This Garlic Herb Chicken is juicy and packed with flavor, paired perfectly with creamy mashed potatoes and crispy roasted asparagus. It’s a comfort meal that feels special!
Fun fact: I could eat roasted asparagus every day and not get tired of it! Just the right crunch every time. Serve it all together and watch everyone at the table smile! 😊
Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skin-on chicken breasts add tenderness and flavor. If you want a leaner option, use skinless chicken breasts, but they’ll be less juicy.
Olive Oil: This is perfect for cooking chicken and roasting vegetables. You could swap it with vegetable oil or avocado oil if preferred.
Garlic: Fresh garlic brings a sweet and pungent flavor. If you don’t have fresh garlic, garlic powder can work in a pinch, but fresh is always tastier.
Herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, and rosemary are essential for flavor. You can use dried herbs if fresh isn’t available, but reduce the quantity since dried herbs are more potent.
Potatoes: Russet potatoes are great for mashing due to their starchiness. Feel free to use Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamier texture.
Milk/Cream: Whole milk gives nice richness; however, you can use almond milk or any plant-based milk for a dairy-free option—just make sure it’s unsweetened.
Asparagus: Fresh asparagus is ideal. If it’s out of season, you could use green beans or broccoli instead.
How Can I Ensure My Chicken is Juicy and Flavorful?
Cooking your chicken perfectly can be tricky, but with a few tips, you’ll have juicy, flavorful results. Start by making sure your chicken is dry before seasoning; moisture can prevent the skin from crisping up.
- Heat your skillet until it’s hot before adding the chicken. This helps in achieving a crispy skin.
- Cook them skin-side down first to render out some fat, enhancing flavor.
- Let the chicken rest after cooking for a few minutes before slicing. This allows juices to redistribute.
What’s the Best Way to Make Creamy Mashed Potatoes?
Making dreamy mashed potatoes is all about technique! Start with cold water when boiling the potatoes – this helps them cook evenly. Don’t rush this step; you want the potatoes tender enough to mash easily.
- After draining, return the potatoes to the pot to let steam escape, preventing gluey potatoes.
- Add warm milk and butter instead of cold; it helps the potatoes absorb these ingredients better, making them creamier.
- Mash gently; over-mashing can make them gummy.
Garlic Herb Chicken With Mashed Potatoes And Roasted Asparagus
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Garlic Herb Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skin-on chicken breasts
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or white wine (for sauce)
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for sauce)
For The Mashed Potatoes:
- 2 lbs (about 4 large) russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1/2 cup whole milk or cream
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Salt and white pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For The Roasted Asparagus:
- 1 lb fresh asparagus spears, trimmed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious meal will take about 40-50 minutes in total. You’ll spend about 15-20 minutes preparing and cooking the mashed potatoes, 10-15 minutes roasting the asparagus, and about 15 minutes cooking the chicken and making the sauce.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Mashed Potatoes:
Start by placing the peeled and cut potatoes in a large pot. Cover them with cold salted water and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer until the potatoes are super tender, about 15-20 minutes. After draining, return them to the pot and add butter and milk. Mash those until smooth and creamy using a potato masher or hand mixer. Finally, season with salt and white pepper to taste. Keep them warm and feel free to garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving!
2. Prepare the Roasted Asparagus:
While the potatoes are cooking, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss your asparagus with olive oil, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder if you’re using it. Spread the asparagus evenly on a baking sheet so they roast nicely. Let them roast for 10-15 minutes until they’re tender and a little crispy on the edges. Remove them from the oven and keep them warm!
3. Cook the Garlic Herb Chicken:
Next, take the chicken breasts and pat them dry, seasoning them with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken skin-side down and allow it to cook until the skin is golden and crispy, which should take about 6-7 minutes. Flip the chicken and cook for another 5-7 minutes until they are cooked through, aiming for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). During the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, add in the minced garlic and chopped herbs, stirring to really release that beautiful fragrance.
4. Make the Sauce:
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and let it rest on a plate. Pour the chicken broth or white wine into the skillet to deglaze, making sure to scrape up any delicious browned bits. Let it cook for about 2-3 minutes until the sauce slightly reduces. If you like, stir in the butter to make the sauce richer.
5. Serve:
Slice the chicken breasts if you’d like and prepare to plate your meal! Start by placing a generous portion of mashed potatoes on each plate, add a serving of roasted asparagus, and then the garlic herb chicken on top. Drizzle the pan sauce over the chicken, and don’t forget to garnish with extra fresh herbs if you want. Serve immediately and enjoy this delightful meal!
Can I Use Skinless Chicken Breasts Instead?
Absolutely! You can use skinless chicken breasts for a leaner option. Just keep in mind that they may cook faster and will be less juicy compared to skin-on breasts, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Can I Make the Mashed Potatoes Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the mashed potatoes in advance! After mashing, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. To reheat, add a splash of milk and warm them gently on the stove, stirring until creamy again.
What Can I Substitute for Asparagus?
If asparagus isn’t available, green beans or broccoli make great substitutes! Simply adjust the roasting time as needed, since these vegetables may cook differently.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, ensuring the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) before serving again.
