Garlic and Chive Boiled Potatoes: The Ultimate Easy Side Dish Recipe

These garlic and chive boiled potatoes are a favorite simple side dish that always impresses. They are incredibly tender, infused with buttery goodness, and generously coated in fragrant garlic and fresh chives. This is the kind of recipe that complements almost any main course and never feels complicated to prepare.

When I need a dependable and delicious side, this is my go-to recipe. I designed it to be quick, budget-friendly, and reliant on pantry staples. Whether you’re serving a juicy steak, a perfectly roasted chicken, fresh seafood, or putting together a festive holiday meal, these garlic and chive potatoes are a perfect fit!

If you are looking for a quick way to jump to the recipe, just scroll down, or use our handy table of contents below!

Here at Sweet C’s, I love sharing tips and tricks with all of my recipes – because I am a home cook without formal training, and have found I am more confident when I understand *why* a recipe works. My goal is for even the most beginner home cook to feel empowered in the kitchen.

Table of Contents

• How to Make Garlic Butter Boiled Potatoes
• Tips for Perfect Boiled Potatoes
• Garlic and Chive Potatoes Recipe
• What to Serve With Garlic Chive Potatoes
• Garlic Boiled Potatoes FAQs

How to Make Delicious Garlic Butter Boiled Potatoes

Garlic and chive boiled potatoes are made by tossing tender baby potatoes in a luscious melted butter sauce, enriched with fresh garlic and bright chives. This simple, classic side dish is quick to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for both casual weeknight dinners and more formal holiday gatherings.

Essential Ingredients for Garlic and Chive Boiled Potatoes

• Baby Potatoes (Yukon Gold or Red): These are the stars of the dish. Yukon Golds provide a creamy, buttery interior, while red potatoes maintain their shape well and offer a slightly firmer texture. Both types result in tender, flavorful bites that absorb the garlic butter beautifully.
• Salt (for Boiling Water): This seasons the potatoes from the inside out as they cook, ensuring they’re flavorful throughout, not just on the surface.
• Butter: It adds a rich, creamy flavor and coats the potatoes, helping the garlic and chives cling to every bite. It provides that classic, comforting taste we all love.
• Garlic: It brings a bold, savory depth and aromatic warmth that perfectly balances the natural sweetness of the potatoes.
• Olive Oil (Optional): Adding olive oil introduces extra richness and silkiness to the dish and also helps prevent the butter from browning too quickly. Plus, it adds a subtle fruity note.
• Fresh Chives: They offer a mild onion flavor and a fresh, bright contrast to the rich butter and garlic. Their vibrant green color also adds visual appeal.
• Salt and Freshly Cracked Black Pepper: These enhance and balance all the flavors, adding gentle heat and bringing the dish together harmoniously.
• Lemon Juice (Optional): A small squeeze of lemon juice brightens the entire dish, cutting through the richness and making the other flavors truly pop.

The Simple Boil-and-Toss Method

Here’s how to make this delightful recipe:

Boil & Drain Potatoes

Boil the potatoes until they are easily pierced with a fork. Drain them thoroughly.

Add Herbs & Garlic

In a large pan, melt butter with optional olive oil. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until softened and fragrant. Stir in the chopped chives and any other desired herbs.

Toss

Add the drained potatoes to the pan and toss them gently in the garlic butter mixture until they are evenly coated. Remove from the heat.

Tips for Perfect Garlic and Chive Boiled Potatoes

Follow these simple tips to ensure your garlic and chive boiled potatoes turn out perfectly every time:

• Salt the water generously: This is key to seasoning the potatoes from the inside out. Don’t be shy with the salt!
• Steam dry after draining: After draining the potatoes, let them sit in the warm pot for 2–3 minutes to allow any excess moisture to evaporate. This helps them better absorb the garlic butter.
• Cook garlic gently: Be careful not to burn the garlic. You want it to be warmed until fragrant, not browned. Burnt garlic can taste bitter.
• Add lemon juice at the end: If using lemon juice, add a small squeeze at the very end to brighten the flavors.
• Finish with flaky sea salt: A sprinkle of flaky sea salt before serving adds a delightful burst of texture and extra flavor.
• For crispier edges: If you prefer your potatoes with slightly crispy edges, sauté them briefly in a skillet with a little extra butter after boiling.

How Long to Boil Potatoes (Based on Size)

The cooking time will vary depending on the size and type of potatoes you are using. Here’s a handy guide:

• Small Baby Potatoes: 12–15 minutes
• Halved Baby Potatoes: 15–18 minutes
• Medium Potatoes (Cubed): 15–20 minutes
• Whole Large Potatoes: 20–25 minutes

Pro Tip: The potatoes are done when a fork slides in easily, but they still hold their shape. Be careful not to overcook them, as this can lead to a mushy texture.

What to Serve With Garlic Chive Potatoes

Garlic and chive potatoes are incredibly versatile and pair well with a wide variety of dishes. Here are a few suggestions:

Denver Steak

Best Caesar Salad

The Best Easy Roast Chicken

Garlic Butter Lamb Chops

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Garlic and Chive Potatoes Recipe

Garlic and Chive Potatoes

Tender boiled baby potatoes tossed in buttery garlic and fresh chives for a simple, flavorful, and perfect easy side dish for any meal.

By: Courtney O’Dell

Servings: 4 people

Prep: 15 mins

Cook: 5 mins

Ingredients

• 2 pounds baby potatoes, Yukon gold or red, halved if large
• 1 tablespoon salt, for boiling water
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, optional, for extra richness
• ¼ cup fresh chives, finely chopped
• Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
• Optional: squeeze of lemon juice

Instructions

1. Boil the potatoes: Place potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water by about 1 inch. Add 1 tablespoon salt.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer and cook 15–20 minutes, until fork tender.
3. Drain and steam dry: Drain potatoes well and let them sit in the warm pot for 2–3 minutes to steam off excess moisture.
4. Make garlic butter: In a small pan over low heat, melt butter (and olive oil if using). Add garlic and cook 30–60 seconds, just until fragrant — do not brown.
5. Toss together: Pour garlic butter over warm potatoes. Add chopped chives, salt, and pepper. Toss gently to coat.
6. Finish and serve: Optional: add a small squeeze of lemon juice to brighten. Serve warm.

Recipe Notes

• Use Yukon gold potatoes for creamy texture.
• Don’t overcook — they should be tender but hold their shape.
• Add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt before serving for extra pop.
• Great alongside steak, roast chicken, seafood, or holiday meals.

Nutrition

Calories: 316kcal, Carbohydrates: 40g, Protein: 5g, Fat: 16g, Saturated Fat: 6g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 7g, Trans Fat: 0.3g, Cholesterol: 23mg, Sodium: 1826mg, Potassium: 974mg, Fiber: 5g, Sugar: 2g, Vitamin A: 376IU, Vitamin C: 47mg, Calcium: 37mg, Iron: 2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: dinner, Lunch, Side Dish

Cuisine: American, French, Mediterranean

Tried this recipe? Mention @sweetcsdesigns or tag #sweetcsdesigns!

Garlic Boiled Potatoes FAQs