There are nights when you crave a comforting, soul-satisfying meal that feels restaurant-worthy but is still simple enough to pull together at home. That’s where this Creamy Herb Chicken with Roasted Baby Potatoes comes in.
This dish combines golden, crispy baby potatoes roasted with garlic and herbs, juicy pan-seared chicken breasts, and a silky garlic cream sauce finished with Parmesan and fresh parsley. It’s hearty, flavorful, and the perfect balance between cozy and elegant.
Whether you’re cooking for your family on a busy weeknight, preparing a romantic date-night dinner, or hosting a small dinner party, this recipe is sure to impress. The beauty of it lies in its simplicity—basic ingredients, minimal fuss, but maximum flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One Pan + One Tray: Chicken cooks in a skillet while potatoes roast in the oven—efficient and easy.
- Rich and Creamy Sauce: The garlic-Parmesan cream sauce tastes like something from your favorite bistro.
- Balanced Meal: Protein, starch, and a luscious sauce all in one dish.
- Customizable: Adjust herbs, swap proteins, or make it lighter with substitutions.
- Family-Friendly: Both adults and kids love the creamy, garlicky flavors.
Ingredients Breakdown
This recipe makes 4 servings, perfect for a family dinner.
For the Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – Choose even-sized breasts for consistent cooking.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste – The foundation of seasoning.
- 1 tsp garlic powder – Adds depth to the chicken’s flavor.
- 1 tbsp olive oil – For searing.
- 1 tbsp butter – For richness and a golden crust.
For the Garlic Cream Sauce
- 4 garlic cloves, minced – The star flavor enhancer.
- 1 cup heavy cream – Provides the creamy base.
- ½ cup chicken broth – Adds savory depth.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – Creates a nutty, salty richness.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning – A fragrant blend of herbs.
- 1 tbsp fresh chopped parsley – For freshness and garnish.
For the Roasted Baby Potatoes
- 1.5 lbs baby potatoes, halved – Creamy inside, crispy outside.
- 2 tbsp olive oil – Helps crisp up the skin.
- 1 tsp garlic powder – Adds savory notes.
- 1 tsp dried thyme or rosemary – Earthy and aromatic.
- Salt and pepper, to taste – For perfect seasoning.
Special Equipment
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Baking tray
- Parchment paper (optional, for easy cleanup)
Tools & Equipment Needed
- Large oven-safe baking tray – For roasting potatoes.
- Heavy skillet or cast-iron pan – Best for searing chicken.
- Sharp knife and cutting board – For prepping garlic and potatoes.
- Measuring cups & spoons – To ensure correct ratios.
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula – For stirring sauce.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Roast the Potatoes
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Toss halved baby potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, thyme (or rosemary), salt, and pepper.
- Spread evenly in a single layer.
- Roast for 25–30 minutes, tossing halfway, until golden and crispy.
2. Prepare the Chicken
- While potatoes roast, pat chicken breasts dry.
- Season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear chicken breasts for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (165°F internal temperature).
- Transfer chicken to a plate and cover loosely with foil to rest.
3. Make the Garlic Cream Sauce
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits.
- Add heavy cream and Italian seasoning, stirring well.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in Parmesan until smooth and creamy.
- Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
4. Finish the Dish
- Return chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon sauce over them.
- Garnish with chopped parsley.
- Serve hot with roasted baby potatoes on the side.
Tips & Variations
- Make it Lighter: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or evaporated milk.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with pan-seared mushrooms or roasted cauliflower steaks.
- Extra Flavor: Add a splash of white wine to the sauce before the cream.
- Spicy Kick: Sprinkle in red pepper flakes.
- Herb Flexibility: Use fresh basil or tarragon for a twist.
Flavor Profile & Pairings
This dish is:
- Savory & Herby: Thanks to garlic, Italian seasoning, and parsley.
- Creamy & Comforting: The sauce coats the chicken beautifully.
- Crispy & Golden: Baby potatoes bring texture to balance the creaminess.
Drink Pairings:
- A crisp Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.
- For non-alcoholic, try sparkling lemonade or iced green tea.
Side Pairings:
- Steamed green beans or broccoli.
- A simple side salad with balsamic vinaigrette.
- Garlic bread to soak up the sauce.
Nutritional Overview (Per Serving, Approximate)
- Calories: 590
- Protein: 42g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 34g
- Fiber: 4g
This dish is high in protein and can be adjusted for low-carb or gluten-free diets.
Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips
- Prep Ahead: Mince garlic, chop parsley, and halve potatoes the night before.
- Cook Ahead: Roast potatoes early and reheat in the oven at 375°F for 10 minutes.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Gently warm chicken and sauce in a skillet over low heat; re-crisp potatoes in the oven.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely—boneless, skinless thighs will be juicier and cook in about the same time.
2. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, but it may thicken in the fridge. Reheat gently and whisk in a splash of broth or cream.
3. Can I roast the potatoes with other vegetables?
Yes—carrots, Brussels sprouts, or parsnips make great additions.
4. How can I thicken the sauce more?
Add a touch more Parmesan or simmer longer until it reaches your desired consistency.
5. Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Definitely! The creamy sauce and crispy potatoes are usually a big hit with kids.
Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)
Step | Time Needed |
---|---|
Prep chicken & potatoes | 10 minutes |
Roast potatoes | 25–30 mins |
Sear chicken | 10 minutes |
Make sauce | 5 minutes |
Combine & garnish | 3 minutes |
Total Time | ~40 minutes |
Serving Suggestions
- Family Style: Place chicken breasts on a platter, spoon sauce over the top, and scatter potatoes around the edges.
- Elegant Dinner: Serve individually plated with potatoes on one side, chicken topped with sauce, and fresh herbs sprinkled on top.
- Meal Prep: Pack chicken, sauce, and potatoes in separate containers for grab-and-go lunches.
Recipe Variations
- Creamy Herb Chicken Pasta: Slice chicken and serve with pasta tossed in the sauce.
- Loaded Potato Skillet: Add roasted potatoes into the skillet with chicken and sauce for a one-pan meal.
- Mediterranean Twist: Add sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and spinach to the sauce.
Ingredient Spotlight: Garlic
Garlic is the backbone of this recipe. To make the most of it:
- Choose firm, plump cloves with tight skin.
- Mince finely for maximum flavor release.
- Store in a cool, dark place (not the fridge) to keep it fresh longer.
- Roast whole cloves for a sweeter, mellower version to stir into the sauce.
Pro Cooking Tips
- Pat chicken dry before searing—it ensures browning.
- Don’t overcrowd the potatoes on the tray; they need space to crisp.
- Simmer cream sauce gently—too high heat can cause splitting.
- Let chicken rest briefly before slicing to retain juices.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best texture and flavor.
Storage & Freezing Guide
- Fridge: Store leftovers up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended, as cream sauces often separate.
- Reheat: Chicken and sauce on stovetop, potatoes in oven or air fryer for crispness.
Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | 590 |
Protein | 42g |
Carbohydrates | 28g |
Fat | 34g |
Fiber | 4g |
Dietary Notes: Gluten-free. Can be made low-carb by reducing potatoes or substituting with cauliflower.
Conclusion
This Creamy Herb Chicken with Roasted Baby Potatoes is a recipe you’ll want to keep in your back pocket for busy weeknights and special dinners alike. It delivers everything we crave in a comfort meal juicy chicken, crispy potatoes, and a decadent garlic cream sauce that ties it all together.
Simple, flavorful, and endlessly versatile, this dish is proof that with a few fresh ingredients and a little kitchen love, you can bring restaurant-quality food to your table anytime.
PrintCreamy Herb Chicken with Roasted Baby Potatoes
Creamy Garlic Chicken with Roasted Baby Potatoes is an easy one-pan comfort dinner pan-seared chicken breasts smothered in a garlic-Parmesan cream sauce served with crispy roasted baby potatoes. Perfect for weeknights or cozy dinners.
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp fresh chopped parsley
- 1.5 lbs baby potatoes, halved
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for potatoes)
- 1 tsp garlic powder (for potatoes)
- 1 tsp dried thyme or rosemary
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Prep potatoes: Toss halved baby potatoes with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp garlic powder, dried thyme or rosemary, salt and pepper. Spread on tray and roast 30–35 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and golden.
- Season chicken: Pat chicken breasts dry and season with salt, black pepper, and 1 tsp garlic powder.
- Sear chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp butter. Cook chicken 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Make sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté ~1 minute until fragrant. Stir in heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Simmer 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Finish: Return chicken to skillet, spoon sauce over the breasts, and simmer 2–3 minutes to combine flavors.
- Serve: Plate chicken with roasted baby potatoes and garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
Notes
- Roast potatoes until very crispy—flip once for even browning.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for a smoother sauce.
- If the sauce is too thick, thin with a splash of chicken broth or pasta water.
- For extra flavor, marinate chicken 30 minutes ahead with a little olive oil and garlic powder.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop & Oven
- Cuisine: American