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Garlic Herb Chicken with Mashed Potatoes and Glazed Carrots

A classic comfort meal featuring pan-seared garlic herb chicken, creamy mashed potatoes, and sweet glazed carrots, all tied together with a rich pan sauce.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Dish
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

For the Garlic Herb Chicken
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts about 6-8 oz each
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh thyme chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh rosemary chopped
  • 0.5 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp cold water, optional for thicker sauce
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
For the Creamy Mashed Potatoes
  • 2 lbs Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes peeled and quartered
  • 0.5 cup warm milk or cream
  • 0.25 cup unsalted butter softened
  • Salt and pepper to taste
For the Glazed Carrots
  • 1 lb carrots peeled and sliced into rounds or batons
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar or maple syrup
  • 0.25 cup water or vegetable broth
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Large skillet or cast iron pan
  • Large pot
  • Potato ricer or masher
  • Small saucepan

Method
 

  1. Pat chicken breasts dry and season generously with salt, pepper, half of the minced garlic, half of the fresh thyme, and half of the fresh rosemary.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear for 5-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C). Remove chicken and set aside, keeping warm.
  3. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add remaining minced garlic, thyme, and rosemary. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a simmer.
  4. If using, whisk in cornstarch slurry and simmer until the sauce thickens to a desired viscous consistency. Season sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Return chicken to the pan to coat in sauce or drizzle sauce over chicken on plates.
  5. For mashed potatoes: Place peeled and quartered potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold, salted water. Bring to a boil and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until fork-tender. Drain thoroughly.
  6. Return hot potatoes to the pot. Add warm milk or cream, softened butter, salt, and pepper. Mash with a potato ricer or masher until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  7. For glazed carrots: In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add carrots, brown sugar/maple syrup, water/broth, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
  8. Cover and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until carrots are tender-crisp and the liquid has reduced to a glossy glaze.
  9. To serve, spoon mashed potatoes onto plates, top with a chicken breast, and generously drizzle with the pan sauce. Arrange glazed carrots alongside. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.

Notes

For extra flavor, add a splash of white wine to the pan sauce. Adjust herbs to your preference (e.g., oregano, marjoram). You can prepare the potatoes and carrots while the chicken cooks to streamline the process.