There is something deeply comforting about a plate filled with tender garlic herb chicken, buttery mashed potatoes, and sweet glazed carrots. It is a meal that feels both homestyle and elegant, the kind of dinner you can make on a busy weeknight but also serve proudly to guests. The juicy chicken infused with garlic, oregano, thyme, and lemon brings savory depth, while creamy potatoes balance the plate with richness. Add in the natural sweetness of carrots glazed with butter and brown sugar, and you have the perfect trio of flavors.
This dish is about balance. The chicken provides protein and savory notes, the mashed potatoes are velvety and smooth, and the carrots bring brightness and color. Together, they create a meal that looks as good as it tastes. Whether you are cooking for family, hosting a dinner party, or simply treating yourself, garlic herb chicken with mashed potatoes and glazed carrots is a recipe worth keeping close.
Why Make This Recipe
It is a complete dinner in one go. You do not need to think about extra sides because everything is included: protein, starch, and vegetables.
It is family-friendly. The flavors are simple enough for kids to enjoy yet layered enough for adults to appreciate.
It uses common pantry staples. Nothing in this recipe requires a special trip to a gourmet store.
It is versatile. You can swap herbs, adjust seasonings, or even change the vegetables depending on the season.
It feels both rustic and refined. You can put it on the table for a Tuesday dinner or serve it with a glass of wine for a more elegant occasion.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup chicken broth
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Mashed Potatoes
2 pounds potatoes, peeled and cubed
1/2 cup milk
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Glazed Carrots
1 pound carrots, peeled and cut into sticks
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons brown sugar
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Season the chicken breasts with oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then add garlic. Sear the chicken breasts until golden on both sides. Add chicken broth and lemon juice, then cover and let simmer until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Step 2: Make the Mashed Potatoes
Boil the potatoes in salted water until fork-tender. Drain well, then mash with butter, warm milk, salt, and pepper until creamy and smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if needed.
Step 3: Glaze the Carrots
In a separate pan, melt butter and stir in brown sugar. Add carrot sticks and cook until tender and lightly glazed, stirring often so they absorb the sweet buttery coating. Finish with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
Step 4: Serve
Plate each serving with a portion of mashed potatoes, glazed carrots on the side, and a juicy garlic herb chicken breast on top. Spoon a little of the pan sauce from the chicken over the potatoes for extra flavor. Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy.