A comforting plate featuring juicy garlic herb chicken paired with sweet roasted carrots—and creamy mashed potatoes for added satisfaction.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how effortlessly this dish blends savory garlic herb chicken with naturally sweet roasted carrots and creamy mashed potatoes. It’s cozy yet fresh, quick enough for a weeknight, and still makes any dinner feel special. Plus, everything cooks together in just about 40 minutes—simple and satisfying.
ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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2 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts if preferred)
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3 cups peeled and sliced carrots (about 3–4 medium carrots)
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2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon dried thyme (or Italian herb blend)
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½ teaspoon dried rosemary (optional)
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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¾ cup mashed potatoes (prepared separately)
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Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
directions
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Preheat oven to 400 °F (200 °C). Toss carrots with 1 tablespoon olive oil, half the garlic, half the herbs, and salt and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25–30 minutes until tender and caramelized.
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While the carrots roast, rub chicken with the remaining olive oil, garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper. Sear in a skillet over medium-high heat for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through to 165 °F.
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Warm mashed potatoes or prepare them fresh by boiling potatoes until tender, then mashing with butter, milk, salt, and pepper.
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Plate mashed potatoes, top with chicken, and add roasted carrots. Spoon pan drippings over chicken if desired.
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Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Servings and timing
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Servings: 2–4 (depending on portion size)
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Prep time: 10 minutes
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Cook time: 30 minutes
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Total time: 40 minutes
storage/reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm everything gently in the microwave or a skillet until hot. If I freeze portions, I thaw them overnight in the fridge and then reheat to maintain texture.
Variations
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I often swap chicken thighs for breasts or even bone-in pieces—just adjust the cooking time.
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Switching up herbs like oregano or basil adds a new twist.
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Adding vegetables like broccoli or sweet potatoes keeps it fresh.
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Sometimes I roast everything on one pan for easy cleanup—just flip halfway through for even cooking.
FAQs
What if I only have chicken breasts?
I use breasts regularly—they’re leaner but cook quickly. I make sure to monitor closely and ensure they’re not overcooked.
Can I bake everything together?
Yes, I often roast the chicken and carrots on the same sheet pan. I just flip everything once during cooking.
How can I tell the chicken is done without a thermometer?
I check for clear juices and no pink in the thickest part. The chicken should feel firm and springy.
Can I prep ahead?
Absolutely. I prep the chicken and carrots the night before and store them in the fridge. It makes dinnertime quicker.
How long do leftovers keep?
I find they stay good in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheating gently keeps the texture just right.
Conclusion
This Garlic Herb Chicken & Carrot Plate is one of those meals I turn to again and again. It’s easy, delicious, and brings together all the comfort of a homemade dinner with very little fuss. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend, I’m always glad to have this recipe in my back pocket.
PrintGarlic Herb Chicken & Carrot Plate
A cozy and flavorful dish featuring juicy garlic-herb chicken, sweet roasted carrots, and creamy mashed potatoes—perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 2–4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Roasting & Pan-Searing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts if preferred)
- 3 cups peeled and sliced carrots (about 3–4 medium carrots)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or Italian herb blend)
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- ¾ cup mashed potatoes (prepared separately)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 °F (200 °C). Toss carrots with 1 tablespoon olive oil, half the garlic, half the herbs, and salt & pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25–30 minutes until tender and caramelized.
- Rub chicken with the remaining olive oil, garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper. Sear in a skillet over medium‑high heat for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and the internal temperature reaches 165 °F.
- Warm or prepare mashed potatoes: boil potatoes until tender, then mash with butter, milk, salt & pepper.
- Plate mashed potatoes, top with chicken, and add roasted carrots. Spoon pan drippings over the chicken for extra flavor.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- Swap chicken thighs for breasts or bone‑in pieces—adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Try different herbs like rosemary, oregano, or Italian seasoning.
- Add other veggies like broccoli or sweet potatoes with the carrots.
- Roast chicken and carrots on one pan for an easy sheet-pan meal—flip halfway for even cooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg