Creamy Herb Chicken with Mashed Potatoes and Honey Glazed Carrots

Name: Creamy Herb Chicken with Mashed Potatoes and Honey Glazed Carrots
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped; 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; Salt and black pepper to taste; 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and diced; 1/2 cup milk; 1/4 cup unsalted butter; 2 cloves garlic, minced; Salt and black pepper to taste; 1 pound carrots, peeled and sliced; 2 tablespoons honey; 1 tablespoon unsalted butter; 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped; Salt to taste

Highlighted under: Cozy Meal Favorites

When I first made Creamy Herb Chicken with Mashed Potatoes and Honey Glazed Carrots, it quickly became a family favorite. The combination of creamy chicken, buttery mashed potatoes, and sweet glazed carrots creates a comforting meal that warms the soul. I love how the herby sauce complements the chicken, while the side dishes add textures and flavors that round out the experience. It's an easy recipe that brings everyone together around the table, and the aroma wafting through the kitchen is simply irresistible.

Created by

Noah

Last updated on 2026-02-16T15:54:19.060Z

I remember the first time I made this dish; the feedback from my family was overwhelmingly positive. The creamy herb sauce I created for the chicken combines a mix of fresh herbs, garlic, and a splash of lemon juice, which brightens the flavors beautifully. Mixing the mashed potatoes with a dollop of cream elevates them to a whole new level, making them an indulgent side that pairs perfectly with the savory chicken.

As for the honey-glazed carrots, I initially thought they would be too sweet, but the balance with thyme has made them a hit. I recommend sautéing the carrots just until they're fork-tender to keep their natural sweetness and crunch. This entire meal comes together quickly, making it perfect for weeknight dinners and special occasions alike.

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Rich and creamy sauce that envelops tender chicken
Perfectly fluffy mashed potatoes with a hint of garlic
Sweet and savory glazed carrots add a delicious touch

Mastering the Creamy Sauce

The key to achieving that rich and creamy sauce lies in the cooking process. After browning the chicken, it’s essential to sauté the garlic until fragrant before adding the heavy cream. Be careful not to brown the garlic too much, as it can turn bitter. Once you add the cream, keeping the heat at medium-low will allow the sauce to thicken subtly without boiling, which helps retain that luscious texture.

I also recommend whisking the Dijon mustard into the cream thoroughly. This step helps distribute the mustard’s tanginess evenly throughout the sauce. You’ll know it’s ready when the sauce coats the back of a spoon. If it feels too thick, a splash of chicken broth can loosen it without sacrificing flavor.

Perfecting the Mashed Potatoes

For the mashed potatoes, using a starchy variety like Russets will yield a fluffier texture. It's crucial to boil the potatoes in salted water until they're very tender, about 15 minutes. To check for doneness, you can pierce a potato piece with a fork; it should slide through effortlessly. Any undercooked bits can lead to a grainy mashed potato that’s less pleasant to eat.

When mashing the potatoes, whether you use a traditional masher or a ricer, aim for smoothness without overworking them. Over-mixing can result in a gluey consistency. Mixing in the milk and butter while the potatoes are still hot enhances absorption, leading to a creamy finish that pairs perfectly with the chicken’s sauce.

Seasoning and Serving Tips

Seasoning is crucial throughout this recipe. For the carrots, ensure they’re cooked just until tender yet still a bit crisp to maintain their vibrant color and natural sweetness. You can adjust the honey based on your preference—more honey will make them sweeter, while adding a pinch of salt enhances the overall flavor profile. A squeeze of lemon juice just before serving can also brighten the dish.

When serving, I recommend drizzling some extra creamy sauce over both the chicken and mashed potatoes for a cohesive flavor. Garnishing with additional fresh herbs, like chopped parsley or thyme, adds a pop of color and freshness to the plate. This meal is excellent for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners, and its beautiful presentation can elevate a simple meal into something special.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Mashed Potatoes

2 pounds potatoes, peeled and diced
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Honey Glazed Carrots

1 pound carrots, peeled and sliced
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
Salt to taste

Instructions

Steps

Prepare the Chicken

In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, add to the skillet, and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until browned. Remove the chicken and set aside.

Make the Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté for about a minute. Pour in the heavy cream and stir in Dijon mustard, parsley, thyme, and seasoning. Bring to a simmer and add back the chicken, coating it with sauce. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes.

Cook the Mashed Potatoes

In a pot of boiling salted water, add the diced potatoes and cook until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and return to the pot. Add milk, butter, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mash until smooth and creamy.

Prepare the Honey Glazed Carrots

In a separate pot, boil sliced carrots in salted water until tender, about 5 minutes. Drain, then add honey, butter, thyme, and cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring to coat the carrots.

Serve and Enjoy

Plate the creamy herb chicken alongside the mashed potatoes and honey-glazed carrots. Drizzle extra sauce over the chicken and serve hot.

Enjoy!

Pro Tips

Tip: For a more intense flavor, let the chicken marinate in the herb mixture for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This will infuse the meat with delightful herb notes.

Make-Ahead and Storage

This dish is great for meal prep! You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time, refrigerate them, and simply reheat in a skillet on low heat, adding a splash of cream if needed to restore its creamy consistency. The mashed potatoes can also be made in advance; just store them in an airtight container and reheat with a little milk to bring back their creamy texture.

The honey-glazed carrots can be prepped and cooked ahead as well. Just make sure to keep them in a tightly sealed container in the fridge. Reheat them over medium heat in a skillet until warmed through, adding a little butter to revive their smoothness. This allows you to enjoy a flavorful meal without spending all day in the kitchen.

Variations to Explore

Don’t hesitate to customize the creamy herb sauce! For a twist, add a splash of white wine after sautéing the garlic for a hint of acidity, or incorporate mushrooms in the sauté for more texture. You can also substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version, though the sauce will be slightly less rich.

For the carrots, consider adding spices like cumin or cinnamon for a warm flavor profile. You can also swap them with seasonal vegetables like green beans or Brussels sprouts, glazing them with the same honey mixture. Each variation can give this meal a new life, allowing you to enjoy it in different ways throughout the seasons.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your sauce curdles while cooking, it may be due to too high heat. To fix this, remove the skillet from the heat and whisk vigorously. Incorporating a bit more cream can smooth things out, restoring the sauce’s appealing texture. Make sure to monitor the temperature closely, aiming for a gentle simmer rather than a rolling boil.

For the mashed potatoes, if they turn out too thick or gummy, incorporating a bit more warm milk or melted butter can help loosen them up. If you find you've made too much, don't worry—mashed potatoes freeze well! Just let them cool completely, then place them in freezer bags, press out excess air, and seal for later enjoyment.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs will work well and provide a juicier flavor.

→ What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or a dairy-free cream alternative if desired.

→ Can I make the mashed potatoes ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make them ahead and reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.