A bright, elegant, restaurant-style dish featuring juicy lemon-herb chicken, creamy garlic mashed potatoes, and tender broccolini. This wholesome plate delivers gourmet flavors with simple, accessible ingredients, all ready in just 30 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is the perfect balance of refreshing citrus, fragrant herbs, and rich creaminess. The lemon-butter pan sauce keeps the chicken moist, the mashed potatoes are silky and comforting, and the broccolini adds a fresh, vibrant contrast. It feels luxurious yet remains incredibly easy to prepare, making it ideal for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Herb-Lemon Chicken:
• 1 chicken breast fillet
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp fresh thyme or 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• Salt and pepper

For the Garlic Mashed Potatoes:
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled
• 1 tbsp butter
• 2–3 tbsp milk or cream
• 1 garlic clove, minced or roasted
• Salt and pepper

For the Broccolini:
• 1 small bunch of broccolini
• 1 tsp olive oil
• Salt

Optional Garnish:
• Caramelized lemon slice (seared in a pan)
• Extra thyme

Directions

Make the mashed potatoes

1. Boil the peeled potatoes for 12–15 minutes or until completely tender.
2. Mash the potatoes with butter, milk or cream, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and fluffy.
3. Set aside while preparing the rest of the meal.

Cook the chicken

1. Season the chicken breast with salt, pepper, and thyme.
2. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat and sear the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden.
3. Add butter, garlic, and lemon juice to the pan.
4. Baste the chicken with the lemon-butter-garlic mixture and let it simmer briefly until the sauce thickens slightly.

Cook the broccolini

1. Steam or sauté the broccolini for 4–5 minutes with olive oil and salt.
2. Keep it bright, crisp, and fresh.

Caramelize the lemon (optional)

1. Place a lemon slice cut-side down in the hot pan.
2. Sear for 1–2 minutes until browned and caramelized.

Assemble the plate

1. Spoon the garlic mashed potatoes onto the plate.
2. Add the herb-lemon chicken and drizzle with pan sauce.
3. Arrange the broccolini alongside.
4. Finish with the caramelized lemon slice and thyme if using.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 1
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 20 minutes
• Total time: 30 minutes
• Approximate calories: 520 kcal

Variations

• Use chicken thighs for a richer, more tender result.
• Add fresh parsley, rosemary, or dill for alternative herb profiles.
• Replace broccolini with asparagus or green beans.
• Make the mashed potatoes even creamier by adding a splash of chicken broth or extra cream.
• Add a pinch of chili flakes to the chicken for mild heat.

Storage/Reheating

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in a covered skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth to keep the chicken moist.
• Mashed potatoes can be reheated gently on the stove or in the microwave with added milk or cream to restore creaminess.
• Broccolini reheats quickly in a pan or microwave; avoid overcooking to maintain texture.

FAQs

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken is ready when the center reaches 74°C and the juices run clear.

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?

Yes, dried thyme works well. Use half the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated.

Can I make the mashed potatoes ahead of time?

Yes, prepare them up to a day in advance and reheat with added milk or butter.

What type of potatoes work best?

Starchy potatoes like Yukon Gold or Russet yield the creamiest mash.

Can I substitute broccolini with broccoli?

Yes, regular broccoli works perfectly; adjust cooking time as needed.

How can I make the sauce thicker?

Let it simmer an extra minute or add a small pat of butter at the end.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Use olive oil instead of butter and substitute plant-based milk for the potatoes.

Can I grill the chicken instead of pan-searing?

Yes, grill the chicken and finish with the lemon-butter mixture for flavor.

How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?

Avoid overcooking and baste with the lemon-butter sauce while it cooks.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, simply scale each ingredient proportionally; cook chicken in batches if needed.

Conclusion

This herb-lemon chicken with garlic mashed potatoes and broccolini offers a delicious balance of freshness, richness, and simplicity. With minimal ingredients and a short cooking time, it delivers a gourmet-style meal suitable for any day of the week. Enjoy the bright citrus flavors, the comforting mashed potatoes, and the vibrant greens all on one beautifully composed plate.

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