Garlic and Herb Chicken

why make this recipe

Garlic Herb Chicken is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that packs a punch of flavor. It features tender chicken breasts infused with garlic and fresh herbs, all topped with a rich and savory sauce. This recipe is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion, as it impresses without requiring advanced cooking skills. Pair it with creamy mashed potatoes, and you have a complete 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. Season them generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
2. In a small bowl, mix the minced garlic, chopped parsley, and thyme leaves. Rub this herb mixture all over the chicken breasts, pressing gently so it sticks. Let the chicken rest at room temperature for 10 minutes to help enhance the flavors.
3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Place the chicken breasts in the pan and sear without moving them for 5-6 minutes until they are golden brown. Flip the chicken and cook for another 5-6 minutes.
4. Add the butter to the pan. Baste the chicken with the melted butter and juices. Once the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit, transfer it to a plate and cover it loosely with foil.
5. In the same skillet with the leftover drippings, add the brown sugar and balsamic vinegar. Stir continuously over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and starts to caramelize, about 2 minutes.
6. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes until the sauce reduces by half and thickens slightly. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
7. While the chicken cooks, peel and chop the potatoes into even 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 for 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender. Drain and return the potatoes to the pot.
8. Add butter and heavy cream to the potatoes, then mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Serve the chicken over a generous portion of mashed potatoes. Drizzle the reduced pan sauce over the chicken and around the plate. Garnish with extra fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy while hot for the best flavor!

how to serve Garlic Herb Chicken

Serve Garlic Herb Chicken on a plate with a side of creamy mashed potatoes. You can drizzle the pan sauce generously over the chicken and potatoes. For a pop of color, garnish with additional fresh herbs such as parsley or thyme. Pair with some steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

how to store Garlic Herb Chicken

To store leftover Garlic Herb Chicken, let it cool to room temperature, then place it in an airtight container. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. The chicken may lose some of its crispness but will still be tasty!

tips to make Garlic Herb Chicken

• Let the chicken rest after seasoning to allow the flavors to absorb.
• Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the chicken to achieve a nice sear.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked perfectly.
• For extra flavor, experiment with different herbs like rosemary or oregano.
• If you want a bit of sweetness, consider adding honey or maple syrup to the sauce.

variation (if any)

You can easily customize this recipe by using different proteins, such as pork chops or fish, instead of chicken. For a lighter version, consider grilling the chicken instead of pan-searing it. You can also swap the mashed potatoes for rice or quinoa for a healthier side dish.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just make sure to thaw them completely in the fridge before cooking for even cooking.

What can I use instead of balsamic vinegar?
If you don’t have balsamic vinegar, red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar can be used as alternatives.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it on the stove before serving.

Enjoy your Garlic Herb Chicken meal!

Garlic Herb Chicken

A delicious and easy-to-make dish featuring tender chicken breasts infused with garlic and fresh herbs, topped with a rich and savory sauce. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 500 kcal

Ingredients

  

Chicken

• 4 pieces boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 3 tablespoons olive oil For searing chicken
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped For flavor and garnish
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves Herb mixture
• 2 tablespoons butter For basting
• 1 cup chicken broth For the sauce

Mashed Potatoes

• 2 pounds russet potatoes For creamy mashed potatoes
• ½ cup heavy cream For creaminess
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar For sauce
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar For sauce flavor

Instructions

 

Preparation

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

Cooking Chicken

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot.
• Place the chicken breasts in the pan and sear for 5-6 minutes until golden brown.
• Flip the chicken and cook for another 5-6 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Add butter to the pan and baste the chicken with the melted butter and juices.
• Transfer cooked chicken to a plate and cover loosely with foil.

Making Sauce

• In the same skillet, add brown sugar and balsamic vinegar, stirring over medium heat until sugar dissolves and caramelizes, about 2 minutes.
• Pour in chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the pan. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes until sauce reduces by half.
• Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Mashed Potatoes

• Peel and chop the potatoes into even chunks, then cover with cold salted water in a large pot.
• Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer for 15-20 minutes until fork-tender.
• Drain and return potatoes to the pot. Add butter and heavy cream, then mash until smooth and creamy.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serving

• Serve the chicken over mashed potatoes and drizzle pan sauce over both. Garnish with more fresh herbs.

Notes

Let the chicken rest after seasoning to absorb flavors. Ensure skillet is hot for nice sear. Use a meat thermometer for perfect cooking. Try different herbs for variety. For sweetness, consider adding honey or maple syrup.

Keyword Chicken Recipe, easy dinner, Garlic Herb Chicken, Homemade Sauce, Mashed Potatoes