Herb-infused chicken served with a rutabaga mash is a game-changing update to an old comfort standby. And it’s creamy, tasty, and full of good-for-you nutrients such as fiber, Vitamin C, and lean protein.

In this post, I’m going to make the case for why this recipe should be on your dinner table. We’ll dig into the nutrition stats, the process for how to make it, and why rutabaga is a serious hidden gem. 

Keep reading if you’re open to popping potatoes off the plate for something healthier and just as gratifying.

What Makes This Dish So Special?

A Nutrient-Packed Twist

Let’s face it: mashed potatoes are delicious, but they are not healthy food. Enter rutabaga mash. 

This root has lower calories, high in fiber and will give you more potassium than even potatoes. 

Teamed with herby chicken, it becomes a nourishing bowl of comfort.

And the kicker is, the rutabaga has a natural sweetness that makes it surprisingly addictive. With herbs such as rosemary and thyme, it seems fancy but is actually dead simple to cook.

Nutrition Stats That Impress

Here’s what you get in one cup of cooked, mashed rutabaga (~175g):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value (DV)
Calories	94 kcal	5%
Protein	3.1 g	6%
Total Fat	0.5 g	<1%
Carbohydrates	21 g	7%
Dietary Fiber	4.3 g	17%
Sugars	14.5 g	–
Calcium	115 mg	12%
Iron	1.3 mg	7%
Magnesium	55 mg	13%
Potassium	782 mg	17%
Sodium	48 mg	2%
Vitamin C	45 mg	50%

Rutabaga is low in calories with a high satiety value due to better share of fiber content, and is a rich source of vitamin C and potassium.

It’s also high in antioxidants so great for immunity and heart health.

Breaking Down the Nutrition Facts

Rutabaga vs. Other Root Vegetables

Let’s compare rutabaga to mashed potatoes and turnips:

Nutrient	Rutabaga (mashed)	Potato (mashed)	Turnip (mashed)
Calories	94	214	59
Protein (g)	3.1	4.3	1.2
Fiber (g)	4.3	3.5	2.2
Vitamin C (mg)	45	17	60
Potassium (mg)	782	535	270
Calcium (mg)	115	20	43

As you can see rutabaga is richer in fiber while also providing fewer calories than potatoes and finally it is richer in potassium); 

It’s higher in calcium, which is good for bone health. Rutabaga is more nutrient-dense than turnips, in everything except Vitamin C.

The Power of Herby Chicken

Now let’s talk about the chicken. Here’s the nutrition breakdown for 3 ounces of cooked, skinless chicken breast:

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	140 kcal
Protein	26 g
Total Fat	3 g
Saturated Fat	1 g
Sodium	60–150 mg
Carbohydrates	0–2 g

Herby chicken contributes lean protein to the mix without a lot of added calories or fat. Fresh herbs such as rosemary, thyme and parsley add nutrients and antioxidants as well as flavor.

Combined Dish Nutrition

When you pair rutabaga mash with herby chicken, here’s what you get per serving:

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	230–250 kcal
Protein	28–30 g
Total Fat	3.5–5 g
Carbohydrates	20–22 g
Dietary Fiber	4 g
Sodium	100–200 mg
Vitamin C	40–45 mg
Potassium	700–800 mg

This is a good combination providing you a decent balanced diet of lean Protein, complex carbs and all necessary vitamins and minerals. 

It might not be a direct answer for your Q but I would like to try to find a healthy alternative for you. And it is perfect for kids (or adults) of any age.

How to Make Rutabaga Mash with Herby Chicken

Step-by-Step Instructions

It’s simpler than you might assume to make this dish. Here’s how to do it:

For the Rutabaga Mash:

• Prep the Rutabaga: Peel and then cut the rutabaga into small cubes. Boil them in salted water until soft, 20 to 25 minutes.
• Mash It Up: Drain the rutabaga and mash it up with a fork or potato masher. For creaminess, add butter, milk or cream, and season with salt, pepper or herbs such as rosemary or thyme.

For the Herby Chicken:

• Season the Chicken: generously season the chicken breast over with extra virgin olive oil, and some herbs (rosemary, thyme, parsley, garlic). Add salt and pepper to taste.
• Cook It Up: Bake chicken in the oven at 375°F for 20–25 minutes, or pan-sear on the stovetop until golden brown and cooked through.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the rutabaga mash with the herby chicken. Drizzle a little herb-infused oil or gravy over the top, for flavor. You can also serve this with roasted veggies or a salad on the side to make a complete meal.

Why Rutabaga Is a Hidden Gem

Versatility and Flavor

Rutabaga may not be the most beloved of vegetables, as potatoes are, but it is supremely versatile. It has a sweet, earthy taste that goes as well with savory herbs and spices as it does with sugar, so here it is in the best kind of dishes. And it’s just as satisfying as mashed potatoes — but healthier!.

Great for Blood Sugar Management

Rutabaga is also regarded as a non-starchy vegetable, which means that it has much less carbohydrate compared to potatoes. 

That makes it a good choice for people watching their blood sugar or weight.

Fiber for Fullness

Rutabaga contains 4–5 grams of fiber per cup, which means it helps you stay full longer. Its high fiber content is also gentle on the digestive tract.

Fun Facts About Rutabaga

A Scandinavian Star

Rutabaga, otherwise known as “Swede,” claims Scandinavian origins and a history of 3,000-4,000 years. It arrived in North America in the 1800s and has long been a dietary staple in European cuisine.

Sweet and Savory

With its natural sweetness, rutabaga is a wonderful alternative for potatoes in recipes calling for mash and in soups as well as casseroles. Its light flavor allows for herbs and spices to shine, which is great because it’s a blank canvas to work with.

Family-Friendly

When mashed and combined with butter or cream, kids may not realize they’re eating a new vegetable. Serve it to them with herby chicken, and they will embrace the combo.

Summary Table: Rutabaga Mash with Herby Chicken at a Glance

Aspect	Details
Calories per Serving	230–250 kcal
Protein	28–30 g
Fiber	4 g
Sodium	100–200 mg
Vitamin C	40–45 mg
Best For	Health-conscious eaters, family dinners

Final Thoughts

Hearty, delicious, packed with nutrients and made with chicken that’s raised in a humane way to enjoy—that’s what Scrappy Ella’s Rutabaga Mash with Herby Chicken is all about! 

And it’s a reminder that healthy food can be comforting and satisfying.

Try it — it may just become your new go-to comfort food.

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