Name: Garlic Herb Chicken with Mashed Potatoes and Glazed Carrots
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 chicken thighs (bone-in or boneless); 3 cloves garlic (minced); 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (chopped); 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped); 1 teaspoon rosemary (chopped); 2 pounds potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet); 4 tablespoons butter (divided); 1/2 cup milk or heavy cream; 1 pound carrots (baby or sliced); 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 1 1/2 teaspoons salt (divided); 1 teaspoon black pepper (divided); 2 tablespoons olive oil

This Garlic Herb Chicken with Mashed Potatoes and Glazed Carrots is the kind of comforting meal that brings everyone to the table. It features juicy, pan-seared chicken thighs seasoned with a blend of garlic and herbs, served over creamy mashed potatoes and accompanied by tender, honey-glazed carrots. Every bite is packed with flavor, making it a perfect dinner for any night of the week.

The balance of savory and sweet in this dish is what makes it stand out. The chicken is seared to golden perfection and simmered in a garlic herb pan sauce, while the carrots are roasted with a buttery brown sugar glaze. When paired with rich, homemade mashed potatoes, it transforms into a hearty and satisfying meal you’ll want to revisit over and over again.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Herb Chicken with Mashed Potatoes and Glazed Carrots

Complete Meal in One: Protein, carbs, and vegetables all together.
Rich in Flavor: The garlic herb seasoning and brown sugar glaze create a dynamic flavor profile.
Family Favorite: Kid-approved and adult-adored.
Meal Prep Friendly: Stores well and reheats beautifully.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Creating this dish is simple with the right tools:

Cast Iron Skillet or Oven-Safe Skillet: Essential for getting that crispy sear on the chicken and finishing it in the oven.
Medium Pot: For boiling potatoes until perfectly tender.
Potato Masher or Hand Mixer: To achieve creamy mashed potatoes.
Sheet Pan: For roasting the carrots evenly.
Tongs or Spatula: For turning the chicken and tossing the carrots without breaking them apart.

Each of these tools ensures efficiency and consistency, helping you achieve restaurant-quality results at home.

Ingredients for the Garlic Herb Chicken with Mashed Potatoes and Glazed Carrots

Chicken Thighs (bone-in or boneless): Juicy and flavorful, the perfect protein for this dish.
Garlic (minced): Provides a punchy, aromatic base for the chicken seasoning.
Fresh Herbs (thyme, parsley, rosemary): Bring a garden-fresh, earthy taste that elevates the dish.
Potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet): The ideal texture and flavor for creamy mashed potatoes.
Butter: Adds richness to both the mashed potatoes and the glazed carrots.
Milk or Heavy Cream: Helps create smooth, luxurious mashed potatoes.
Carrots (baby or sliced large carrots): Naturally sweet and tender when roasted.
Brown Sugar: Adds a caramel-like depth to the carrot glaze.
Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning every component just right.
Olive Oil: For searing the chicken and roasting the carrots.

How To Make the Garlic Herb Chicken with Mashed Potatoes and Glazed Carrots

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Pat your chicken thighs dry and season generously with salt, pepper, garlic, and chopped fresh herbs. Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet and sear the chicken skin-side down until golden and crisp. Flip and sear the other side. Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven (375°F) to finish cooking for about 15-20 minutes.

Step 2: Boil and Mash the Potatoes

While the chicken cooks, peel and cube your potatoes. Boil them in salted water until fork-tender (about 15 minutes). Drain, then mash with butter, milk or cream, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Glaze the Carrots

Toss your carrots with melted butter, a sprinkle of brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Spread them on a sheet pan and roast at 375°F for 20-25 minutes, until tender and lightly caramelized.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Once the chicken is fully cooked, spoon some of the pan juices over the top. Serve it over a scoop of mashed potatoes with a generous helping of glazed carrots on the side. Garnish with extra fresh herbs if desired.

Serving and Storing Garlic Herb Chicken with Mashed Potatoes and Glazed Carrots

Serve this dish hot, right out of the oven and pan. It makes a stunning centerpiece on the plate, and pairs well with crusty bread or a fresh garden salad. For storage, keep the chicken, mashed potatoes, and carrots in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or milk to revive the potatoes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

Chicken thighs are fully cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Just reduce the cooking time slightly and be cautious not to overcook, as breasts dry out faster.

What’s the best potato variety for mashed potatoes?

Yukon Gold is ideal for creamy mashed potatoes thanks to its buttery flavor and smooth texture. Russets are a great backup for a fluffier result.

Can I make this meal dairy-free?

Absolutely. Substitute butter with plant-based alternatives and use unsweetened almond milk for the mashed potatoes.

How do I keep the carrots from turning mushy?

Don’t overcrowd your baking sheet and roast at a high enough temperature (375°F to 400°F). This helps them caramelize rather than steam.

Can I freeze this dish?

Mashed potatoes don’t freeze well, but the chicken and carrots can be frozen in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven for best texture.

Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If you love this garlic herb chicken combo, you’ll definitely want to try these satisfying dinner favorites:

Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps for a gooey, portable lunch or dinner.
Golden Crispy Chicken with Parmesan Mushroom Sauce for creamy comfort with a crunch.
Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese for a sweet and savory cheesy fix.
Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders for a zesty twist on a classic.
Tzatziki Chicken Veggie Naan Pizza if you’re craving something with Mediterranean flair.

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time: Kitchen By Kate on Pinterest

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use fresh herbs or go with dried? Did you go bold with garlic? I’d love to hear how you made it your own.

Questions? Suggestions? Share below—let’s make weeknight dinners more delicious together!