Creamy mashed potatoes and sweet glazed carrots Recipe
If you’re yearning for that perfect, heartwarming meal that brings everyone running to the table, creamy mashed potatoes and sweet glazed carrots. Imagine juicy garlic herb chicken resting atop fluffy mashed potatoes, with gleaming glazed carrots adding a dash of color and sweetness to every forkful. This comforting dish balances bold herbal flavors, silky potatoes, and irresistible candied carrots. I guarantee it’s about to become the star of your weekly rotation — everyone will fight for seconds!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple but essential ingredients make this meal sing. Each one plays its own role, from building rich savory notes to lending vibrant sweetness and beautiful color. Let’s break down what makes creamy mashed potatoes and sweet glazed carrots so unforgettable.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless, and perfect for soaking up all the herby, garlicky goodness.
- Olive oil: A golden touch for searing the chicken, locking in moisture and flavor.
- Garlic: Four fresh cloves provide that familiar, addictive aroma and deep savory bite.
- Dried oregano: Lends peppery-green, Mediterranean flair to the chicken, making it extra fragrant.
- Dried thyme: Gives a subtle earthiness that balances the stronger herbs and helps seasons shine.
- Salt and pepper: The foundation for every great dish — don’t be shy!
- Chicken broth: Creates a luscious, savory sauce to moisten everything on the plate.
- Lemon juice: Brightens the sauce and elevates the garlic-herb flavor profile beautifully.
- Fresh parsley: A final flurry of green for garnish and a hit of freshness in every bite.
- Potatoes: Yukon Gold or Russets both make for the dreamiest mashed potatoes — super creamy!
- Milk: For that lush, velvety mash (whole milk works best, but any will do).
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and a hint of sweetness to the mash; always use real butter for best flavor.
- Carrots: Choose vibrant, firm carrots for the most beautiful glazed result.
- Butter: Extra for caramelizing the carrots, making them glossy and delicious.
- Brown sugar: The secret to those addictive, slightly candied carrots—don’t skip it!
How to Make Creamy mashed potatoes and sweet glazed carrots
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Begin by laying out your chicken breasts on a clean surface. Sprinkle both sides generously with salt, pepper, oregano, and thyme, gently pressing the seasonings into the meat so every bite is full of flavor. This step sets the stage for the signature aroma and taste that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat your olive oil in a big skillet over medium-high heat until it’s shimmering but not smoking. Carefully add your chicken breasts and listen for that glorious sizzle. Sear each side for 5 to 7 minutes until they’re gorgeously golden and cooked through. Rest the chicken on a plate while you build the sauce—they’ll stay juicy, trust me!
Step 3: Make the Garlic Herb Sauce
In the same skillet (don’t clean it, all those brown bits are flavor gold!), toss in your minced garlic. Let it perfume the kitchen for about a minute, then pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice. Use a spoon to gently scrape up all the flavorful bits stuck to the bottom. Return the chicken to the pan, simmer it for 5 more minutes, and you’ll have a dreamy, herb-infused sauce ready to pour over everything.
Step 4: Boil and Mash the Potatoes
Meanwhile, toss your peeled and cubed potatoes into a big pot of salted, boiling water. Cook them for about 15 to 20 minutes—when a fork slides right in, they’re ready! Drain the water, then return the potatoes to the pot, add the milk and butter, and mash until you reach ultimate smoothness. Season with salt and pepper for the perfect complement to your chicken.
Step 5: Prepare the Glazed Carrots
In a separate pan, melt butter over medium heat and add your carrot sticks. Sauté them for about 5 minutes until they just start to soften. Sprinkle brown sugar over the top, stir to coat every carrot, and cook another 5 minutes until they’re tender, gleaming, and perfectly glazed. Finish with a touch of salt and pepper, and just like that, creamy mashed potatoes and sweet glazed carrots, right on your stove.
How to Serve Creamy mashed potatoes and sweet glazed carrots Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley over everything gives a bright, herbal finish and unbeatable color contrast—don’t skip it! If you want to go bolder, a little grated lemon zest on the chicken will send the flavors over the top and make creamy mashed potatoes and sweet glazed carrots look straight out of a restaurant kitchen.
Side Dishes
This dish is such a complete meal on its own, but if you’re feeling extra, crusty warm bread or a simple green salad with vinaigrette work perfectly. The light freshness of salad balances the comfort of mashed potatoes, while bread is ideal for soaking up every drop of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
To really impress, plate your fluffy mashed potatoes first as a bed, nestle the herby chicken alongside, then line up the glazed carrots for dramatic color. Drizzle everything with plenty of that garlicky sauce, and finish with a shower of parsley. Want to wow your guests? Serve family style on a big platter so creamy mashed potatoes and sweet glazed carrots steals the scene.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, rejoice! Let everything cool, then pack the chicken, carrots, and mashed potatoes in airtight containers. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days, keeping all their flavor and moisture locked in.
Freezing
You can freeze the chicken and carrots for up to 2 months—just wrap tightly to prevent freezer burn. I recommend making fresh mashed potatoes when you reheat, as they can sometimes lose their dreamy texture after freezing. But in a pinch, the whole meal is good from the freezer too.
Reheating
For best results, reheat everything gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of broth to bring back the juiciness. Mashed potatoes like a little extra milk stirred in as they warm. The microwave works in a hurry, but stovetop reheating keeps creamy mashed potatoes and sweet glazed carrots just as comforting as day one.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in chicken instead of boneless?
Absolutely! Bone-in chicken will work, just adjust your cook time (add a few extra minutes per side) to ensure the meat is fully cooked through before simmering in the sauce.
What’s the best potato variety for mashing?
Yukon Golds and Russets are both fantastic. Yukon Golds give silky, buttery mashed potatoes, while Russets are fluffier and lighter—use whichever you love!
Can I prep any part of the recipe ahead of time?
You can season and marinate the chicken a day in advance, and even peel and chop potatoes and carrots ahead. Store veggies in water in the fridge, and you’ll save lots of prep time when it’s time to cook creamy mashed potatoes and sweet glazed carrots.
How do I know when my chicken is cooked through?
The safest way is to check with a thermometer—the thickest part should hit 165°F. If you don’t have one, cut into the center: the meat should be opaque and juices should run clear.
Is there a dairy-free option for the mashed potatoes?
Yes! Use a combination of olive oil and your favorite plant milk to make delicious, creamy dairy-free mashed potatoes for creamy mashed potatoes and sweet glazed carrots. Vegan butter works great, too.
Final Thoughts
I am beyond excited for you to try creamy mashed potatoes and sweet glazed carrots. Comforting, bright, and absolutely irresistible, this dish is pure happiness in every bite. Gather your loved ones, get cooking, and watch as everyone digs in with big smiles! You’ll be making this one again and again.
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creamy mashed potatoes and sweet glazed carrots Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-vegetarian
Description
A delicious and comforting meal featuring garlic herb chicken served with creamy mashed potatoes and sweet glazed carrots. This recipe is perfect for a family dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
Garlic Herb 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)
Mashed Potatoes:
- 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup milk
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Glazed Carrots:
- 1 pound carrots, peeled and cut into sticks
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
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- Prepare Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, oregano, and thyme.
Sear Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
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- Make Sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping the bottom of the skillet to deglaze. Return the chicken to the skillet and simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
- Boil Potatoes: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the cubed potatoes and cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain well.
- Mash Potatoes: Return the potatoes to the pot and add milk, butter, salt, and pepper. Mash until smooth and creamy.
- Cook Carrots: In a separate pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add the carrot sticks and sauté for about 5 minutes.
Add Sugar: Sprinkle brown sugar over the carrots, stirring to coat. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until the carrots are tender and glazed. Season with salt and pepper.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, Oven
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: garlic herb chicken, mashed potatoes, glazed carrots, family dinner, comfort food
