Garlic Herb Chicken with Creamy Mash

$- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped - 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup chicken broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and chopped - 4 tablespoons butter - ½ cup milk In this recipe, we use simple yet fresh ingredients. The chicken thighs give the dish a tender base. Garlic adds a warm, rich flavor. Fresh rosemary and thyme bring a lovely aroma and depth to the meal. Olive oil helps the herbs stick to the chicken while cooking, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. For the sauce, we use chicken broth and heavy cream. This combination creates a rich, creamy sauce that perfectly complements the chicken. Now, let’s not forget the mashed potatoes. They are soft, buttery, and creamy. The potatoes serve as a beautiful base for the chicken and sauce. Using fresh ingredients makes this dish truly shine. You can easily find everything at your local market. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, I combine the minced garlic, chopped rosemary, and chopped thyme in a bowl. Then, I add the olive oil, salt, and pepper. Next, I take the chicken thighs and coat them well in this mix. Marinating is key! Let the chicken sit for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to soak in deeply. Once marinated, I heat a large skillet over medium heat. When it’s hot, I add the chicken thighs. I sear each side for about 5-6 minutes. They should turn golden brown and be cooked through. After that, I remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. Now, I focus on the sauce. In the same skillet, I pour in the chicken broth. I scrape the bottom of the pan to deglaze it, picking up all those tasty bits. I let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes. Then, I add the heavy cream and stir well. I let the sauce cook until it thickens slightly, around 2-3 minutes. Finally, I return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over it. I simmer for an additional 2 minutes to meld the flavors. While the chicken simmers, I start on the mashed potatoes. I bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. I add the chopped potatoes and cook them until tender, which takes about 15-20 minutes. After cooking, I drain the potatoes well and return them to the pot. To make them creamy, I add butter, milk, and a pinch of salt and pepper to the drained potatoes. I mash them until they are smooth and creamy. I taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. Now, it's time to plate! I serve the creamy mashed potatoes on each plate and top them with the garlic herb chicken. Then, I drizzle the rich sauce over both the chicken and the mash. This adds both flavor and a beautiful touch! To ensure your chicken is cooked through, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. This keeps it juicy and safe to eat. Sear the chicken for about 5-6 minutes on each side. This gives you a nice golden-brown color. For better flavor, marinate the chicken. Mix the minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Let the chicken soak in this mix for at least 30 minutes. Marinating overnight will deepen the flavor even more. Achieving creaminess in mashed potatoes is all about technique. Boil the potatoes until they are tender, which takes about 15-20 minutes. Drain them well to remove excess water. Add butter and milk to the drained potatoes. The butter adds richness, and milk gives a smooth texture. Mash until you reach your desired creaminess. You can also use a potato ricer for an ultra-smooth mash. For seasoning, a pinch of salt and pepper works wonders. Taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking. You can also add garlic or herbs for extra flavor. One common mistake is overcooking chicken. This can make it dry and tough. Keep an eye on the cooking time and use a thermometer for best results. Another mistake is under-seasoning the sauce. The sauce must be flavorful to enhance the chicken and mash. Taste it before serving and adjust the salt, pepper, and herbs as needed. This small step can make a big difference in your dish. Pro Tips Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes, but if time permits, letting it sit overnight in the refrigerator will deepen the flavors significantly. Rest the Chicken: After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps retain the juices, making the chicken more tender and flavorful. Perfectly Creamy Mash: For the smoothest mashed potatoes, use a potato ricer or food mill instead of a traditional masher. This will give you a light and fluffy texture. Deglazing for Depth: When deglazing the skillet, scrape all the flavorful bits stuck to the bottom. This adds depth to your sauce and enhances the overall flavor of the dish. {{image_2}} You can switch out chicken for turkey or pork. Turkey thighs work well and stay juicy. Pork chops can also be a great choice. Both options hold the garlic and herbs nicely. For a vegetarian twist, think about using mushrooms. Portobello mushrooms can be a hearty substitute. You can also use tofu for a lighter option. Just marinate and cook them like the chicken. To change the flavor, add different herbs or spices. Basil and oregano can give a fresh taste. A pinch of smoked paprika can add a nice kick too. You can also mix in other vegetables into the mash. Try adding roasted garlic for more depth. You can mash in cauliflower for a lighter side. It still tastes creamy and delicious. If you're looking for low-carb options, skip the potatoes. Instead, use mashed cauliflower or turnips. These options provide a similar texture without the carbs. For a dairy-free version of the sauce, use coconut milk. It adds a nice creaminess without dairy. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it vegan. To store leftovers properly, place the chicken and mash in airtight containers. This keeps them fresh and tasty. Make sure to cool them down before sealing. You can store them in the fridge for up to three days. The shelf life of cooked chicken is about three to four days. Mashed potatoes can last for about three days as well. If you want to prepare meals ahead, freezing is a great choice. Let the chicken and mash cool completely first. Then, divide them into portions and wrap well in plastic wrap. Place them in freezer-safe bags or containers. You can freeze them for up to three months. For thawing, move them to the fridge overnight. You can also use the microwave for quick thawing. When you reheat the chicken and mash, keep them moist. The best way is to use the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken and mash in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes. You can also use a microwave. Add a splash of water to the mash to keep it creamy. Heat in short intervals, stirring often to avoid drying. These methods will give you warm, tasty meals! You can enjoy Garlic Herb Chicken with many tasty sides. Here are some great options: - Steamed green beans - Roasted carrots - A fresh green salad - Garlic bread - Sweet corn These sides bring color and flavor to your meal. They also balance the rich sauce and creamy mash. You can keep leftover Garlic Herb Chicken for about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Make sure to store it in an airtight container. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating leftovers. If it smells bad or looks off, it’s best to throw it out. Yes, you can use dried herbs. However, fresh herbs have a stronger flavor. If you use dried herbs, use about one-third of the amount listed. For example, if the recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of fresh rosemary, use only 2 teaspoons of dried rosemary. Dried herbs work well but may not give the same bright taste. To make fluffy mashed potatoes, use starchy potatoes like Russets. Here are some tips: - Boil potatoes until they are very soft. - Drain them well to remove extra water. - Mash them while they are hot for best results. - Add warm milk and melted butter. - Avoid over-mashing to prevent them from becoming gummy. Following these steps will give you light and fluffy mashed potatoes every time. This blog covered key ingredients and steps for garlic herb chicken and creamy mashed potatoes. With its simple recipes, anyone can create a delicious meal. Remember to marinate your chicken well and season your mash for the best taste. Pay attention to cooking times to avoid common mistakes. Feel free to explore different protein or flavor options to suit your needs. Enjoy this meal with family or friends and make it your own! Cooking can be fun and rewarding.$

Garlic Herb Chicken with Creamy Mash

A delicious chicken dish marinated in garlic and herbs, served with creamy mashed potatoes.

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Prep Time 30

Cook Time 30

Total Time 1

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

4 thighs boneless, skinless chicken
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
to taste salt and pepper
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
2 pounds potatoes, peeled and chopped
4 tablespoons butter
0.5 cup milk

Instructions

In a medium bowl, combine the minced garlic, chopped rosemary, chopped thyme, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken thighs, coating them well in the herb mixture. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight in the refrigerator for deeper flavor).
Preheat a large skillet over medium heat. Once heated, add the chicken thighs. Sear for about 5-6 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to deglaze it. Allow it to simmer for 2-3 minutes. Then add the heavy cream, stirring well. Allow it to cook until slightly thickened, about 2-3 minutes. Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over it. Simmer for an additional 2 minutes.
While the chicken is finishing, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the chopped potatoes and cook until tender, around 15-20 minutes. Drain the potatoes well and return them to the pot.
Add butter, milk, and a pinch of salt and pepper to the drained potatoes. Mash until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasonings to taste.
Plate the creamy mashed potatoes and top with the garlic herb chicken. Drizzle some of the rich sauce over the chicken and mash for added flavor.

Notes

Marinate the chicken overnight for deeper flavor.

Keyword chicken, comfort food, herbs, mashed potatoes