Creamy Herb Chicken with Mashed Potatoes and Roasted Broccoli

Name: Creamy Herb Chicken with Mashed Potatoes and Roasted Broccoli
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 chicken breasts; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1 cup chicken broth; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped; Salt and pepper to taste; 4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed; 1/2 cup milk; 1/4 cup butter; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 large head broccoli, cut into florets; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

I absolutely love creating comforting meals that bring warmth to the table, and this Creamy Herb Chicken with Mashed Potatoes and Roasted Broccoli is no exception. The tender chicken, enveloped in a luscious herb-infused sauce, pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes and perfectly roasted broccoli. It’s one of those dishes that transforms an ordinary night into something special. I can't wait to share this delightful recipe with you, as it's both simple and incredibly satisfying.

Created by

Anna

Last updated on 2026-02-17T14:34:19.533Z

When I first made this recipe, the house filled with a blend of aromatic herbs and savory chicken, and I knew I had struck gold. The combination of the creamy sauce over tender chicken breast brings a restaurant-quality meal right to my dining table. I often use fresh herbs from my garden, which elevate the flavors and make the dish feel even more special.

One key tip is to let the chicken rest before slicing; this ensures it's juicy and full of flavor. The mashed potatoes are buttery and smooth, perfectly complementing the richness of the chicken, while the roasted broccoli adds a lovely crunch and vibrant color to the plate.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Creamy herb sauce that bursts with flavor
Perfectly balanced with fluffy mashed potatoes
A delightful crunch from the roasted broccoli

Mastering the Chicken Technique

Cooking the chicken to perfection is key to this dish. Start by ensuring the chicken breasts are evenly sized to promote uniform cooking. If they are particularly thick, consider butterflying them for quicker cooking. Searing the chicken in a hot skillet creates a beautiful crust and helps lock in moisture. Look for a golden brown color on each side before removing them from the skillet, ensuring they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.

If you notice the chicken browning too quickly, reduce the heat slightly to medium and give it a bit more time. This allows the chicken to cook through without drying out while achieving that lovely golden exterior. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking; this step is crucial as it allows the juices to redistribute, guaranteeing a moist and tender result.

Perfecting the Creamy Herb Sauce

The creamy herb sauce elevates this chicken dish, providing rich flavor and moisture. As you incorporate the minced garlic, be mindful not to let it burn, as it can turn bitter. Allow it to sauté just until fragrant, usually around a minute, before adding the chicken broth and heavy cream. The starchy consistency of the broth enhances the sauce's body, making it cling beautifully to the chicken.

For a twist, consider adding a splash of white wine for depth or a hint of lemon juice for brightness just before serving. Adjust the seasoning to your preference, and don’t hesitate to experiment with other herbs like rosemary or basil if you want to diversify the herb profile. When simmering, watch for a glossy finish before removing the pan from heat; this indicates it's reached the perfect creamy texture.

Serving and Storing Tips

Presentation matters! Serve the sliced chicken on a generous bed of creamy mashed potatoes and drizzle the herb sauce liberally over the top. Adding a sprinkle of fresh parsley as a garnish not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a fresh touch that complements the dish well. Paired with the roasted broccoli, you create a colorful and inviting plate that draws everyone in.

If you have leftovers, store the components separately in airtight containers. The chicken can be reheated in a skillet over low heat to keep it juicy, while the mashed potatoes should be gently warmed with a bit of milk to restore creaminess. The sauce can be warmed on low heat, ensuring it doesn't separate. This dish holds well in the refrigerator for up to three days, making it convenient for meal planning.

Ingredients

For the Creamy Herb Chicken

4 chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Mashed Potatoes

4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup butter
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Roasted Broccoli

1 large head broccoli, cut into florets
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients

Start by peeling and cubing the potatoes, cutting the broccoli into florets, and mincing the garlic. Set everything aside.

Cook the Mashed Potatoes

In a large pot of salted boiling water, add the cubed potatoes. Cook until fork-tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and return to the pot.

Roast the Broccoli

Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). On a baking sheet, toss the broccoli florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for about 20 minutes until slightly crispy.

Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, and sauté until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and let rest.

Make the Sauce

In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Then, add chicken broth, heavy cream, thyme, and parsley. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened.

Mash the Potatoes

Add milk and butter to the drained potatoes. Mash until smooth and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve

Slice the rested chicken and serve over the mashed potatoes with the creamy herb sauce drizzled on top. Add a side of roasted broccoli.

Pro Tips

For a delightful variation, try adding a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese to the mashed potatoes for extra flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

This recipe is versatile, allowing for several substitutions to suit your pantry or dietary preferences. For the chicken, turkey breast or tofu can be great alternatives, especially if you want a leaner protein or a plant-based option. Just be mindful of adjusting cooking times; tofu may require a bit more time to get a nice sear, while turkey tends to cook slightly faster.

If you're looking for a lighter sauce option, you could swap heavy cream with coconut cream or a non-dairy milk thickened with a cornstarch slurry. This will alter the flavor profile slightly, adding a hint of sweetness, but can still yield a deliciously creamy texture.

Variations on the Dish

Feel free to tailor this recipe to your taste preferences! A pinch of paprika or chili flakes can be added to the herb sauce for a spicy kick. Alternatively, try adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach directly into the sauce for extra depth and nutrition. These ingredients not only complement the flavors but also add variation and texture to your meal.

For the mashed potatoes, consider incorporating roasted garlic or sour cream for a tangy twist. You might also substitute with cauliflower to create a lower-carb version. Simply steam the cauliflower until tender, then mash just like the potatoes and season to taste.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, just ensure they are fully thawed before cooking for even cooking.

→ How can I make the mashed potatoes creamier?

Adding more butter and using a potato ricer can create a smoother texture.

→ Can I substitute other vegetables for the broccoli?

Absolutely! Asparagus and green beans work wonderfully in this recipe as well.

→ Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! You can make everything ahead of time and reheat as needed.