Herb Roasted Chicken with Creamy White Sauce, Olives & Baby Potatoes
Tender, juicy chicken roasted with aromatic herbs and served with a silky, creamy white sauce. Baby potatoes roast alongside, absorbing all the flavors, while green and black olives add a savory, slightly tangy finish. This dish is elegant, hearty, and healthy enough to feel wholesome while tasting rich.
⏱ Time
Prep: 20 minutes
Cook: 50–60 minutes
Total: ~1 hour 20 minutes
🧺 Ingredients
Chicken & Vegetables
4 chicken thighs or drumsticks (skin-on or off)
500g baby potatoes, halved
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tsp rosemary, chopped
2 tsp thyme, chopped
1 tsp paprika (optional)
Salt & black pepper, to taste
1 cup green and black olives, pitted
Creamy White Sauce
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp flour
1 cup milk (or cream for richer sauce)
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
¼ tsp nutmeg (optional)
2 tbsp grated Parmesan (optional)
🍽️ Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Chicken & Potatoes
1. Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. Toss chicken and baby potatoes with olive oil, rosemary, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread on a baking tray. Roast 35–40 minutes, turning once halfway, until chicken is golden and potatoes are tender.
Step 2: Make Creamy White Sauce
1. In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Sauté onion until translucent, add garlic and cook 1 minute.
3. Sprinkle flour and cook 1–2 minutes, stirring.
4. Gradually whisk in milk, cook until slightly thickened.
5. Season with salt, pepper, nutmeg, and Parmesan (if using).
Step 3: Combine & Serve
1. Once chicken and potatoes are roasted, add olives to the tray for the last 5 minutes of roasting.
2. Pour creamy white sauce over chicken and potatoes or serve on the side.
3. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme.
💡 Tips
Use skin-on chicken for more flavor; remove skin for lower fat.
Roast potatoes small so they cook evenly with chicken.
Make sauce ahead; reheat gently before serving.
Add a splash of white wine to sauce for extra richness.
❓ Frequently asked questions FAQ
Q: Can I make this in one pan?
Yes — roast chicken and potatoes together; add sauce just before serving.
Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
Use plant-based milk and skip Parmesan.
Q: Can I use chicken breast instead?
Yes, but reduce baking time to 25–30 minutes to avoid dryness.
🧮 Nutrition information
Calories: 450
Protein: 35g
Carbs: 25g
Fat: 22g