Description
This Garlic Herb Chicken recipe features juicy, pan-seared chicken breasts rubbed with a flavorful mixture of garlic and fresh herbs, served with creamy mashed potatoes and a rich balsamic brown sugar glaze. It’s a comforting and elegant meal perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Mashed Potatoes
- 2 pounds russet potatoes
- ½ 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. Let the chicken rest at room temperature for 10 minutes for flavors to meld.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place the chicken breasts in the pan and sear without moving for 5-6 minutes until a deep golden-brown crust forms. Flip and cook for another 5-6 minutes. Add butter and baste the chicken with melted butter and pan juices. Cook until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer chicken to a plate and tent with foil.
- Create the glaze: In the same skillet, add brown sugar and balsamic vinegar to the remaining drippings. Stir continuously over medium heat for about 2 minutes until sugar dissolves and begins to caramelize. Pour in chicken broth, scraping up browned bits. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until sauce reduces by half and thickens. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
- Make mashed potatoes: While chicken cooks, peel and cut potatoes into chunks. Place in a large pot covered with cold salted water. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 15-20 minutes until fork-tender. Drain well and return potatoes to pot. Add butter and heavy cream, then mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
- Assemble and serve: Spoon mashed potatoes onto plates to create a bed. Place a chicken breast on top and drizzle generously with the reduced pan sauce. Garnish with additional fresh herbs if desired. Serve immediately while hot for best flavor.
Notes
- Allowing the chicken to rest after seasoning helps the flavors penetrate deeper.
- Using a meat thermometer ensures perfectly cooked chicken without drying out.
- Caramelizing the brown sugar adds a rich depth to the glaze.
- Mash potatoes with warm cream and butter for a silky texture.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Garlic Herb Chicken, pan-seared chicken, mashed potatoes, balsamic glaze, easy dinner, comfort food
