A complete and comforting meal featuring succulent garlic herb chicken, creamy mashed potatoes, and sweet glazed carrots. This recipe is perfect for a satisfying family dinner or an impressive yet approachable dish for guests.

Ingredients:

For the Garlic Herb Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 ounces each)
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
2 tablespoons butter
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Mashed Potatoes:

2 pounds Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
½ cup heavy cream, warmed
4 tablespoons butter
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Glazed Carrots:

1 pound baby carrots
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup for a richer flavor)
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, but adds warmth)
Pinch of salt

Preparation:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps them get a nice sear.
Season generously on both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Don’t be shy! Seasoning is key.

Step 2: Sear and Flavor the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Make sure the skillet is hot before adding the chicken.
Add the chicken breasts to the skillet in a single layer (don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary).
Sear for 5-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and nicely seared.
Reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic, chopped thyme, chopped rosemary, chopped parsley, and butter to the skillet.

Step 3: Infuse the Chicken with Flavor

As the butter melts, spoon the garlic-herb butter over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are coated with the aromatic mixture.
Continue cooking the chicken, basting frequently with the garlic-herb butter, until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). A meat thermometer is your best friend here!
Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, resulting in more tender chicken.

Step 4: Make the Mashed Potatoes

Place the peeled and cubed Yukon gold potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold, salted water.
Bring to a boil and cook until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes.
Drain the potatoes thoroughly.
Return the drained potatoes to the pot. Add the warm heavy cream and butter.

Step 5: Mash to Perfection

Mash the potatoes with a potato masher or an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Adjust the amount of cream and butter to reach your desired consistency.

Step 6: Glaze the Carrots

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the baby carrots and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are slightly tender, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 7: Caramelize the Carrots

Drizzle the honey (or maple syrup) over the carrots and sprinkle with the ground cinnamon (if using) and a pinch of salt.
Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the carrots are glazed, caramelized, and tender-crisp, about 5-7 minutes more.

Step 8: Assemble and Serve

Place a scoop of creamy mashed potatoes on each plate.
Top with a garlic herb chicken breast.
Arrange the glazed carrots alongside the chicken and potatoes.
Spoon any leftover garlic-herb butter from the chicken skillet over the chicken for extra flavor and richness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a winner for several reasons:

Flavorful Chicken: The garlic-herb butter infuses the chicken with incredible flavor, making it juicy and delicious.
Comforting Sides: Creamy mashed potatoes and sweet glazed carrots are the perfect accompaniments to the savory chicken.
Easy to Make: This recipe is surprisingly easy to prepare, making it ideal for weeknight dinners.
Crowd-Pleasing: This dish is sure to be a hit with the whole family.
Versatile: Feel free to adapt the herbs and spices to your liking.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve with a side salad for a complete meal.
Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme for added visual appeal.
A sprinkle of toasted nuts over the glazed carrots adds a nice textural contrast.

Tips:

Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Don’t overcook the chicken, or it will become dry.
Warm the heavy cream before adding it to the mashed potatoes for the best texture.
Adjust the amount of honey or maple syrup in the glazed carrots to your liking.
For a richer flavor, use brown butter for the glazed carrots.

Preparation Time:

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Nutrition Information:

(Note: Nutritional information is approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)

Calories: Approximately 520 kcal per serving
Protein: Approximately 40g per serving
Sodium: Approximately 400mg per serving

Conclusion

Garlic Herb Chicken with Mashed Potatoes and Glazed Carrots is a classic comfort food meal that is sure to please. With its flavorful chicken, creamy potatoes, and sweet carrots, this recipe is a guaranteed success. Enjoy!

Questions and Answers:

Q1: Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh herbs?

A: Yes, you can use dried herbs, but fresh herbs will provide a more vibrant flavor. If using dried herbs, use about 1 teaspoon of each herb (thyme, rosemary, and parsley) instead of 1 tablespoon of fresh herbs.

Q2: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

A: You can prepare the mashed potatoes and glazed carrots ahead of time and reheat them before serving. However, it’s best to cook the chicken fresh for the best flavor and texture.

Q3: Can I use a different type of potato for the mashed potatoes?

A: Yukon gold potatoes are recommended for their creamy texture, but you can use other types of potatoes, such as Russet potatoes or red potatoes. The texture will vary depending on the type of potato you use.

Q4: Can I add other vegetables to the glazed carrots?

A: Yes, you can add other vegetables to the glazed carrots, such as parsnips, sweet potatoes, or Brussels sprouts.

Q5: Can I use a different type of sweetener for the glazed carrots?

A: Yes, you can use other types of sweetener for the glazed carrots, such as agave nectar or brown sugar. The flavor will vary depending on the type of sweetener you use.