Garlic Herb Chicken is a fantastic meal for any occasion. It combines tender chicken breasts with fresh herbs and a rich, flavorful sauce. Not only is it easy to make, but it also brings comfort to the dinner table. The delicious garlic and herb combination will have everyone asking for seconds. Plus, it pairs perfectly with creamy mashed potatoes, making it a complete and satisfying meal.

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:

Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper generously.
In a small bowl, mix together the minced garlic, chopped parsley, and thyme leaves. Rub this herb mixture all over the chicken breasts, pressing gently to help it stick. Let the chicken sit at room temperature for 10 minutes.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Place the chicken breasts in the pan and sear without moving them for 5-6 minutes, or until a deep golden-brown crust forms. Flip the chicken and cook for another 5-6 minutes.
Add the butter to the pan, basting the chicken with the melted butter and pan juices. When the chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit, move it to a plate and cover it with foil.
In the same skillet, mix in the brown sugar and balsamic vinegar. Stir continuously over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and begins to caramelize, around 2 minutes. Pour in the chicken broth and deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Bring this mixture to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, until the sauce reduces by half and thickens slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
While the chicken is cooking, peel and cut the potatoes into uniform pieces. Place them in a large pot and cover with cold salted water. Bring to a boil on high heat, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes until fork-tender. Drain and return the potatoes to the pot. Add butter and heavy cream, mashing until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
On each plate, add a generous serving of mashed potatoes to create a bed for the chicken. Place a chicken breast on top and drizzle the reduced pan sauce over the chicken and around the plate. Add fresh herbs on top for garnish if you like. Serve hot, ensuring everyone enjoys that sticky glaze.

How to Serve Garlic Herb Chicken

Serve Garlic Herb Chicken on a bed of creamy mashed potatoes, drizzled with the rich pan sauce. You can add steamed vegetables or a light salad on the side for more color and nutrition. This dish makes a wonderful centerpiece for family dinners or special occasions, and it’s sure to impress your guests.

How to Store Garlic Herb Chicken

To store leftover Garlic Herb Chicken, let it cool to room temperature. Place the chicken and any sauce in an airtight container, and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze the chicken for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw the chicken overnight in the fridge, then reheat in the oven or on the stove until heated through.

Tips to Make Garlic Herb Chicken

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the herb mixture for a few hours or overnight.
Make sure not to overcrowd the pan when searing the chicken to achieve a crispy crust.
Use a meat thermometer to check if the chicken is cooked properly—165 degrees Fahrenheit is the safe temperature.

Variation

To mix things up, consider adding different herbs like rosemary or oregano, or try a squeeze of lemon juice for a brighter flavor. You can also swap out mashed potatoes for rice or pasta as a base.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs can be used for a juicier result. Just cook until they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead and store it in the fridge. Reheat it on the stove before serving.

3. Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! Garlic Herb Chicken works great for meal prep. Just store it with your choice of sides in individual containers for easy grab-and-go meals.

Garlic Herb Chicken

Print Recipe

A tender and flavorful chicken dish with garlic and herbs, served on a bed of creamy mashed potatoes.

Author: lila-monroe
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Searing
Cuisine: American
Diet: None

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper generously.
In a small bowl, mix together the minced garlic, chopped parsley, and thyme leaves. Rub this herb mixture all over the chicken breasts and let sit for 10 minutes.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 5-6 minutes until golden-brown. Flip and cook for another 5-6 minutes.
Add butter to the pan, basting the chicken with the melted butter and pan juices, until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Move to a plate and cover with foil.
In the same skillet, mix in brown sugar and balsamic vinegar, stirring until sugar dissolves and caramelizes, about 2 minutes. Pour in chicken broth and deglaze the pan, cooking until sauce reduces by half, about 5-7 minutes.
Peel and cut potatoes into uniform pieces. Boil in salted water until fork-tender, then drain and mash with butter and heavy cream. Season to taste.
On each plate, place a generous serving of mashed potatoes, top with a chicken breast, and drizzle with reduced pan sauce. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

For extra flavor, marinate chicken in the herb mixture before cooking. Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked to 165 degrees.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 450
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 500mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 100mg

Keywords: chicken, garlic, herb, dinner, comfort food