Garlic Herb Chicken

Why Make This Recipe

Garlic Herb Chicken is a delightful dish that combines juicy chicken breasts with a flavorful herb mix. The addition of garlic, fresh herbs, and a rich sauce makes this meal both comforting and tasty. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners but also special enough for guests. Serve it alongside creamy mashed potatoes, and you have a satisfying meal that everyone will love.

How to Make Garlic Herb Chicken

Ingredients

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 pounds russet potatoes
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

Directions

1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.

2. In a small bowl, combine minced garlic, chopped parsley, and thyme leaves. Rub this herb mixture all over the chicken breasts, pressing gently so it adheres to the meat. Let the chicken rest at room temperature for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate.

3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully place the chicken breasts in the pan and sear without moving them for 5-6 minutes until a deep golden-brown crust forms. Flip the chicken and cook for another 5-6 minutes.

4. Add butter to the pan and baste the chicken with the melted butter and pan juices. Once the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit, transfer chicken to a plate and tent with foil.

5. In the same skillet with the remaining drippings, add brown sugar and balsamic vinegar. Stir continuously over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and begins to caramelize, about 2 minutes.

6. Pour in chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes until the sauce reduces by half and becomes slightly syrupy. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

7. While the chicken cooks, peel and cut the potatoes into evenly sized chunks. Place them in a large pot and cover with cold salted water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender.

8. Drain thoroughly and return the potatoes to the pot. Add butter and heavy cream, then mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

9. Spoon a generous portion of mashed potatoes onto each plate, creating a bed for the chicken. Place one chicken breast on top of the mashed potatoes. Drizzle the reduced pan sauce generously over the chicken and around the plate. Garnish with additional fresh herbs if desired. Serve immediately while hot, ensuring each guest gets plenty of that delicious sticky glaze.

How to Serve Garlic Herb Chicken

Garlic Herb Chicken is best served hot right after cooking. Place the chicken on a bed of creamy mashed potatoes, and drizzle with the pan sauce. You can also add a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

How to Store Garlic Herb Chicken

Leftover Garlic Herb Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a skillet with a little broth or water over low heat until warmed through.

Tips to Make Garlic Herb Chicken

• Ensure the chicken is at room temperature before cooking for even cooking.
• Don’t skip basting the chicken with the butter; it adds flavor and keeps it moist.
• Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.

Variation

You can easily change the flavors by using different herbs like rosemary or oregano. Adding vegetables like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce can also enhance the dish.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs can be used. Adjust the cooking time as needed since thighs might take a bit longer.

2. What can I use instead of heavy cream?
You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or cashew cream for a lighter option.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance. Reheat and combine with fresh mashed potatoes for serving.

Garlic Herb Chicken

A delightful dish of juicy chicken breasts seasoned with garlic and fresh herbs, served with creamy mashed potatoes and a flavorful sauce.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 480 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the Chicken

• 4 pieces boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup chicken broth

For the Mashed Potatoes

• 2 pounds russet potatoes peeled and cut into chunks
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
• In a small bowl, combine minced garlic, chopped parsley, and thyme leaves. Rub this herb mixture all over the chicken breasts.
• Let the chicken rest at room temperature for 10 minutes.

Cooking the Chicken

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
• Carefully place the chicken breasts in the pan and sear for 5-6 minutes until a deep golden-brown crust forms.
• Flip the chicken and cook for another 5-6 minutes until done.
• Add butter to the pan and baste the chicken with the melted butter and pan juices.
• Once the internal temperature reaches 165°F, transfer the chicken to a plate and tent with foil.

Making the Sauce

• In the same skillet, add brown sugar and balsamic vinegar. Stir continuously over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and begins to caramelize.
• Pour in chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes until the sauce reduces by half.
• Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Preparing the Mashed Potatoes

• While the chicken cooks, peel and cut the potatoes into evenly sized chunks. Place them in a large pot and cover with cold salted water.
• Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender.
• Drain thoroughly and return the potatoes to the pot. Add butter and heavy cream, then mash until smooth and creamy.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Plating

• Spoon a generous portion of mashed potatoes onto each plate. Place one chicken breast on top without the foil.
• Drizzle the reduced pan sauce generously over the chicken.
• Garnish with additional fresh herbs if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Leftover Garlic Herb Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.

Keyword Comfort Food, Garlic Chicken, Herb Chicken, Mashed Potatoes, Weeknight Dinner