes

This air fryer recipe gives you crispy chicken and golden potatoes without the excess oil, making it a healthier alternative to deep-frying. Ready in under 20 minutes, it’s an ideal option for busy weeknights when you want something quick yet nutritious.

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless chicken thighs or breasts
• 2 medium potatoes (cubed)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Salt & pepper (to taste)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
2. Toss the potatoes in olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Arrange them in the air fryer basket.
3. Air fry the potatoes for 10 minutes, shaking halfway through to ensure even cooking.
4. While the potatoes cook, season the chicken with olive oil, paprika, salt, and pepper.
5. After the potatoes have cooked for 10 minutes, place the chicken in the air fryer basket. Air fry everything for another 10 minutes, flipping the chicken and stirring the potatoes halfway through.
6. Check that the chicken’s internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C). Once done, remove everything from the air fryer.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy the crispy, tender meal!

Why it’s great: The air fryer helps cut down on calories while still giving the crispy texture we love. It’s quick, easy, and makes clean-up a breeze. Plus, the potatoes get golden without the need for deep frying.

3. Slow Cooker Chicken Potato Stew

This slow cooker stew is the ultimate set-and-forget meal. Packed with chicken, potatoes, and carrots, it’s a hearty and comforting dish that’s perfect for meal prepping. Just set it in the morning and come home to a hot, nourishing meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts (or thighs for extra flavor)
• 4 medium potatoes (peeled and cubed)
• 3 carrots (sliced)
• 1 onion (diced)
• 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt & pepper (to taste)

Instructions:

1. Place the chicken at the bottom of the slow cooker.
2. Add the potatoes, carrots, onion, and chicken broth. Season with thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should shred easily, and the potatoes will be tender.
4. Shred the chicken using two forks and stir everything together. Adjust seasoning if needed.
5. Serve hot in bowls and enjoy this hearty, nourishing stew.

Why it’s great: This slow-cooked meal is perfect for busy people who want a warm, nutritious meal waiting for them at the end of the day. It’s loaded with vegetables, lean protein, and full of flavor. Plus, it’s great for meal prepping since it stores well in the fridge.

Pro Tips for Making the Best Chicken and Potato Meals

1. Best Seasonings & Spices

Enhancing the flavor of your chicken and potatoes is all about using the right seasonings and spices. For instance, garlic, rosemary, thyme, paprika, Cajun seasoning, and lemon zest can elevate your dish.

• Garlic provides a savory base, while rosemary and thyme introduce a fresh, earthy aroma.
• Paprika adds smokiness, and Cajun seasoning gives a spicy kick.
• Lemon zest, on the other hand, brings a refreshing twist.

To get the most flavor, marinate your chicken for at least 30 minutes. This ensures the spices and herbs penetrate deeply, resulting in a juicier, more flavorful meal.

2. Cooking Methods & Time-Saving Hacks

Choosing the right cooking method can make all the difference. Here are three excellent options to help you save time and maximize flavor:

• Skillet: This method is ideal for quick meals that require crispy textures. Searing the chicken in a skillet locks in flavor, keeping the inside juicy and tender.
• Oven-Baked: Alternatively, oven-baking enhances the natural sweetness of the potatoes and makes the chicken even juicier. It’s a perfect choice when you need minimal effort and maximum taste.
• Air Fryer: Moreover, the air fryer offers a healthier alternative to frying by giving you crispy results with less oil. It’s a quick and easy way to make a delicious meal.

Additionally, if you’re short on time, chop your chicken and potatoes in advance and store them in the fridge. This makes cooking faster when you’re ready to eat.

3. Storage & Reheating Tips

Proper storage and reheating can ensure your leftovers stay fresh and tasty. First, store your leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze the meals in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months.

When it’s time to reheat, use the oven or skillet. Both options help retain the crispy texture of the potatoes and chicken. The oven heats everything evenly, while a skillet helps restore the crunch.

However, avoid using the microwave, as it can make the potatoes soggy and the chicken dry. If you must, add a little water to keep moisture locked in.

Conclusion

With these easy chicken potato recipes, you’ll never run out of delicious and simple meal ideas. Whether you prefer a quick skillet dish, a baked casserole, or a healthy air fryer meal, these recipes are perfect for busy weeknights.

Additionally, if you’re in the mood for another easy chicken recipe, check out our Easy Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe.

Try these recipes out and let us know your favorite in the comments!