Creamy Herb Chicken with Mashed Potatoes and Roasted Broccoli

Name: Creamy Herb Chicken with Mashed Potatoes and Roasted Broccoli
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon dried rosemary; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cubed; 4 tablespoons butter; 1/2 cup milk; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Cozy Meal Favorites

I absolutely love this Creamy Herb Chicken with Mashed Potatoes and Roasted Broccoli. It’s become a staple in my weeknight dinner rotation. The combination of the tender chicken, flavorful herbs, and the creamy sauce makes every bite indulgent, while the roasted broccoli adds a crisp freshness. Plus, the mashed potatoes are incredibly buttery and comforting. Within just 40 minutes, I can have a delicious and satisfying meal on the table that my whole family enjoys. This dish really showcases how simple ingredients can come together beautifully!

Created by

Noah

Last updated on 2026-02-17T14:10:19.016Z

When I first tried this Creamy Herb Chicken, I was blown away by the depth of flavor it delivers in such a short amount of time. Utilizing fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary elevates the dish, while the creamy sauce enriches the chicken beautifully. Cooking the chicken until it’s perfectly golden creates a lovely crust that locks in moisture, ensuring every piece is juicy and tender.

The mashed potatoes are just as delightful, enriched with butter and cream for that luxurious texture. Roasting the broccoli until it’s vibrant and slightly charred gives a fantastic contrast to the richness of the chicken, bringing everything together on the plate beautifully. I like to make extra sauce, as it’s delicious over the potatoes!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Crispy chicken with a creamy herb sauce that soothes the soul
Savory mashed potatoes that melt in your mouth
Vibrant roasted broccoli adds great color and nutrients
Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights

Cooking the Perfect Chicken

Cooking chicken breasts to perfection requires attention to timing and heat. When seasoning, be generous with salt and pepper, as it brings out the natural flavors of the chicken. Searing the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side over medium heat not only develops a beautiful golden crust but also seals in the juices, ensuring that each bite is tender and juicy. A quick tip: use an instant-read thermometer to check for doneness; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).

If you find that the chicken breasts are varying in thickness, consider pounding them to an even thickness before cooking. This helps them cook uniformly, preventing dry edges. For extra flavor, you can marinate the chicken in olive oil, herbs, and Dijon mustard for a few hours to enhance the taste even further.

Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and Smooth

When preparing the mashed potatoes, the type of potato matters significantly. Russet potatoes are ideal for a fluffy texture, while Yukon Golds provide creaminess. Always start with boiling the potatoes in salted water, which enhances their flavor. Once they’re tender, draining and returning them to the pot allows the residual heat to help evaporate excess moisture, ensuring that your mashed potatoes are not watery.

For ultimate creaminess, I recommend using a potato masher for a rustic texture or a ricer for a velvety finish. Adding the butter first allows it to melt thoroughly before mixing in the milk, which ensures an even distribution. Adjust the milk to reach your desired creaminess; some may prefer denser mashed potatoes, while others opt for a lighter, fluffier consistency.

Roasting Broccoli to Perfection

Roasting broccoli is an art that enhances its natural sweetness and adds a delightful crunch. When preparing, ensure the florets are evenly coated with olive oil, salt, and pepper; this is key to achieving a golden-brown exterior. Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet to promote even cooking and avoid steaming. If you notice the broccoli is not browning enough, you can increase the oven temperature to 450°F (232°C) for the final 5 minutes.

To vary the flavors, consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese just before serving. These additions not only complement the earthy taste of broccoli but also elevate the dish’s overall profile, fitting perfectly with the creamy chicken and buttery potatoes.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 cloves garlic, minced

For the Mashed Potatoes

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

For Roasted Broccoli

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

Instructions

Steps

Prepare the Potatoes

Boil the cubed potatoes in salted water for about 15 minutes, or until tender. Drain and return to the pot.

Make the Mashed Potatoes

Add butter and milk to the potatoes. Mash until smooth, and season with salt and pepper. Keep warm.

Roast the Broccoli

Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss broccoli florets in olive oil, salt, and pepper, and spread them on a baking sheet. Roast for 20 minutes or until tender and slightly charred.

Cook the Chicken

In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary. Cook for 6-7 minutes on each side or until golden and cooked through.

Make the Creamy Sauce

Remove the chicken and lower the heat. Add garlic to the skillet, sauté for 1 minute. Add heavy cream and Dijon mustard, stir to combine and simmer until thickened. Return the chicken to the skillet to coat.

Serve

Plate the creamy chicken alongside the mashed potatoes and roasted broccoli, drizzling any remaining sauce over the dish.

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, consider adding a splash of lemon juice to the sauce just before serving. This brightens the flavors beautifully!

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

This Creamy Herb Chicken makes for excellent leftovers! Store any remaining chicken, mashed potatoes, and roasted broccoli separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the chicken in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream to keep it moist, while the mashed potatoes can be warmed in the microwave or on the stove with a little milk.

For meal prep, consider making the creamy sauce ahead of time. It can be refrigerated for up to a week. Just warm it gently over low heat before adding cooked chicken, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully as they come back together.

Serving Suggestions

For a delightful presentation, serve the creamy herb chicken atop a generous scoop of mashed potatoes with roasted broccoli arranged on the side. Drizzling some of the creamy sauce over the broccoli not only adds flavor but also brings brightness to the plate, making it visually appealing.

You can also pair this dish with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette to balance the richness of the meal. For those who enjoy an extra kick, consider sprinkling red pepper flakes over the chicken or adding a side of tangy pickles, which can cut through the creaminess beautifully.

Variations and Customizations

Feel free to customize the herb blend in the creamy sauce to suit your palate. Fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or even dill can be wonderful substitutes for thyme and rosemary, providing varied flavor profiles that keep the dish exciting. Additionally, if you prefer a lighter option, you can swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or coconut milk.

For a twist on the classic mashed potatoes, try incorporating roasted garlic or cream cheese for extra depth of flavor. If you're looking for a low-carb option, substitute the mashed potatoes with cauliflower mash, which can be prepared similarly and still achieve a creamy texture.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work wonderfully and can add extra flavor due to their higher fat content.

→ Can I use low-fat milk instead of heavy cream?

You can, but for the best texture and flavor in the sauce, heavy cream is recommended.

→ What herbs can I substitute if I don’t have thyme or rosemary?

You can use Italian seasoning or even parsley to create a nice flavor profile.

→ Can I prepare the mashed potatoes in advance?

Absolutely! You can make the mashed potatoes ahead of time and reheat them before serving.