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

When the chilly weather arrives or you simply crave a hearty meal, this Creamy Herb Chicken with Mashed Potatoes & Glazed Carrots is the perfect dish to turn to. It embodies the warmth and comfort of home-cooked goodness, making it a wonderful choice for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners. The succulent chicken, enveloped in a flavorful herb cream sauce, paired with smooth, buttery mashed potatoes and sweet, glazed carrots, will make your taste buds dance with joy. This recipe not only fills your stomach but also nourishes the soul, bringing a sense of togetherness around the dinner table.

What makes this dish so special is the balance of flavors and textures. The chicken offers a comforting richness, while the vibrant carrots bring a delightful sweetness to the plate. Plus, the creamy sauce is simply irresistible, making every bite a moment of indulgence. Your loved ones will rave about this meal, and you’ll enjoy the process of cooking it as much as savoring it together!

This is what the finished dish looks like when perfectly baked.

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

Fresh ingredients ready for a comforting meal.

Directions

1. Make the mashed potatoes: Boil the peeled and cubed Yukon gold or russet potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, about 15–20 minutes. Drain and mash with 2–3 tbsp of butter, 1/2 cup of milk or cream, and salt to taste until smooth. Keep warm.

2. Glaze the carrots: In a saucepan over medium heat, add the baby carrots, 2 tbsp of butter, 1 tbsp of brown sugar (or honey), 1/4 tsp of salt, and a splash of water. Cover and simmer for 10–12 minutes until the carrots are tender and glazed. Stir occasionally and remove the lid for the last 2–3 minutes to thicken the glaze.

3. Cook the chicken: Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil and 1 tbsp of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.

4. Make the herb cream sauce: In the same pan, add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Deglaze the pan with 1/2 cup of chicken broth, scraping up the browned bits. Stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream (or half-and-half), 1/3 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and Dijon mustard (if using). Simmer until slightly thickened, about 3–5 minutes.

5. Return chicken to the pan: Spoon the herb cream sauce over the chicken and allow to simmer for an additional 2 minutes, letting the flavors meld.

6. Assemble and serve: Plate the creamy mashed potatoes and glazed carrots alongside the chicken. Spoon any extra sauce over the meal, and garnish with chopped parsley or chives before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Ingredient substitutions: You can use skin-on chicken pieces for added flavor, and feel free to replace the heavy cream with a plant-based alternative for a lighter version.

• Optional variations: Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach into the herb cream sauce for extra texture and flavor.

• Storage or reheating tips: Store leftover chicken and sides in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of broth or milk to revive the creaminess.

Recipe Information

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 35 minutes
• Total time: 50 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Difficulty level: Easy

Generic image description or alt-text if needed.