introduction
Creamy Herb Chicken with Mashed Potatoes & Glazed Carrots is a quintessential comfort food dinner that’s sure to satisfy your cravings and bring warmth to your table. This wholesome dish features succulent chicken breasts coated in a rich herb cream sauce, perfectly paired with creamy mashed potatoes and sweet glazed carrots. It’s the ideal meal for family gatherings, weeknight dinners, or whenever you need a taste of home.
why make this recipe
There are countless reasons to whip up this delicious meal. First and foremost, it’s incredibly comforting, bringing together flavors and textures that are sure to please everyone at the table. The combination of creamy chicken, buttery mashed potatoes, and sweet carrots creates a harmonious balance that feels like a hug in a bowl. Plus, this recipe is straightforward, making it accessible even for those who might not have extensive cooking experience. With easy-to-find ingredients and simple preparation steps, you can create a restaurant-quality dish at home, perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy night in.
how to make Creamy Herb Chicken with Mashed Potatoes & Glazed Carrots
Ingredients
- 2–3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley or chives (for garnish)
- 1.5 lbs Yukon gold or russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup milk or cream
- 2–3 tbsp butter
- Salt to taste
- 3 cups baby carrots or sliced carrots
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp brown sugar or honey
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Optional: pinch of cinnamon or thyme
Directions
-
Make the mashed potatoes: Boil potatoes in salted water until fork-tender (15–20 minutes). Drain and mash with butter, milk, and salt until smooth. Keep warm.
-
Glaze the carrots: In a saucepan over medium heat, add carrots, butter, brown sugar, salt, and a splash of water. Cover and simmer for 10–12 minutes until carrots are tender and glazed. Stir occasionally. Remove lid for the last 2–3 minutes to thicken glaze.
-
Cook the chicken: Pat chicken dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, thyme, and rosemary. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
-
Make the herb cream sauce: In the same pan, add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Deglaze with chicken broth, scraping up browned bits. Stir in cream, Parmesan, Dijon mustard (if using), and simmer until slightly thickened (3–5 minutes).
-
Return chicken to the pan: Spoon sauce over chicken and simmer 2 more minutes to combine flavors.
-
Assemble and serve: Plate mashed potatoes and carrots alongside the chicken. Spoon extra sauce over everything. Garnish with parsley or chives.
how to serve Creamy Herb Chicken with Mashed Potatoes & Glazed Carrots
This dish is best served hot, straight from the stovetop. For an attractive presentation, serve the creamy herb chicken on a beautiful plate with a generous portion of mashed potatoes and glazed carrots on the side. Drizzle extra herb cream sauce over the chicken and potatoes to enhance their flavors, and finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives for that touch of color and freshness.
how to store Creamy Herb Chicken with Mashed Potatoes & Glazed Carrots
If you have any leftovers (which is always a nice surprise!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This dish is best enjoyed within 3–4 days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth to the cream sauce if it has thickened too much.
tips to make Creamy Herb Chicken with Mashed Potatoes & Glazed Carrots
- Chicken Choice: You can use chicken thighs for a juicier option, or opt for skin-on chicken breasts for added flavor.
- Mashed Potato Variations: For extra creaminess, consider adding cream cheese or sour cream to your mashed potatoes.
- Sauce Customization: Feel free to experiment with different herbs in the cream sauce, such as basil or oregano, to tailor it to your taste preferences.
- Carrot Alternatives: If you don’t have baby carrots, regular sliced carrots work just as well. You can also try using other vegetables such as green beans or peas.
variation
For a lighter version of this dish, consider grilling the chicken instead of searing it in butter and oil. You can also use a lighter cream or milk alternative, like almond milk or a non-dairy cream, for the sauce. In place of potatoes, try cauliflower mash for a low-carb option, and enjoy the glazed carrots with a sprinkle of lemon zest for extra brightness. This versatility allows you to enjoy this comforting meal while accommodating different dietary preferences.