Creamy Herb Chicken with Mashed Potatoes & Glazed Carrots

Creamy Herb Chicken with Mashed Potatoes & Glazed Carrots: A Complete Comfort Food Dinner

When it comes to comfort food, few meals can compete with Creamy Herb Chicken served alongside fluffy mashed potatoes and sweet, glazed carrots. This dish is not only absolutely delicious but also embodies the essence of home cooking, making it a perfect choice for a cozy family dinner. My journey with this recipe has transformed and deepened my appreciation for simple ingredients that come together to create something extraordinary. The creamy herb sauce elevates the chicken, while the sides round it out into a harmonious plate of comfort.

Why this dish deserves a spot on your dinner table

There are numerous reasons to give this Creamy Herb Chicken a try. For starters, it’s a one-pot meal that marries flavor and convenience, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights. The ingredients are budget-friendly and often staples found in your kitchen, making it economical too. Plus, kids absolutely love the creamy chicken and tender carrots, so it’s a surefire hit for family dinners.

“This is my go-to comfort food! The chicken is so flavorful, and the mashed potatoes are so creamy. My kids devoured every bite!” — A satisfied home cook

The cooking process explained

Creating this comforting dish is a straightforward process that flows seamlessly from start to finish. You’ll be tackling the mashed potatoes, glazing the carrots, and preparing the chicken—all of which harmoniously come together for a fulfilling meal. Here’s how you can achieve this delightful dinner:

Gather these items

For the Chicken and Herb Sauce:

• 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)

For the Mashed Potatoes:

• 1.5 lbs Yukon gold or russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1/2 cup milk or cream
• 2–3 tbsp butter
• Salt to taste

For the Glazed Carrots:

• 3 cups baby carrots or sliced carrots
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp brown sugar or honey
• 1/4 tsp salt
• Optional: a pinch of cinnamon or thyme

Step-by-step instructions

1. Make the mashed potatoes: Boil the peeled and cubed potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, which should take about 15–20 minutes. Once tender, drain them, and mash with butter, milk, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Keep warm.

2. Glaze the carrots: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the carrots, butter, brown sugar, salt, and a splash of water. Cover and let them simmer for about 10–12 minutes until the carrots are tender and coated in a sweet glaze. For the last 2–3 minutes, remove the lid to thicken the glaze.

3. Cook the chicken: Pat the chicken dry and season both sides generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, thyme, and rosemary. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat, then sear the chicken for about 4–5 minutes on each side until it’s golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

4. Make the herb cream sauce: In the same skillet, toss in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth, deglazing by scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. Stir in the cream, Parmesan cheese, and Dijon mustard (if using). Let it simmer for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.

5. Return chicken to the pan: Place the chicken back into the skillet, spooning the sauce over it. Simmer for an additional 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

6. Assemble and serve: Plate the creamy mashed potatoes and glazed carrots next to the chicken. Drizzle any extra sauce over the top and garnish with fresh parsley or chives for that final touch.

Serving suggestions

This Creamy Herb Chicken with Mashed Potatoes and Glazed Carrots makes for a beautiful and satisfying presentation. For a delightful twist, consider adding a side salad with a light vinaigrette or some crusty bread to soak up all that creamy goodness. A glass of white wine, such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, complements the flavors wonderfully.

Keeping leftovers fresh

Storing this delicious dish is simple to ensure maximum freshness. First, let the leftovers cool to room temperature. Place them in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3–4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken and sauce separately from the mashed potatoes and carrots, allowing for up to 3 months of freshness.

Pro chef tips

• For even creamier mashed potatoes, consider using a potato ricer instead of mashing by hand.
• Don’t skip the deglazing step for the sauce; those flavorful bits from the chicken add depth to the cream sauce.
• If you like a little heat, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for an interesting twist.

Creative twists

Feel free to customize this dish! Try adding spinach or mushrooms to the herb cream sauce for an extra veggie boost. For those looking for a lighter option, swap out heavy cream for Greek yogurt. And if you’re in the mood for something different, consider using fresh herbs like basil or dill instead of thyme and rosemary.

Your questions answered

How long does it take to prepare and cook?
This recipe typically takes about 45 minutes from start to finish, making it efficient for a weeknight meal.

Can I substitute the chicken stock with something else?
Absolutely! Vegetable broth works just as well for a more plant-based option.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
For the best flavor and texture, reheat in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a touch of milk or broth to help restore creaminess. You can also use the microwave, but be sure to cover the dish to prevent drying out.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, just ensure your chicken broth and Dijon mustard are labeled gluten-free, and you’re good to go!

Now you’re ready to create this satisfying comfort food dish that brings warmth and joy to your dining table! Happy cooking!

Creamy Herb Chicken with Mashed Potatoes & Glazed Carrots

A comforting one-pot meal featuring creamy herb chicken, fluffy mashed potatoes, and sweet, glazed carrots.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American, Comfort Food

Servings 4 servings

Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the Chicken and Herb Sauce

• 2-3 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• to taste Salt & pepper
• 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)

For the Mashed Potatoes

• 1.5 lbs Yukon gold or russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1/2 cup milk or cream
• 2-3 tbsp butter
• to taste Salt

For the Glazed Carrots

• 3 cups baby carrots or sliced carrots
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp brown sugar or honey
• 1/4 tsp salt
• pinch cinnamon or thyme (optional)

Instructions

 

Preparing the Mashed Potatoes

• Boil the peeled and cubed potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, about 15–20 minutes. Drain and mash with butter, milk, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Keep warm.

Glazing the Carrots

• In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the carrots, butter, brown sugar, salt, and a splash of water. Cover and simmer for about 10–12 minutes until tender and coated in glaze. Remove the lid for the last 2–3 minutes to thicken the glaze.

Cooking the Chicken

• Pat the chicken dry and season both sides generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, thyme, and rosemary.
• Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for about 4–5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Making the Herb Cream Sauce

• In the same skillet, sauté the minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits. Stir in the cream, Parmesan cheese, and Dijon mustard (if using) and simmer for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.

Final Assembly

• Return chicken to the pan, spoon the sauce over it, and simmer for an additional 2 minutes.
• Plate the creamy mashed potatoes and glazed carrots next to the chicken, drizzle any extra sauce over the top, and garnish with fresh parsley or chives.

Notes

For even creamier mashed potatoes, use a potato ricer. Don’t skip the deglazing step for the sauce; the flavorful bits add depth. Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes can add a unique twist.

Keyword comfort food, creamy chicken, Glazed Carrots, Herb Sauce, Mashed Potatoes

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