Garlic Herb Chicken

Welcome to SousVideRecipe! I’m Jasmine, a home cook who fell in love with sous vide the moment I realized it could turn everyday meals into restaurant-quality dishes with perfect consistency. My goal is to make sous vide cooking approachable and fun for real home kitchens — no complicated steps, just flavorful, reliable recipes anyone can master.

One of my favorite meals that I consistently whip up is Garlic Herb Chicken. The simplicity of this dish never ceases to amaze me. Each bite offers a burst of fresh flavors, and the juicy chicken breasts paired with creamy mashed potatoes create a comforting delight that can satisfy any palate.

Whenever I make this dish for family and friends, I hear nothing but compliments. It’s not just the tender chicken that steals the show; it’s the rich sauce that complements each mouthful perfectly. In under an hour, you can impress loved ones with this restaurant-worthy meal that feels intimate and gourmet. Garlic Herb Chicken truly showcases how easily flavorful ingredients transform a simple dinner into an extraordinary feast.

PART 1 — Garlic Herb Chicken Fundamentals

Fundamentals

Garlic Herb Chicken centers around the harmonious blend of fresh herbs and succulent chicken. Seasoning the chicken releases flavors while keeping the meat juicy and tender. The combination of thyme and parsley adds aromatic freshness that lingers on your taste buds.

Cooking techniques matter here. The searing process creates a gorgeous crust on the chicken breasts, sealing in those delicious juices. Transitioning from stovetop to sauce preparation in the same skillet saves time and maximizes flavor, making this dish efficient for busy weeknights or special occasions.

Preparation/setup

Begin by gathering all your ingredients. This includes four boneless skinless chicken breasts, olive oil, minced garlic, chopped parsley, fresh thyme, butter, chicken broth, russet potatoes, heavy cream, brown sugar, and balsamic vinegar. Ensure that you have salt and pepper handy, as seasoning plays a crucial role in enhancing flavors.

Before starting, prepare your workspace. Clear your kitchen area and have your cooking utensils ready — a large skillet, a pot for boiling potatoes, and a mixing bowl for mashing.

Ingredients

Here’s a quick breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need for Garlic Herb 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 pounds russet potatoes
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

Directions

1. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. In a small bowl, combine minced garlic, chopped parsley, and thyme leaves. Rub this mixture all over the chicken breasts, ensuring it adheres nicely. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes.

2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts without moving them for about 5-6 minutes until they develop a deep golden-brown crust. Flip and repeat on the other side. Add butter to the pan and baste the chicken with the melted butter and juices until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer the chicken to a plate and cover loosely with foil.

3. In the same skillet, add brown sugar and balsamic vinegar. Stir continuously until the sugar dissolves and begins to caramelize. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until it thickens slightly. Season to taste.

4. Meanwhile, peel and cut the russet potatoes into even chunks. Cover them with cold salted water in a large pot. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat. Simmer for 15-20 minutes until fork-tender. Drain the potatoes, return them to the pot, and add butter and heavy cream. Mash until smooth, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Serve a generous portion of the creamy mashed potatoes on each plate. Place a chicken breast on top and drizzle with the reduced pan sauce. Garnish with additional herbs if desired.

PART 2 — Mastering Garlic Herb Chicken Technique

Technique

One of the keys to mastering Garlic Herb Chicken lies in the technique of searing and basting. Properly heating the skillet ensures that the chicken develops a golden, crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy. Do not move the chicken during the initial searing; this allows it to form a crust.

Employing fresh herbs elevates the dish to new heights. When you rub the herb mixture onto the chicken, it penetrates the meat, infusing each bite with flavor.

Tips/tricks

To enhance your Garlic Herb Chicken experience, consider these tips:

1. Rest the chicken: After cooking, allow the chicken to rest before serving. This helps the juices redistribute, maximizing tenderness.

2. Customize herbs: Experiment with different herbs depending on your taste. Rosemary and oregano can also add unique flavors.

3. Perfect sauce: To ensure the sauce thickens properly, keep stirring as you scrape up any bits from the pan. This creates a rich depth of flavor.

4. Mashed potatoes variations: Add garlic or cheese to the mashed potatoes for an extra flavor boost. Cream cheese or sour cream can also contribute to a creamy texture.

PART 3 — Perfecting Garlic Herb Chicken Results

Perfecting results

Achieving perfect Garlic Herb Chicken means prioritizing temperature control. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. Pull it off the heat when it reaches about 165°F. This step avoids overcooking, resulting in dry chicken.

Timing is essential while cooking the potatoes as well. Make sure to drain them right once they become fork-tender to maintain their moisture and flavor.

Troubleshooting/variations

Should your sauce not thicken to your liking, consider these solutions:

1. Additional simmering: Give it more time on low heat; this will reduce the liquid and intensify flavors.

2. Thickening agents: If needed, a cornstarch slurry can boost thickness without changing flavor.

For variations, try marinating the chicken in different herbs or citrus juices beforehand for a new twist. You can swap the russet potatoes for sweet potatoes for a hint of sweetness.

PART 4 — Serving Garlic Herb Chicken

Serving/presentation

Presentation plays a significant role in making Garlic Herb Chicken enticing. Start with a generous dollop of creamy mashed potatoes on each plate. Nestle a perfectly seared chicken breast on top and liberally drizzle with the rich pan sauce.

Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme for added visual appeal and flavor. This simple step transforms your dish from a home-cooked meal into an impressive plate for guests.

Pairings/storage

Garlic Herb Chicken pairs beautifully with various sides. Consider serving alongside roasted vegetables or a crisp salad to balance the richness of the meal. Store any leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently to maintain the chicken’s juicy nature without drying it out.

Garlic Herb Chicken stands out as an easy yet elegant dish that excites the palate. With just a few quality ingredients and straightforward techniques, this meal evolves to accommodate any occasion. Flavorful, satisfying, and memorable, it truly embodies the joy of cooking.

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