This garlic chicken with creamy mash and fresh tomato salad is one of my go-to weeknight dinners when I want something satisfying but not overly complicated.
The beauty of this plate is how each component shines on its own, yet they come together to create something really special.
You’ve got tender, golden-brown chicken strips that are seasoned just right, silky mashed potatoes loaded with butter and milk, and a bright fresh tomato salad that cuts through the richness perfectly.
Best of all, it’s ready in under an hour from start to finish.
Why You Will Love This Garlic Chicken with Creamy Mash & Fresh Tomato Salad
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts, sliced
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Step 1: Boil the Potatoes
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped
- Salt, to taste
I like to start by getting a pot of salted water boiling for the potatoes. This gives them plenty of time to cook while I work on the chicken and salad. I cut my potatoes into roughly equal chunks so they cook evenly, which usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes depending on how small I cut them.
Step 2: Make the Tomato Salad
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
While the potatoes are cooking, I assemble the fresh tomato salad. I chop the tomatoes into bite-sized pieces and slice the onion thinly so it doesn’t overpower the salad. I toss everything together with olive oil, fresh parsley, salt, and pepper, then set it aside.
This simple combination is bright, refreshing, and doesn’t require any cooking at all. The longer it sits, the more the flavors meld together beautifully.
Step 3: Season and Cook the Chicken
- 2 chicken breasts, sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
I slice my chicken breasts into strips and mix them with minced garlic, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a bowl. I find this ensures the seasonings are evenly distributed before cooking.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, I cook the seasoned chicken until it’s golden brown and cooked through, which usually takes about 10 to 12 minutes. I let it get a nice caramelized exterior without moving it around too much in the pan.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Mashed Potatoes
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/2 cup milk
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Once the potatoes are tender enough to pierce easily with a fork, I drain them well and return them to the pot. I add the butter and milk, then mash until I reach my desired consistency.
I tend to prefer mine with a few small lumps for texture, but you can mash it as smooth as you like. I finish with a taste test and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
Storage Instructions
Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The mashed potatoes, chicken, and salad store separately so you can keep them from getting soggy.
Freeze: The chicken and mashed potatoes freeze well for up to 2 months in freezer-safe containers. I don’t recommend freezing the fresh tomato salad. Thaw chicken and potatoes in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheat: I reheat the chicken and potatoes gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of milk if the potatoes seem dry. You can also use the microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each one. The tomato salad is best served fresh.
What to Serve With This Garlic Chicken with Creamy Mash & Fresh Tomato Salad
- A simple green salad with vinaigrette on the side for extra greens
- Crusty bread to soak up any juices on the plate
- A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light beer
- Roasted vegetables like green beans or asparagus if you want to add more color
Estimated Nutrition
- Calories: 380
- Protein: 32g
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
(Estimated per serving, without optional ingredients)
Garlic Chicken with Creamy Mash & Fresh Tomato Salad
Ingredients
Method
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add peeled and chopped potatoes, and cook for 15 to 20 minutes until they are tender enough to pierce easily with a fork.
- While the potatoes cook, chop the tomatoes and thinly slice the onion. Toss them together in a bowl with olive oil, fresh parsley, salt, and pepper. Set aside to allow flavors to meld.
- Slice the chicken breasts into strips and mix them with minced garlic, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the seasoned chicken for 10 to 12 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Drain the cooked potatoes and return them to the pot. Add butter and milk, then mash until you reach your desired consistency. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Divide the mashed potatoes among four plates. Top with the cooked garlic chicken strips and serve alongside the fresh tomato salad.
