Prepare to indulge in a delightful culinary experience with our Garlic Herb Chicken Mashed Potatoes. This dish brings together tender, seasoned chicken, creamy mashed potatoes, and sweet glazed carrots in a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate. The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the harmonious use of fresh herbs and spices, creating a meal that’s as comforting as it is elegant. Whether you’re seeking a wonderful family dinner or an impressive dish to serve guests, this recipe hits the sweet spot—pairing the familiar with just a hint of culinary sophistication.
The Garlic Herb Chicken Mashed Potatoes recipe is designed to make your dining experience effortless yet rewarding. Using easily sourced ingredients and straightforward cooking steps, it ensures that even those new to the kitchen can achieve a delicious outcome. The balance of textures—from the silky mashed potatoes to the tender, juicy chicken—and the array of flavors, from the pungent garlic to the hint of lemon and fresh herbs, ensure that each bite is both exciting and deeply satisfying. Join me as we explore this dish, transforming simple cooking into a flavor-packed delight.
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Herb Chicken Mashed Potatoes
This recipe offers a savory blend of tastes and textures that guarantee to impress.
- Flavorful chicken: Marinated in a mix of garlic and herbs, each bite is succulent and aromatic.
- Wholesome and filling: Creamy mashed potatoes provide a comforting, satisfying base.
- Perfect for all occasions: Suitable for both casual meals and special gatherings.
- Nutritious: A balanced meal with protein, carbs, and nutrients from all-natural ingredients.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
To set yourself up for success with this recipe, you’ll want to start by organizing your kitchen and gathering your equipment. A large skillet is essential for searing chicken breasts to golden-brown perfection, and a saucepan will help in bringing those potatoes to the ideal softness needed for mashing. Make sure you have a sharp knife for chopping and mincing, and a sturdy peeler for preparing your carrots and potatoes. For the mashing, a potato masher or an electric beater works wonders in achieving that delightfully creamy texture.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- 900 grams potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 120 millilitres milk
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 450 grams carrots, peeled and cut into sticks
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Season & Sear the Chicken
Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. Season them generously on all sides with salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and thyme. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts. Allow them to sear for 5–7 minutes on each side, ensuring they achieve a rich, golden-brown color and are fully cooked through. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate, covering it gently to keep warm.
Step 2: Create the Flavorful Sauce
In the residual oil and flavor-rich browned bits left in your skillet, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until aromatic, being careful not to let it burn. Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, using a spatula or wooden spoon to deglaze the pan—this means you’ll scrape up all the delicious cooked bits stuck to the bottom. Let this mixture simmer briefly to meld the flavors.
Step 3: Simmer & Infuse Chicken with Sauce
Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet. Let them simmer gently in the aromatic sauce for about 5 minutes to soak up all the flavors. After this process, turn off the heat but keep the chicken warm to ensure it remains juicy and tender until serving.
Step 4: Prepare Creamy Mashed Potatoes
While your chicken rests, prepare the potatoes. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the peeled and cubed potatoes, cooking them for 15–20 minutes until they are fork-tender. Thoroughly drain the water, returning the potatoes to the pot. Introduce the milk, butter, salt, and pepper, then mash until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Step 5: Perfect the Glazed Carrots
In a separate pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add the carrot sticks, sautéing for 5 minutes. Sprinkle the brown sugar over the carrots and stir well. Allow them to cook for another 5 minutes until the carrots are tender and coated in a glossy sugar glaze. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste preference.
Variations
- Protein: Swap chicken with turkey breast or pork chops for a different flavor.
- Vegetables: Add spinach or kale into the sauce towards the end for extra greens.
- Spices: Experiment with rosemary or basil instead of thyme and oregano for an herbal twist.
Cooking Notes
- Ensure chicken breasts are of even thickness to promote even cooking throughout.
- Take care not to overcook the mashed potatoes, as this can lead to a gluey texture.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a crisp green salad to complement the rich flavors of the meal.
- Serve with a chilled glass of white wine for an elevated dining experience.
Tips
- For exceptionally creamy potatoes, consider using a potato ricer or food mill.
- Keep chicken warm in a low oven if you’re not ready to serve immediately.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 520 per serving
- Protein: 38 grams
- Sodium: 450 milligrams
FAQs
How can I ensure the chicken stays moist?
To keep the chicken moist, avoid overcooking. Searing properly and simmering gently in the sauce helps maintain juiciness.
Can I make the potatoes ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mashed potatoes in advance. Simply reheat gently with a touch more milk or butter to refresh their creaminess.
What other sides would pair well with this meal?
Roasted asparagus or steamed green beans make excellent additional sides to enhance your plate with more color and nutrients.
Is fresh thyme better than dried?
Fresh thyme imparts a more vibrant flavor, but dried thyme offers convenience and works beautifully in this dish.
Conclusion
The Garlic Herb Chicken Mashed Potatoes recipe not only fills your kitchen with warm, inviting aromas but also delivers a taste experience that’s both elegant and deeply comforting. Ideal for a family dinner or a cozy night in, this dish combines the robust flavors of garlic and herbs with creamy, buttery potatoes and sweet, glazed carrots—each bite a testament to simple ingredients done right. I encourage you to try out this recipe and perhaps experiment with different herbs or sides to make it your own. Don’t forget to share your own twists and experiences in the comments below—happy cooking!
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Garlic Herb Chicken Mashed Potatoes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A delightful combination of savory garlic herb chicken, creamy mashed potatoes, and sweet glazed carrots for a comforting yet elegant dish.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- 900 grams potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 120 millilitres milk
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 450 grams carrots, peeled and cut into sticks
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Pat chicken dry and season with salt, pepper, oregano, and thyme. Sear in skillet over medium-high heat for 5–7 minutes per side. Transfer to plate and keep warm.
- Add garlic to skillet; sauté for 1 minute. Add chicken broth and lemon juice to deglaze the pan. Simmer briefly.
- Return chicken to skillet; simmer in sauce for 5 minutes. Turn off heat but keep warm.
- Boil potatoes in salted water for 15–20 minutes. Drain and mash with milk, butter, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Melt butter in a pan, sauté carrots for 5 mins. Add brown sugar; cook for 5 more mins until glazed. Season with salt and pepper.
Notes
Ensure even thickness of chicken for even cooking. Avoid overcooking potatoes to prevent gluey texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 520 per serving
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Protein: 38 g