Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approx. 6 oz/170g each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (30 ml)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 teaspoons)
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried) (15 ml)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried) (15 ml)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (15g)
- Juice of 1/2 lemon (about 1-2 tablespoons/15-30 ml)
- 2 pounds potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet), peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks (approx. 900g)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (57g)
- 1/2 cup whole milk or heavy cream (120 ml) (adjust for desired creaminess)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional, for garlic mashed potatoes)
- Salt and freshly ground white pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Peel and chop potatoes, then place in a large pot with cold, salted water.
- Bring potatoes to a boil and cook until fork-tender.
- While potatoes boil, melt butter in a small saucepan and sauté minced garlic until fragrant (optional).
- Drain the potatoes thoroughly. Return to the pot.
- Mash potatoes with butter, warm milk (or cream), and garlic butter (if using). Season with salt and pepper. Adjust consistency by adding more milk/cream.
- Pat chicken dry and season with salt, pepper, rosemary, and thyme.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear until golden brown and cooked through.
- In the last few minutes of cooking, add minced garlic and butter to the pan. Spoon melted butter over the chicken.
- Remove pan from heat and squeeze lemon juice over the chicken.
- Plate the garlic herb chicken alongside creamy mashed potatoes. Garnish with fresh herbs, if desired.