If you’re craving a meal that’s both sweet and savory, this Honey Garlic Chicken with Mashed Potatoes is just what you need. The tender chicken is coated in a rich honey garlic sauce that’s sweet, sticky, and perfectly balanced, while the creamy mashed potatoes make the perfect companion.
Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to hit the spot. Ready to dig in? Let’s get cooking!
Honey Garlic Chicken with Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients
For the Honey Garlic Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour for dredging
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water optional, for thickening
For the Mashed Potatoes
- 2 lbs about 4 large russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1/2 cup whole milk or heavy cream
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
Substitutions
- Vegan: Use tofu or seitan instead of chicken and vegan butter and plant-based milk for the mashed potatoes.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour for dredging the chicken and tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Low-Sodium: Use low-sodium soy sauce or tamari and season lightly with salt.
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper.
- Dredge them lightly in flour, shaking off any excess.
Cook the Chicken
- In a large skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Stir in the honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly reduced.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce over them to coat.
- Let them simmer in the sauce for another 2-3 minutes.
Make the Mashed Potatoes
- While the chicken is cooking, place the chopped potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water.
- Add a pinch of salt and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
- Add the milk or cream, butter, salt, and pepper.
- Mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy.
- Adjust the seasoning to taste.
Serve
- Serve the Honey Garlic Chicken hot, over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes.
- Spoon any extra sauce over the chicken and garnish with chopped parsley.
- Enjoy!
Notes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – 1 chicken breast with mashed potatoes):
- Calories: 600-650
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 20g
Notes/Advice:
- Additions/Subtractions:
- For a lighter version, use chicken broth instead of butter and cream in the mashed potatoes.
- Feel free to adjust the sweetness of the sauce by adding more or less honey, depending on your taste.
- This dish is versatile—experiment with different herbs and spices to make it your own.
Variations:
- Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the honey garlic sauce for a spicy kick.
- Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs: Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs instead of breasts. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potatoes: Stir in 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese and 2 cloves of roasted garlic into the mashed potatoes for extra flavor.
Suggestions:
- Serving Ideas: This dish pairs beautifully with a side of steamed vegetables, such as green beans, broccoli, or asparagus. A fresh salad with a light vinaigrette would also complement the rich flavors of the chicken and potatoes.
- Make It Ahead: The mashed potatoes can be made ahead and reheated just before serving. The chicken can be cooked and kept warm in the sauce until ready to serve.
- Storage Tips: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.
The Ultimate Comfort Food Duo
Few meals satisfy the soul quite like honey garlic chicken with mashed potatoes. The combination of sweet and savory glazed chicken paired with buttery, creamy mashed potatoes is a match made in comfort food heaven. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy family dinner or looking for a dish that delivers bold flavor with minimal effort, this meal is sure to impress.
The Magic of Honey Garlic Glaze
The beauty of honey garlic chicken lies in its sticky, caramelized glaze. The natural sweetness of honey, combined with the deep umami of garlic and soy sauce, creates a rich sauce that clings to every bite of tender chicken. The slight caramelization from cooking intensifies the flavors, making each mouthful burst with a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and garlicky goodness.
For those who love a little extra depth, a splash of rice vinegar or a squeeze of fresh lemon can brighten up the sauce, while a pinch of red pepper flakes adds just the right amount of heat.
Why Mashed Potatoes Are the Perfect Side
Mashed potatoes are the ultimate partner for honey garlic chicken. Their buttery, smooth texture acts as a perfect canvas to soak up all that delicious sauce, ensuring that not a single drop goes to waste. Whether you prefer classic mashed potatoes with cream and butter or a lighter version made with olive oil and garlic, they provide the ideal contrast to the bold, sticky glaze of the chicken.
Ways to Customize Your Dish
This meal is already packed with flavor, but a few small additions can elevate it even further:
- Crispy Chicken Option – For a crunchier texture, lightly coat the chicken in cornstarch before pan-frying.
- Herb-Infused Mashed Potatoes – Mix in rosemary, thyme, or chives for extra depth.
- Spicy Honey Twist – Add a dash of sriracha or cayenne to the honey garlic sauce for a little heat.
- Vegetable Pairings – Roasted Brussels sprouts, green beans, or steamed broccoli make a great addition for balance.
A Meal That Feels Like a Warm Hug
There’s something about the sweet, garlicky glaze on juicy chicken paired with pillowy mashed potatoes that feels like home. Whether you’re making this for a special occasion or just a weeknight indulgence, it’s a meal that satisfies on every level—flavor, texture, and comfort.
Final Thoughts:
And there you have it—Honey Garlic Chicken with Mashed Potatoes that’s sweet, savory, and utterly comforting! This dish is a perfect way to enjoy a hearty meal that’s packed with flavor and sure to satisfy. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home. So gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and enjoy a delicious, comforting plate of honey garlic chicken and creamy mashed potatoes. Bon appétit!
