Hey y’all! If you’re searching for a meal that combines the bright, fresh flavors of spring with the cozy comfort you love, this Spring Smothered Chicken with Herb Smashed Potatoes is it. Juicy Chicken breasts Smothered in a light, creamy sauce loaded with seasonal vegetables, served over pillowy, herby smashed potatoes—it’s pure bliss on any weeknight or for a special gathering. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This
- Loaded with vibrant spring vegetables and fragrant herbs for bright, seasonal flavor.
- Juicy, tender chicken Smothered in a creamy yet light sauce—comforting but fresh.
- Simple ingredients and easy steps make it weeknight-friendly.
- The herby smashed potatoes soak up all the delicious sauce for a satisfying meal.
- Perfect as a family dinner, meal prep option, or centerpiece for a spring celebration!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt, divided
- 3/4 teaspoon black pepper, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 cup thinly sliced leeks (white and light green parts only)
- 1 cup sliced cremini mushrooms
- 1 cup fresh asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (divided)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives (divided)
- 2 pounds baby Yukon gold potatoes
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for potatoes)
- Salt and pepper to taste (for potatoes)
Directions
Prep the Potatoes
- Add baby Yukon gold potatoes to a large pot, cover with salted water, and bring to a boil. Cook for 15-18 minutes, until fork-tender.
Season & Sear the Chicken
- Pat chicken breasts dry and rub with 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and smoked paprika.
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter over medium-high heat. Sear chicken 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
Smother the Chicken with Veggies
- Add remaining olive oil to the skillet. Sauté leeks and mushrooms for 3 minutes, then add asparagus and garlic. Cook another 2 minutes until tender and fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits. Stir in heavy cream, Dijon, lemon zest, 1 tablespoon parsley, and 1 tablespoon chives. Bring to a simmer.
Finish the Chicken
- Return chicken to the skillet, nestling into the sauce. Cover and simmer over medium-low heat for 12-15 minutes, until chicken is cooked through (internal temp 165°F).
Make the Herb Smashed Potatoes
- Drain potatoes and return to pot. Add milk, 2 tablespoons butter, salt, and pepper. Smash until chunky and creamy. Stir in remaining parsley and chives.
Serve
- Spoon the herb smashed potatoes onto plates. Top with smothered chicken, ladling the spring vegetable sauce over everything. Enjoy immediately!
Notes
- For extra color, garnish with additional fresh herbs just before serving.
- Slice chicken diagonally before serving for a beautiful presentation.
- Sauce thickens as it sits—add a splash of broth to loosen if needed.
Variations
- Swap chicken breasts for boneless thighs for extra juiciness.
- Add baby peas or spinach to the sauce for an extra veggie boost.
- Make it dairy-free by using coconut cream and olive oil instead of cream and butter.
Required Equipment
- Large pot
- Large skillet with lid
- Potato masher
- Cutting board and knives
- Measuring cups and spoons
Storage Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of broth if the sauce thickens.
Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations
- Pair with a crisp green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette.
- Serve alongside roasted carrots or spring peas for extra color and nutrition.
- Enjoy with a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or fresh lemonade.
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
- Let the chicken rest 5 minutes before slicing to keep it juicy.
- Sauté vegetables just until tender to preserve their vibrant color and crunch.
- Mash the potatoes while they’re piping hot for the creamiest texture.
FAQ
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
- Yes! Prepare the chicken and potatoes a day ahead, then gently reheat and add a splash of broth to refresh the sauce.
- Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
- You can substitute 1 teaspoon dried parsley and 1 teaspoon dried chives for the fresh, but fresh herbs give the best spring flavor.
- Can I freeze leftovers?
- It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze cooled chicken and potatoes for up to 1 month. Defrost and reheat gently, adding broth as needed.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt, divided
- 3/4 teaspoon black pepper, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 cup thinly sliced leeks (white and light green parts only)
- 1 cup sliced cremini mushrooms
- 1 cup fresh asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (divided)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives (divided)
- 2 pounds baby Yukon gold potatoes
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for potatoes)
- Salt and pepper to taste (for potatoes)
Instructions
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1Add baby Yukon gold potatoes to a large pot, cover with salted water, and bring to a boil. Cook for 15-18 minutes, until fork-tender.
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2Pat chicken breasts dry and rub with 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and smoked paprika.
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3In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter over medium-high heat. Sear chicken 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
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4Add remaining olive oil to the skillet. Sauté leeks and mushrooms for 3 minutes, then add asparagus and garlic. Cook another 2 minutes until tender and fragrant.
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5Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits. Stir in heavy cream, Dijon, lemon zest, 1 tablespoon parsley, and 1 tablespoon chives. Bring to a simmer.
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6Return chicken to the skillet, nestling into the sauce. Cover and simmer over medium-low heat for 12-15 minutes, until chicken is cooked through (internal temp 165°F).
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7Drain potatoes and return to pot. Add milk, 2 tablespoons butter, salt, and pepper. Smash until chunky and creamy. Stir in remaining parsley and chives.
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8Spoon the herb smashed potatoes onto plates. Top with smothered chicken, ladling the spring vegetable sauce over everything. Enjoy immediately!
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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