Name: Herb-Crusted Chicken & Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 chicken breast; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon dried rosemary; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 medium potato; 1 clove garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons butter; 2 tablespoons milk; Salt and pepper to taste

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If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort meal with restaurant-worthy flair, look no further than Herb-Crusted Chicken & Garlic Mashed Potatoes. This dish brings together juicy, oven-baked chicken with a crispy, fragrant herb crust and the creamy indulgence of homemade garlic mashed potatoes. It’s the kind of dinner that feels fancy but is secretly easy to prep after a long day, filling your kitchen with savory aromas and guaranteeing empty plates all around!

Herb-Crusted Chicken & Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Herb-Crusted Chicken & Garlic Mashed Potatoes is how the simplest ingredients create complex layers of flavor. Each element is chosen with care to deliver the perfect bite—crisp, tender, buttery, and aromatic all at once.

Chicken breast: Pick a plump, boneless breast for tender, juicy results that soak up the flavorful crust.
Medium potato: Russets deliver fluffiness, while Yukon Golds are especially creamy for mashed potatoes.
Clove garlic, minced: The garlic infuses the potatoes with rich, savory depth—don’t skip it!
Olive oil: Helps the herb blend adhere to the chicken while adding a subtle, fruity note.
Dried rosemary: Lends pineneedle-fragrant flavor that stands out against the golden crust.
Dried thyme: Brings a subtle earthiness that balances the rosemary and complements the chicken.
Salt and pepper: Essential for awakening and harmonizing all of the flavors in both components.
Butter: Adds luscious richness to the mashed potatoes, making them extra creamy.
Milk: Offers just enough moisture for silky potatoes without making them runny.

How to Make Herb-Crusted Chicken & Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and let it warm up while you prep everything else. This ensures that both your Herb-Crusted Chicken & Garlic Mashed Potatoes components will be perfectly timed, with the chicken ready for roasting and potatoes primed for boiling midway through the bake.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Pat your chicken breast dry, then brush both sides generously with olive oil. Sprinkle over the rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper, pressing the herbs gently into the meat so they stick well. The coating forms that signature crust and infuses every bite with bold, garden-fresh aroma.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Place the herb-coated chicken breast on a baking sheet (use parchment for easy cleanup), then bake for 25–30 minutes. The outside should turn golden and crisp, while the inside remains juicy. Use a meat thermometer if possible—the chicken is done at 165°F (74°C).

Step 4: Prep and Boil the Potatoes

While your chicken bakes, peel and cut your potato into even chunks. Toss them into a pot of salted water, bring it to a boil, and let them cook for about 15 minutes. They’re ready when a fork glides in effortlessly—no resistance!

Step 5: Mash with Flavor

Drain the cooked potatoes and return them to the warm pot. Add the minced garlic right away so the warmth releases its best flavor. Drop in the butter and pour in the milk, then mash thoroughly for a creamy, dreamy texture. Season with salt and pepper, giving it a little taste to be sure it’s just right.

Step 6: Plate and Serve

Spread a generous scoop of garlic mashed potatoes on each plate, then top or lay alongside the golden herb-crusted chicken. The crisp herb shell against the creamy potato is what makes Herb-Crusted Chicken & Garlic Mashed Potatoes unforgettable!

How to Serve Herb-Crusted Chicken & Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Garnishes

Add a fresh sprinkle of chopped parsley or a light dusting of cracked black pepper over the top for a pop of color and that just-finished look. A few extra rosemary leaves or a drizzle of olive oil give that extra touch of elegance to your Herb-Crusted Chicken & Garlic Mashed Potatoes.

Side Dishes

This meal is incredible on its own, but you can serve Herb-Crusted Chicken & Garlic Mashed Potatoes with steamed green beans, glazed carrots, or a crisp-tossed salad for even more vibrant flavors and textures at the table.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the chicken before plating, fanning it across the potatoes for a chef-style presentation. Or use a ring mold to shape the mash, letting the herb-crusted chicken perch on top—a true showstopper for dinner parties or family celebrations!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, transfer your chicken and potatoes into airtight containers and refrigerate promptly. Herb-Crusted Chicken & Garlic Mashed Potatoes will stay tasty and safe to eat for about 3 days—remember to keep the components separated for best texture.

Freezing

While freshly made is unbeatable, the chicken component freezes quite well! Wrap individual cooked breasts tightly to prevent freezer burn. Mashed potatoes can be frozen too, though they’ll benefit from an extra splash of milk and butter when reheated to return their creaminess.

Reheating

For best results, warm the chicken gently in the oven at 325°F until hot and crisp. Mashed potatoes reheat well in the microwave or over low heat on the stovetop—add a tablespoon or two of milk for soft, smooth texture, stirring as you heat.

FAQs

Can I use boneless thighs instead of chicken breast?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are even juicier and make a flavorful (and forgiving) swap for chicken breast in Herb-Crusted Chicken & Garlic Mashed Potatoes. You may want to add a few more minutes to the baking time as thighs are often a bit thicker.

Can I prepare Herb-Crusted Chicken & Garlic Mashed Potatoes in advance?

You sure can! Both components are great for prepping ahead. Keep the mashed potatoes and chicken separate until serving time; reheat as needed for a stress-free dinner.

What potatoes are best for mashing?

Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are the top choice here. Russets mash up fluffy and light, while Yukon Golds are extra buttery and creamy—both are perfect for Garlic Mashed Potatoes that pair with the herb-crusted chicken.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The most reliable method is using a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast; it should read 165°F. If you don’t have one, slice into the center—the juices should run clear and the meat should be opaque.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes! Use your favorite unsweetened non-dairy milk (like oat or almond) and a plant-based butter substitute in the mashed potatoes. The Herb-Crusted Chicken & Garlic Mashed Potatoes will still be creamy and delicious, just without the dairy!

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about coming together over a plate of Herb-Crusted Chicken & Garlic Mashed Potatoes—comforting, satisfying, and filled with little moments of flavor that surprise and delight. I hope this recipe becomes a new go-to in your home as it has in mine. Don’t be afraid to add your personal twists, and most importantly, enjoy every bite!

Herb-Crusted Chicken & Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 19 reviews

Author: Mariam
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 1 serving 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A delicious and comforting dish featuring herb-crusted chicken paired with creamy garlic mashed potatoes.

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Season Chicken: Rub the chicken breast with olive oil, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Bake Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes until cooked through and golden brown.
Prepare Potatoes: Peel and chop the potato into small pieces. Boil in salted water for 15 minutes until tender.
Mash Potatoes: Drain the cooked potato and return it to the pot. Add garlic, butter, and milk. Mash until creamy, seasoning with salt and pepper.
Serve: Plate the herb-crusted chicken with a side of garlic mashed potatoes.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking, Boiling, Mashing
Cuisine: American