This Garlic Herb Chicken is juicy and full of flavor, paired perfectly with creamy mashed potatoes and sweet glazed carrots. It’s a cozy meal everyone will enjoy!
As I cook, the smell of garlic fills the kitchen, and I can’t help but sneak a taste of those tender veggies. Definitely a crowd-pleaser and so easy to whip up for dinner!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: I love using skin-on, boneless chicken thighs for this recipe because they stay juicy and flavorful. If you’re looking for a leaner option, skinless chicken breasts work too, but might need more seasoning to keep the flavor up.
Garlic: Fresh garlic brings a lovely aroma and taste to the dish. If you only have garlic powder, you can use that instead, but I recommend about 1/8th teaspoon per clove.
Paprika: This gives a mild sweetness and adds color to the chicken. Smoked paprika is a great alternative; it adds a deeper flavor than regular paprika.
Potatoes: Russet potatoes are a classic choice for creamy mashed potatoes, but Yukon Gold potatoes are fantastic too! They have a buttery flavor and creamy texture. Feeling adventurous? Try sweet potatoes for a twist.
Butter: Unsalted butter is ideal, but if you’re out, you can use margarine or coconut oil. Just watch out for the flavor difference, especially in the mashed potatoes!
How Do You Get the Chicken Skin Extra Crispy?
Achieving crispy chicken skin is a key step for delicious garlic herb chicken. Follow these tips to make it happen:
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels before seasoning. This helps crisp up the skin!
- Use medium-high heat for searing; this allows the skin to render fat and become crispy.
- Don’t rush flipping the chicken; let it cook undisturbed until the skin is nice and brown, about 6-8 minutes.
- Add the garlic and herbs after flipping to prevent burning and infuse flavor.
What’s the Best Way to Make Smooth Mashed Potatoes?
For creamy mashed potatoes, texture is key. Here are some steps to help you get them just right:
- Start with cold water when boiling the potatoes. It allows for even cooking, avoiding gummy potatoes.
- Don’t over-mash! Use a potato masher or ricer, but stop when smooth to keep from turning them gluey.
- Mix in warm milk and melted butter for creaminess. Cold ingredients can make the mash starchy.
Garlic Herb Chicken With Mashed Potatoes And Glazed Carrots
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Garlic Herb Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skin-on chicken thighs
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
For the Mashed Potatoes:
- 2 pounds russet potatoes or Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1/2 cup whole milk (warm)
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Glazed Carrots:
- 1 pound baby carrots (or regular carrots peeled and cut into sticks)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp brown sugar or honey
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Pan Gravy:
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp minced garlic (from the chicken preparation)
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp flour (optional, for thickening)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dinner takes about 15 minutes of preparation time and around 30 minutes to cook. Overall, you’ll spend about 45 minutes from start to finish to whip up this comforting and flavorful meal for your family or guests.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Mashed Potatoes:
Start by placing your peeled and chopped potatoes into a large pot and covering them with cold water. Don’t forget to add a pinch of salt! Bring the pot to a boil and let the potatoes cook until they’re tender, which will take about 15-20 minutes. Once they’re done, drain them well. Use a potato masher to mash the potatoes together with butter and warm milk until they’re smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep the mashed potatoes warm while you prepare the rest of your meal.
2. Cook the Glazed Carrots:
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add your carrots, then sprinkle in the brown sugar or honey, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together, and cook while stirring occasionally until the carrots are tender and nicely glazed, which should take about 10-15 minutes. Stir in fresh parsley just before taking them off the heat. Set the glazed carrots aside until you’re ready to serve.
3. Prepare the Garlic Herb Chicken:
Begin by patting the chicken thighs dry and season both sides generously with salt, pepper, paprika, and half of the minced garlic. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, combine olive oil and butter. Once hot, carefully add the chicken thighs skin side down and cook until the skin is golden and crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Then, flip the chicken over, adding the remaining garlic, thyme, and parsley to the pan. Continue cooking for another 6-8 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), ensuring it’s fully cooked through. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and cover it loosely with foil to keep warm while it rests.
4. Make the Pan Gravy:
Lower the heat to medium, and add the chicken broth to the skillet, scraping up any delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. If you’d like a thicker gravy, sprinkle in some flour while stirring continuously until it thickens. Add a tablespoon of butter and season the gravy with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Assemble the Plate:
It’s time to plate up! Start with a generous scoop of your creamy mashed potatoes in the center of the plate. Place one chicken thigh on top of the mashed potatoes, and then ladle warm pan gravy over both the chicken and potatoes. Finally, arrange the glazed carrots on the side. For the finishing touch, garnish the entire dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
6. Serve Immediately:
Now you’re ready to dig in! Serve your delicious garlic herb chicken with mashed potatoes and glazed carrots right away, and enjoy this comforting, flavorful meal!
Can I Use Different Cuts of Chicken?
Absolutely! While boneless, skin-on chicken thighs are recommended for their flavor and juiciness, you can use boneless chicken breasts as a leaner option. Just be mindful of cooking times, as they may cook faster than thighs.
What Can I Substitute for Brown Sugar in Glazed Carrots?
If you don’t have brown sugar on hand, honey works great as well. You can also use maple syrup or agave nectar for a different flavor profile. Just adjust the amount to taste!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk to the mashed potatoes to revive their creaminess. The chicken can be reheated in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Can I Make the Mashed Potatoes Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the mashed potatoes ahead of time! Just store them in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat gently in a pot or microwave, adding a bit of milk or butter to restore creaminess before serving.
