Grilled Lemon-Tarragon Chicken with Garlic Mashed Potatoes

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy grilled chicken breasts marinated in lemon and tarragon paired with creamy garlic mashed potatoes for a comforting meal. This french-inspired chicken ready in about 70 minutes pairs olive oil, lemon juice, fresh tarragon, chopped for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 40 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 French cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp chopped fresh tarragon, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts and coat evenly. Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Meanwhile, place 2 lbs peeled and diced russet potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil over high heat and cook for 15 minutes until potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. Drain well.
  3. Step 3: In a small saucepan, melt 4 tbsp unsalted butter over medium heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Step 4: Mash the drained potatoes with the garlic butter and 1/2 cup whole milk until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Step 5: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill the marinated chicken breasts for 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and chicken is nicely charred. Let rest 5 minutes before serving alongside garlic mashed potatoes.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Lemon-Tarragon Chicken with Garlic Mashed Potatoes take to make?

Total time is about 70 minutes (40 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Grilled Lemon-Tarragon Chicken with Garlic Mashed Potatoes?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Lemon-Tarragon Chicken with Garlic Mashed Potatoes?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Grilled Lemon-Tarragon Chicken with Garlic Mashed Potatoes for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Grilled Lemon-Tarragon Chicken with Garlic Mashed Potatoes?

French chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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