This delightful garlic herb chicken and veggies recipe is a wonderful blend of tender chicken breasts, flavorful herbs, and perfectly cooked vegetables. It’s a quick and nutritious meal that can easily become a family favorite.
Photos of Garlic Herb Chicken and Veggies Recipe
If you don't typically have fresh rosemary and fresh thyme at home, make sure to pick them up at the supermarket. These herbs are key to achieving the aromatic and savory flavor in this dish. Also, petite red potatoes might be less common than regular potatoes, but they add a beautiful color and texture to the meal.
Ingredients For Garlic Herb Chicken And Veggies
petite red potatoes: These small, red-skinned potatoes have a creamy texture and a slightly sweet flavor. They cook quickly and hold their shape well.
chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are lean and cook relatively quickly. Pounding them to an even thickness ensures even cooking.
salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the flavors in the dish.
freshly ground black pepper: Adds a bit of heat and enhances the flavor of the other ingredients.
fresh rosemary leaves: A woody herb with a pine-like aroma and flavor, perfect for seasoning meats and veggies.
fresh thyme leaves: A delicate herb with a slightly minty flavor that complements the other ingredients well.
butter: Adds richness and helps to brown the chicken and vegetables.
olive oil: Used for cooking and adds a smooth, fruity flavor to the dish.
garlic: Provides a robust and distinctive flavor that enhances the overall taste of the meal.
frozen green beans: Convenient and quick to cook, these green beans add a fresh and crunchy element to the dish.
lemon: Adds a bright and tangy flavor that balances the richness of the butter and olive oil.
One reader, Elvis Lung says:
This garlic herb chicken and veggies recipe is fantastic! The flavors of rosemary, thyme, and lemon blend perfectly with the tender chicken and veggies. It's easy to make and absolutely delicious. A new favorite in our household!
Essential Techniques for Garlic Herb Chicken and Veggies Recipe
How to pierce potatoes: Use a fork or a small knife to make two small holes in each potato, one on top and one on the bottom, to allow steam to escape during microwaving. How to microwave potatoes: Place the pierced potatoes in the microwave and cook on high for 5 to 8 minutes until they are nearly soft. How to pound chicken: Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound the thicker parts of the chicken breasts to an even thickness for uniform cooking. How to season chicken: Sprinkle salt, pepper, and herbs evenly over the chicken to enhance flavor. How to melt butter: Place butter in a skillet over medium-high heat until it melts completely. How to sauté garlic: Add minced garlic to the hot skillet and cook until it turns lightly golden, about 30 seconds. How to cook chicken: Place the seasoned chicken in the skillet and cook until the bottom is golden brown, then flip and cook until the center reaches 165 degrees F. How to spritz lemon juice: Squeeze the juice from half a lemon over the chicken to add a fresh, tangy flavor. How to cook vegetables: Add potatoes and green beans to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook until tender. How to return chicken to skillet: Place the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the vegetables to reheat and combine flavors before serving.
How To Make Garlic Herb Chicken and Veggies
There’s something inviting about the combined aroma and flavors of garlic lemon, thyme, and rosemary. And you can find it in our garlic herb chicken recipe.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 20ozpetite red potatoes
- 6ozchicken breastsboneless, skinless
- salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 3tspfresh rosemary leaveschopped, divided, plus more for garnish
- 2tspfresh thyme leaveschopped, divided, plus more for garnish
- 2tbspbutterdivided
- 2tbspolive oildivided
- 3clovesgarlicminced
- 12ozfrozen green beanswhole or cut
- 1mediumlemon
Instructions
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Pierce each potato twice (once on top and once on bottom). Microwave 5 to 8 minutes until nearly soft, set aside to cool slightly then cut into quarters while chicken is cooking.
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Pound thicker parts of chicken to an even thickness. Season top of chicken with salt and pepper and sprinkle 1 teaspoon of the rosemary and 1 teaspoon of the thyme evenly over chicken.
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Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Add chicken to skillet seasoned side down, cover with a splatter screen if you have one.
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Allow to cook until bottom is golden brown, about 6 minutes, then sprinkle tops with salt and pepper and 1 teaspoon rosemary and 1 teaspoon thyme.
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Flip chicken to the opposite side and allow to cook until center registers 165 degrees F, about 6 minutes longer. Transfer chicken to a sheet of foil, spritz with the juice of half of the lemon (1½ tablespoon), wrap to keep warm.
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Melt remaining 1 tablespoon butter in the same skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Add garlic and saute until lightly golden, about 30 seconds, then add potatoes and remaining 1 tsp rosemary.
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Cook tossing occasionally for 3 minutes then add green beans. Season veggies with salt and pepper to taste and cook until veggies are tender, about 4 minutes longer.
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Spritz with juice of remaining lemon half (1½ tablespoon juice), return chicken to skillet. Sprinkle with a little more rosemary and thyme and serve immediately.
Nutrition
- Calories: 327.03kcal
- Fat: 16.94g
- Saturated Fat: 5.84g
- Trans Fat: 0.28g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 8.07g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.97g
- Carbohydrates: 31.83g
- Fiber: 5.43g
- Sugar: 4.10g
- Protein: 13.56g
- Cholesterol: 42.48mg
- Sodium: 701.71mg
- Calcium: 71.87mg
- Potassium: 945.57mg
- Iron: 2.43mg
- Vitamin A: 83.84µg
- Vitamin C: 32.30mg
Expert Technique Tip for Garlic Herb Chicken and Veggies Recipe
When cooking chicken, ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F to guarantee it's fully cooked and safe to eat. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
Time-Saving Tips for Garlic Herb Chicken and Veggies
Pre-cook potatoes: Microwave the potatoes ahead of time to reduce skillet cooking time.
Even chicken thickness: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness for faster and more uniform cooking.
Use fresh herbs: Pre-chop rosemary and thyme to save time during cooking.
Frozen green beans: Use frozen green beans as they cook faster and require no prep.
Lemon juice ready: Pre-squeeze the lemon juice to quickly add it when needed.
One-pan method: Cook everything in one skillet to save on cleanup time.
Substitute Ingredients For Garlic Herb Chicken and Veggies Recipe
petite red potatoes - Substitute with Yukon gold potatoes: They have a similar texture and flavor profile, making them a great alternative.
chicken breasts - Substitute with chicken thighs: Thighs are juicier and more flavorful, though they may require a slightly longer cooking time.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can provide a more complex flavor compared to regular table salt.
freshly ground black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a milder flavor and can be used to avoid black specks in the dish.
fresh rosemary leaves - Substitute with dried rosemary: Use about one-third the amount of dried rosemary as fresh, since dried herbs are more concentrated.
fresh thyme leaves - Substitute with dried thyme: Similar to rosemary, use about one-third the amount of dried thyme as fresh.
butter - Substitute with ghee: Ghee has a higher smoke point and a rich, nutty flavor, making it a good alternative for cooking.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor, making it suitable for cooking at high temperatures.
garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Use about one-quarter teaspoon of garlic powder for each clove of garlic.
frozen green beans - Substitute with fresh green beans: Fresh green beans have a better texture and flavor, though they may require a bit more preparation.
lemon - Substitute with lime: Lime provides a similar acidity and citrus flavor, though it is slightly more tart.
Presenting Garlic Herb Chicken and Veggies
Serve smaller portion sizes: Arrange the chicken breasts in the center of the plate, slicing them into elegant, bite-sized pieces to showcase the even cooking and seasoning.
Use decoration: Garnish the plate with a sprig of fresh rosemary and a few thyme leaves to add a touch of green and a hint of the herbs used in the dish.
Create height: Stack the petite red potatoes quarters in a small tower beside the chicken, creating visual interest and emphasizing the texture and color contrast.
Highlight colors: Place the vibrant green beans around the base of the potato tower, ensuring they are evenly distributed to add a pop of green and balance the plate.
Add a citrus touch: Thinly slice the lemon and place a couple of slices on the side of the plate, slightly overlapping, to hint at the citrus flavor infused in the dish.
Drizzle with sauce: Lightly drizzle the remaining butter and olive oil mixture from the skillet over the chicken and veggies, ensuring a glossy finish and enhancing the flavors.
Use a clean plate: Ensure the plate is spotless, wiping away any stray garlic or herbs to maintain a professional and polished presentation.
Balance the elements: Arrange the components symmetrically, with the chicken as the focal point, flanked by the potatoes and green beans, creating a harmonious and visually appealing dish.
Essential Tools for Making Garlic Herb Chicken and Veggies
Microwave: Used to quickly soften the petite red potatoes by partially cooking them before they are added to the skillet.
Large skillet: Essential for cooking both the chicken and the vegetables, allowing for even heat distribution and proper browning.
Splatter screen: Helps to prevent oil and butter from splattering out of the skillet while cooking the chicken, keeping your stovetop clean.
Meat thermometer: Ensures that the chicken is cooked to the proper internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit, guaranteeing it is safe to eat.
Foil: Used to wrap the cooked chicken, keeping it warm and allowing the flavors to meld while the vegetables are being prepared.
Knife: Necessary for piercing the potatoes, cutting them into quarters, and chopping the garlic and herbs.
Cutting board: Provides a safe and stable surface for cutting the potatoes, garlic, and herbs.
Lemon squeezer: Makes it easy to extract juice from the lemon halves, ensuring you get the most juice with minimal effort.
Tongs: Useful for flipping the chicken in the skillet and for tossing the vegetables to ensure even cooking.
Meat pounder: Used to pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness, ensuring they cook evenly.
Measuring spoons: Ensures accurate measurement of the herbs, butter, and olive oil for consistent flavor.
Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring the garlic, potatoes, and green beans in the skillet without scratching the surface.
Storing and Freezing Garlic Herb Chicken and Veggies
- To store leftover garlic herb chicken and veggies, allow them to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
- When ready to reheat, place the desired portion in a microwave-safe dish and heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. You can also reheat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring gently until heated through.
- For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken and vegetables separately. Place the cooled chicken in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing. Do the same with the vegetables, storing them in a separate container or bag.
- Frozen garlic herb chicken can be stored for up to 2-3 months, while frozen vegetables can be kept for up to 6 months.
- To thaw, transfer the frozen chicken and vegetables to the refrigerator overnight. Reheat as described above, either in the microwave or in a skillet, until heated through. Note: The texture of the vegetables may change slightly after freezing and thawing, but the flavor will still be delicious.
- If you prefer, you can also portion the chicken and vegetables into individual servings before freezing, making it easier to reheat only what you need for a quick and tasty meal.
The Best Way to Reheat Leftover Garlic Herb Chicken and Veggies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover garlic herb chicken and veggies in an oven-safe dish, and cover it with aluminum foil. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken and veggies are heated through. This method helps to retain the moisture and flavor of the dish, while ensuring that everything is evenly heated.
If you prefer a quicker reheating method, you can use your microwave. Place the leftover chicken and veggies in a microwave-safe dish, and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until the food is heated through. Be sure to stir the dish halfway through the reheating process to ensure even heating.
For a crispy texture, you can reheat the chicken and veggies in a skillet on the stovetop. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the leftover chicken and veggies, and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the food is heated through and slightly crispy on the outside.
If you want to add some extra flavor to your leftover garlic herb chicken and veggies, try adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme before reheating. This will help to brighten up the flavors and make the dish taste fresh again.
When reheating leftover chicken and veggies, be sure to check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer to ensure that it has reached a safe temperature of 165°F (74°C). This will help to prevent foodborne illness and ensure that your leftovers are safe to eat.
Interesting Trivia About Garlic Herb Chicken and Veggies
A random fact about this recipe is that rosemary and thyme are both herbs that belong to the mint family, Lamiaceae. They not only add flavor but also have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, making this garlic herb chicken and veggies recipe both delicious and nutritious.
Garlic Herb Chicken and Veggies: Budget-Friendly Home Cooking
This garlic herb chicken and veggies recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients like chicken breasts, petite red potatoes, and frozen green beans are affordable and readily available. Fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme add flavor without breaking the bank. The use of butter and olive oil is minimal, making it budget-friendly. Overall Verdict: 8/10. Approximate cost for a household of 4 people: $15-$20 USD.
Is This Garlic Herb Chicken and Veggies Recipe Healthy?
The garlic herb chicken and veggies recipe is a relatively healthy dish, offering a balance of lean protein, complex carbohydrates, and vegetables. The chicken breasts provide a good source of protein, while the red potatoes and green beans contribute fiber, vitamins, and minerals. The use of fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme adds flavor without relying on excessive salt or unhealthy additives.
However, there are a few aspects of the recipe that could be improved to make it even healthier:
- The recipe calls for butter and olive oil, which are sources of saturated and unsaturated fats, respectively. While some fat is necessary for a balanced diet, reducing the amount of butter and oil used could lower the overall calorie and fat content of the dish.
- The recipe does not specify the portion sizes, which could lead to overconsumption if not mindful.
To make this recipe even healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of butter and oil used in the recipe, or opt for healthier cooking methods like grilling or baking the chicken and veggies.
- Include a greater variety of vegetables to increase the nutrient density of the dish. Consider adding bell peppers, onions, or cherry tomatoes for added color, flavor, and nutrients.
- Use whole grain or sweet potatoes instead of regular red potatoes to increase the fiber content and provide a slower release of energy.
- Be mindful of portion sizes and aim to fill half of your plate with vegetables, a quarter with lean protein, and a quarter with complex carbohydrates.
- Experiment with different herbs and spices to add flavor without relying on salt or fat. Try using garlic powder, onion powder, or smoked paprika for an extra flavor boost.
Our Editor's Opinion on This Garlic Herb Chicken and Veggies Recipe
This garlic herb chicken and veggies recipe is a delightful balance of flavors and textures. The use of fresh rosemary and thyme elevates the dish, while the lemon juice adds a refreshing zest. Microwaving the potatoes first ensures they cook evenly and quickly in the skillet. The combination of butter and olive oil provides a rich base for sautéing the chicken and vegetables. The frozen green beans are a convenient addition, maintaining their crispness. Overall, this recipe is straightforward yet sophisticated, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering.
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Why trust this Garlic Herb Chicken and Veggies Recipe:
This recipe combines the rich flavors of garlic and herbs with tender chicken and perfectly cooked veggies. The use of fresh rosemary and thyme ensures a fragrant and delicious meal. The potatoes and green beans add a satisfying texture and nutritional balance. With clear instructions and simple ingredients, this dish is both easy to prepare and impressive to serve. Trust this recipe for a wholesome, flavorful dinner that will delight your taste buds.
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