If you’re craving a meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then this Garlic Herb Chicken with Mashed Potatoes and Glazed Carrots Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender, juicy chicken breast infused with fragrant garlic and fresh herbs, perfectly paired with silky mashed potatoes and sweet, buttery glazed carrots. Every bite delivers a comforting blend of flavors and textures that will soon make this dish your go-to for cozy dinners or special family gatherings. It’s simple enough for a weeknight but impressive enough to serve when friends come over.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Garlic Herb Chicken with Mashed Potatoes and Glazed Carrots Recipe lies in the simplicity and quality of its ingredients. Each one plays a vital role—from the fresh garlic giving a punch of flavor to the creamy potatoes offering a smooth contrast, and those bright, honey-coated carrots adding the perfect touch of sweetness and color.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Tender, lean chicken serves as the hearty protein base for the dish.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil: Adds richness and helps infuse the garlic and herbs into the chicken.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: The star flavor that brightens and deepens the taste of the chicken.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Offers earthy, slightly minty notes that pair beautifully with the rosemary.
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary: Brings a piney, aromatic punch essential for that classic herbaceous chicken flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Simple seasonings that enhance all the fresh ingredients.
- Juice of 1 lemon: Adds zesty brightness to balance the herbs and garlic.
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and cubed: The perfect potato for creamy, fluffy mashed potatoes.
- 1/2 cup whole milk: Enriches the mashed potatoes to a velvety texture.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds decadence to mashed potatoes and glazed carrots alike.
- 1 pound baby carrots: Tiny carrots that cook quickly and absorb flavor beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons honey: A natural sweetener that gives the carrots a luscious glaze.
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar: Deepens the sweetness and aids in caramelizing the carrots.
How to Make Garlic Herb Chicken with Mashed Potatoes and Glazed Carrots Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Then, in a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. This aromatic mixture will be the flavor bomb for your chicken. Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish and generously coat them with the garlic herb mixture, ensuring every piece is covered. This step is where the magic begins, letting the herbs and garlic seep into the meat as it bakes.
Step 2: Bake the Chicken
Pop the baking dish into the hot oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear. This method keeps the chicken moist and flavorful, soaking up all those garlic and herb notes without drying out. While the chicken cooks, you can move on to the sides!
Step 3: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes
Place the peeled and cubed russet potatoes in a large pot filled with salted water, then bring it to a boil. Let the potatoes cook until they’re tender when poked with a fork, about 15 to 20 minutes. Drain the water, then return the potatoes to the pot. Add the butter, whole milk, salt, and pepper. Mash everything together until creamy and smooth. The warmth and creaminess here offer a perfect backdrop to the savory chicken and sweet carrots.
Step 4: Make the Glazed Carrots
While the potatoes cook, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the baby carrots, cooking them for around 5 minutes to start softening their texture. Then, stir in the honey and brown sugar, coating the carrots evenly. Let them cook for another 5 to 7 minutes until they’re tender and the glaze thickens into a beautiful, sticky finish. These carrots bring color and a delightful sweetness that balance the savory components of this Garlic Herb Chicken with Mashed Potatoes and Glazed Carrots Recipe.
Step 5: Serve It All Up
Arrange your baked chicken breasts on a serving platter and drizzle any pan juices over them for extra flavor. Serve alongside a generous scoop of mashed potatoes and a colorful pile of glazed carrots. It’s a plate that looks as good as it tastes—simple, hearty, and irresistible.
How to Serve Garlic Herb Chicken with Mashed Potatoes and Glazed Carrots Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a few lemon wedges beautifully brighten up this dish on the plate. These subtle touches add freshness and visual appeal, making the meal feel even more special and inviting.
Side Dishes
If you want to expand beyond the classic setup, consider serving a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette or some roasted garlic green beans. These sides complement the richness of the chicken and potatoes while bringing variety to the table.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family-style dinner, serve the chicken breasts sliced on a large platter with mashed potatoes swirled in a bowl and glazed carrots arranged like a colorful border. Alternatively, plate individual portions with a carved chicken breast atop mashed potatoes and the carrots delicately placed beside, finishing with a drizzle of pan jus for that extra wow factor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers from this Garlic Herb Chicken with Mashed Potatoes and Glazed Carrots Recipe can be stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping each component separate helps maintain the best texture and flavor when reheated.
Freezing
You can freeze the chicken and mashed potatoes separately for up to 2 months. Glazed carrots freeze less well due to their delicate glaze, so they are best enjoyed fresh, but if needed, freeze them in a single layer to preserve texture.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chicken and mashed potatoes in the oven or microwave, covering with foil or a microwave-safe lid to retain moisture. For the carrots, warming briefly in a skillet over low heat helps maintain their glossy finish without becoming mushy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe, offering a bit more juiciness and flavor. Just adjust the baking time slightly to ensure they’re cooked through.
What if I don’t have fresh herbs?
If you don’t have fresh thyme or rosemary, dried versions work perfectly as used in this recipe. Just ensure you measure carefully since dried herbs have a more concentrated flavor.
Can I make the mashed potatoes dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the whole milk and butter with your favorite plant-based milk and dairy-free butter or olive oil for creamy, dairy-free mashed potatoes.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The best way is to use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). Alternatively, check that the juices run clear when the thickest part is pierced.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time for a dinner party?
You can prep many parts in advance, like seasoning the chicken and making mashed potatoes up to a day ahead. Reheat just before serving to keep everything fresh and delicious.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Herb Chicken with Mashed Potatoes and Glazed Carrots Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that brings together simple ingredients in a way that feels both comforting and impressive. It’s the kind of dish that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and your heart with joy. Give it a try, and soon enough, it will become a beloved staple in your recipe collection.
Print
Garlic Herb Chicken with Mashed Potatoes and Glazed Carrots Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Garlic Herb Chicken with Mashed Potatoes and Glazed Carrots is a delightful and comforting meal featuring tender, oven-baked chicken breasts infused with garlic and aromatic herbs. Paired with creamy mashed potatoes and sweet, buttery glazed carrots, this recipe offers a balanced and flavorful dinner that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lemon
For the Mashed Potatoes:
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Glazed Carrots:
- 1 pound baby carrots
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the chicken.
- Prepare the Chicken Mixture: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, dried thyme, dried rosemary, lemon juice, salt, and pepper thoroughly to create a flavorful marinade.
- Coat the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish and pour the garlic herb mixture evenly over them, ensuring each breast is well coated.
- Bake the Chicken: Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and the juices run clear.
- Boil Potatoes: Place the peeled and cubed potatoes into a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until tender, approximately 15-20 minutes.
- Mash Potatoes: Drain the potatoes well and return them to the pot. Add whole milk, unsalted butter, salt, and pepper, then mash until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Cook Carrots: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add baby carrots and cook for about 5 minutes until slightly tender.
- Glaze Carrots: Stir in honey and brown sugar, coating the carrots evenly. Continue cooking for another 5-7 minutes until carrots are tender and the glaze is thickened slightly.
- Serve: Arrange the baked chicken on a platter and spoon any remaining pan juices over it. Serve alongside a generous portion of mashed potatoes and glazed carrots.
Notes
- Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- You can substitute baby carrots with sliced full-sized carrots if preferred.
- Adjust the amount of honey in the glazed carrots for a sweeter or less sweet glaze according to taste.
- Use low-fat milk to reduce calories in mashed potatoes.
- Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
