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.
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.