Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Mashed Potatoes, Herb Gravy & Roasted Carrots

🍗 Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Mashed Potatoes, Herb Gravy & Roasted Carrots

⏱ Prep Time: 20 minutes

🍳 Cook Time: 40 minutes

🍽 Serves: 2–3

📝 Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 4 bone-in or boneless chicken thighs (skin-on preferred)

• Salt & black pepper (to taste)

• 1 tsp paprika

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp butter

• 2 cloves garlic (minced)

• ½ cup chicken broth

• ½ cup cream or milk

• 1 tsp dried thyme or rosemary

• 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)

For Mashed Potatoes:

• 4 large potatoes (peeled & chopped)

• 2 tbsp butter

• ½ cup warm milk or cream

• Salt to taste

• Black pepper (optional)

• 1 clove garlic (optional, mashed)

For Roasted Carrots:

• 3–4 large carrots (peeled)

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• Salt & pepper

• ½ tsp dried thyme or oregano

• ½ tsp honey (optional)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Roast the Carrots

1. Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).

2. Toss carrots with olive oil, salt, pepper, and herbs.

3. Roast for 25–30 minutes until tender and lightly caramelized.

2️⃣ Make Mashed Potatoes

1. Boil potatoes in salted water for 15–18 minutes until soft.

2. Drain and mash.

3. Add butter, warm milk, salt, pepper, and garlic.

4. Mash until smooth and creamy. Cover to keep warm.

3️⃣ Cook the Chicken

1. Season chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.

2. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high.

3. Place chicken skin-side down and sear for 5–6 minutes until crispy.

4. Flip and cook another 5 minutes.

5. Add butter and minced garlic. Sauté 30 seconds.

4️⃣ Make Herb Gravy

1. Pour chicken broth into the same pan.

2. Add cream, thyme, and Dijon mustard.

3. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until thickened.

4. Taste and adjust seasoning.

5️⃣ Assemble

• Spoon mashed potatoes onto a plate.

• Place chicken on top.

• Pour herb gravy over everything.

• Add roasted carrots on the side.

• Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

❓ Q & A

Q1: Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, but thighs are juicier and more flavorful.

Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Store each component separately and reheat before serving.

Q3: How do I make this healthier?
Use low-fat milk, less butter, and air-fry the chicken.

Q4: Can I make this without cream?
Yes, use milk or extra chicken broth instead.

Q5: What herbs work best?
Thyme, rosemary, parsley, or Italian seasoning.

Q6: Can I air-fry the chicken?
Yes! Air-fry at 180°C (360°F) for 14–16 minutes.

Q7: What can I substitute for mashed potatoes?
Mashed cauliflower, rice, or quinoa work well.