Description

Garlic Herb Chicken is a flavorful and comforting dish featuring tender boneless, skinless chicken breasts seasoned with fresh garlic, parsley, and thyme, seared to golden perfection, and topped with a rich balsamic and brown sugar glaze. Served alongside creamy homemade mashed potatoes made from russet potatoes and heavy cream, this recipe is a perfect blend of savory herbs and sweet tangy sauce, ideal for a satisfying dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken

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 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Mashed Potatoes

2 pounds russet potatoes
Half cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons butter
Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Prepare and season chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper on both sides. In a small bowl, combine minced garlic, chopped parsley, and thyme leaves. Rub this herb mixture all over the chicken breasts, pressing gently so it adheres to the meat. Let the chicken rest at room temperature for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate.
Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully place the chicken breasts in the pan and sear without moving them for 5-6 minutes until a deep golden-brown crust forms. Flip the chicken and cook for another 5-6 minutes. Add butter to the pan and baste the chicken with the melted butter and pan juices. Once the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit, transfer chicken to a plate and tent with foil.
Create the glaze: In the same skillet with the remaining drippings, add brown sugar and balsamic vinegar. Stir continuously over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and begins to caramelize, about 2 minutes. Pour in chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes until the sauce reduces by half and becomes slightly syrupy. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Make mashed potatoes: While the chicken cooks, peel and cut the potatoes into evenly sized 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 and cook for 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender. Drain thoroughly and return the potatoes to the pot. Add butter and heavy cream, then mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Assemble and serve: Spoon a generous portion of mashed potatoes onto each plate, creating a bed for the chicken. Place one chicken breast on top of the mashed potatoes. Drizzle the reduced pan sauce generously over the chicken and around the plate. Garnish with additional fresh herbs if desired. Serve immediately while hot, ensuring each guest gets plenty of that delicious sticky glaze.

Notes

Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
Resting the chicken after seasoning allows flavors to deeply infuse.
Using fresh herbs enhances aroma and flavor significantly compared to dried herbs.
Adjust the sweetness and acidity of the glaze by varying brown sugar and balsamic vinegar to your taste.
For creamier mashed potatoes, add more heavy cream or a splash of milk.
Use a heavy-bottomed skillet for even searing and better sauce caramelization.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American

Keywords: garlic herb chicken, seared chicken breasts, balsamic glaze, mashed potatoes, skillet chicken, easy dinner recipe