If you’re craving a meal that feels like a hug on a plate, Garlic Herb Chicken with Mashed Potatoes and Glazed Carrots is the answer. It’s wholesome, comforting, and easy enough to pull together on a weeknight—yet fancy enough for Sunday dinner. This recipe brings juicy, golden chicken, creamy mashed potatoes, and sweet, buttery carrots together in one dish that will win over even the pickiest eaters.
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Why You’ll Love This Garlic Herb Chicken with Mashed Potatoes and Glazed Carrots
Picture this: the kitchen smells of roasted garlic and herbs, the potatoes are whipped into fluffy clouds, and the carrots glisten like little jewels in brown sugar butter. This is the kind of meal that makes kids ask for seconds and grown-ups sneak bites while setting the table.
And the best part? Everything comes together in under an hour.
What Does Garlic Herb Chicken with Mashed Potatoes and Glazed Carrots Taste Like?
- The chicken: Juicy, garlicky, and kissed with thyme and oregano.
- The mashed potatoes: Creamy, buttery, and so smooth they practically melt in your mouth.
- The carrots: Tender and sweet, coated in a glossy glaze that’s just the right amount of indulgence.
This is balance on a plate—savory, creamy, and sweet all at once.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Garlic Herb Chicken with Mashed Potatoes and Glazed Carrots
When it comes to making Garlic Herb Chicken with Mashed Potatoes and Glazed Carrots, the magic really happens in the simple, everyday ingredients. This recipe doesn’t ask for anything fancy or hard to find—you might already have most of it sitting in your pantry. Each component plays an important role, bringing savory, creamy, or sweet notes that balance perfectly on one plate.
Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:
- Chicken breasts (4 boneless, skinless) – Lean, tender, and perfect for soaking up all those garlic and herb flavors. You can also use thighs if your family prefers dark meat.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons) – For searing the chicken until it’s golden brown and delicious. This also locks in the juices.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced) – The star of this dish. Garlic adds depth, warmth, and that irresistible aroma that makes everyone wander into the kitchen asking, “What’s cooking?”
- Dried oregano & dried thyme (1 tablespoon each) – These pantry staples give the chicken its herby, earthy flavor. If you’ve tried my Crockpot Garlic Butter Beef Bites, you know how much I love using herbs to create comfort food magic.
- Salt and black pepper (to taste) – Don’t skip this step; seasoning is what makes all the other flavors pop.
- Chicken broth (1 cup) – Creates a light sauce when combined with garlic and lemon juice, perfect for spooning over the chicken and mashed potatoes.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon) – Adds just enough brightness to balance the richness of the meal.
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish) – A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds color and a burst of freshness at the end.
For the Mashed Potatoes:
- Potatoes (2 pounds, peeled and cubed) – Yukon Golds or Russets are ideal for creamy mashed potatoes. They’re fluffy and soak up butter and milk beautifully.
- Milk (½ cup) – Brings creaminess. For an extra indulgent version, you could even use half-and-half.
- Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons) – Butter makes everything better, especially mashed potatoes.
For the Glazed Carrots:
- Carrots (1 pound, peeled and cut into sticks) – Sweet, tender, and perfect for glazing.
- Butter (2 tablespoons) – Helps the glaze cling to the carrots while adding richness.
- Brown sugar (2 tablespoons) – Creates that gorgeous, shiny glaze with just the right amount of sweetness.
How to Make Garlic Herb Chicken with Mashed Potatoes and Glazed Carrots (Step by Step)
Cooking Garlic Herb Chicken with Mashed Potatoes and Glazed Carrots might sound like a restaurant-style dinner, but I promise it’s completely doable in your own kitchen. Just take it one step at a time, and soon you’ll have a comforting meal that your whole family will gather around the table for. Here’s the full process:
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start with 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Pat them dry with a paper towel (this helps them brown better). Rub each piece generously with salt, black pepper, oregano, and thyme. The seasoning is key—it builds the savory flavor base for the entire dish.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, place the chicken breasts in the pan. Cook for about 5–7 minutes per side until the outside is beautifully golden and the inside is no longer pink. Remove the chicken and set it aside—you’ll bring it back later.
Pro tip: Don’t crowd the skillet. If you try to cook too many pieces at once, they’ll steam instead of sear.
Step 3: Build the Garlic Herb Sauce
In the same skillet (don’t wash it—those browned bits are flavor gold), add 4 cloves of minced garlic. Cook just until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, scraping the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon to loosen all that goodness.
Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestle them into the sauce, and let them simmer for another 5 minutes. This step infuses the meat with garlicky, herby flavor and creates a light sauce that’s perfect for spooning over mashed potatoes.
If you loved the sauce in my Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches, this one will give you the same kind of cozy satisfaction.
Step 4: Boil the Potatoes
While the chicken simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 2 pounds of peeled, cubed potatoes. Cook them until they’re fork-tender, about 15–20 minutes. Drain the potatoes well to avoid watery mash.
Step 5: Mash Them Creamy
Return the hot potatoes to the pot. Add ½ cup of milk, 4 tablespoons of butter, plus a pinch of salt and pepper. Use a potato masher or hand mixer to mash until smooth and fluffy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. These mashed potatoes are the ultimate sidekick to the chicken.
Step 6: Glaze the Carrots
In a separate skillet or saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add 1 pound of carrot sticks and sauté for about 5 minutes. Sprinkle in 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, stir well, and cook for another 5 minutes until the carrots are tender and coated in a glossy, sweet glaze. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
Step 7: Plate It All Together
Now comes the fun part! Place a scoop of mashed potatoes on each plate, top with a juicy piece of garlic herb chicken, and spoon the pan sauce over the top. Add a pile of shiny glazed carrots on the side. Garnish everything with freshly chopped parsley.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Garlic Herb Chicken with Mashed Potatoes and Glazed Carrots
- Marinate the chicken: If you have time, let the chicken sit in olive oil and herbs for a few hours. The flavor payoff is huge.
- Warm your milk: Adding warm milk to the potatoes helps them stay fluffy instead of gluey.
- Carrots too firm? Add a splash of water, cover, and steam them for a few extra minutes.
- Double up: Make extra mashed potatoes—they reheat beautifully for breakfast with an egg on top.
- Skip the sugar? Honey works just as well for the carrots.
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Mashed potatoes and chicken freeze well, but glazed carrots are best fresh.
- Reheat: Warm in the microwave or oven with a splash of broth or milk to bring back moisture.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in chicken?
Yes, but increase cooking time until the internal temp reaches 165°F.
What potatoes are best for mashing?
Yukon Golds or Russets give you that creamy, dreamy texture.
Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely. Cook everything a day before, then reheat gently before serving.
Conclusion
This Garlic Herb Chicken with Mashed Potatoes and Glazed Carrots is the kind of meal that makes dinner feel special without making you live in the kitchen. It’s hearty, flavorful, and guaranteed to earn a spot in your family’s recipe rotation. Next time you’re craving comfort on a plate, this one’s got you covered.
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Garlic Herb Chicken with Mashed Potatoes and Glazed Carrots – Easy Comfort Food
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Garlic Herb Chicken with Mashed Potatoes and Glazed Carrots is a delicious and comforting family meal that combines tender chicken breasts with creamy mashed potatoes and sweet glazed carrots.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup chicken broth
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
2 pounds potatoes, peeled and cubed
1/2 cup milk
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 pound carrots, peeled and cut into sticks
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons brown sugar
Instructions
1. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, oregano, and thyme.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5–7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping the bottom of the skillet to deglaze. Return the chicken to the skillet and simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
4. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the cubed potatoes and cook until tender, about 15–20 minutes. Drain well.
5. Return the potatoes to the pot and add milk, butter, salt, and pepper. Mash until smooth and creamy.
6. In a separate pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add the carrot sticks and sauté for about 5 minutes.
7. Sprinkle brown sugar over the carrots, stirring to coat. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until the carrots are tender and glazed. Season with salt and pepper.
Notes
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the herbs and olive oil for a few hours before cooking.
Feel free to add other vegetables to the glazed carrots, such as peas or green beans.
Leftover mashed potatoes can be used for shepherd’s pie or potato cakes.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet and Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: garlic herb chicken, mashed potatoes, glazed carrots, comfort food, family dinner
