Comfort Food Creamy Chicken and Mashed Potatoes

Name: Comfort Food Creamy Chicken and Mashed Potatoes
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; Salt and pepper, to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish); 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and quartered; 4 tablespoons butter; 1/2 cup milk; Salt and pepper, to taste

Highlighted under: Warm Meal Inspirations

I love nothing more than a comforting meal on a chilly evening, and this Creamy Chicken and Mashed Potatoes dish has quickly become a family favorite. The creamy, savory chicken paired with buttery mashed potatoes creates a warm hug in a bowl. It's perfect for those nights when you want to indulge yourself and share a delicious experience with loved ones. Trust me, the combination of flavors and textures in this recipe will leave you craving it again and again!

Created by

Helena Wright

Last updated on 2026-01-26T05:21:35.093Z

My journey to perfecting this Comfort Food Creamy Chicken and Mashed Potatoes began on a rainy afternoon when cravings hit hard. I wanted warmth, satisfaction, and something easy to prepare. The addition of cream and herbs to the chicken gave it a lush flavor that envelops the taste buds. I remember the aromas wafting through the kitchen as it simmered, each ingredient falling perfectly into place.

What sets this dish apart is the silky mashed potatoes that soak up the creamy sauce. I found that using a mix of butter and cream produces a richness that elevates the dish. Finally, I learned that a sprinkle of fresh herbs right before serving brightens the flavors and makes it visually stunning!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Creamy chicken that's bursting with savory flavor
Buttery mashed potatoes that melt in your mouth
A comforting dish perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in

Perfecting the Creamy Chicken

To achieve the perfect creamy chicken, it's essential to ensure that your skillet is hot enough before adding the chicken. This helps develop a nice golden-brown crust, which adds depth to the dish. Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side; it should be internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption. If your chicken is browning too quickly, reduce the heat to medium-low to avoid burning.

When making the sauce, the order of ingredients is crucial for building flavor. After adding the onion and garlic to the skillet, you should sauté them just until they become translucent and fragrant. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Then, introducing the chicken broth and bringing it to a gentle simmer helps enhance the savory profile of the sauce before adding the rich heavy cream. This layering of flavors is key to ensuring each bite is delicious.

Mastering Buttery Mashed Potatoes

The type of potatoes you choose significantly affects the texture of your mashed potatoes. For creamy results, opt for Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, as they have a high starch content, which yields fluffier mashed potatoes. During boiling, be sure to keep an eye on them; they should be fork-tender after about 15-20 minutes. If overcooked, they can become waterlogged, resulting in a gummy texture.

Adding the right amount of butter and milk is essential for rich, flavorful mashed potatoes. Start with 4 tablespoons of butter and 1/2 cup of milk, and adjust according to your taste preferences. For an extra twist, you could mix in some roasted garlic or cream cheese for additional flavor. Remember to mash the potatoes until just smooth for the best texture—over-mashing can lead to a sticky consistency.

Ingredients

For the Creamy Chicken

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For the Mashed Potatoes

2 pounds potatoes, peeled and quartered
4 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup milk
Salt and pepper, to taste

Make sure to gather all your ingredients before starting for a smooth cooking experience!

Instructions

Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.

Make the Sauce

In the same skillet, add diced onion and garlic, stirring until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add the heavy cream and thyme, returning the chicken to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper, simmering for about 10-15 minutes.

Prepare the Mashed Potatoes

While the chicken cooks, boil potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and return to pot. Mash with butter and milk, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve

Place a serving of mashed potatoes on each plate, top with the creamy chicken, and garnish with chopped parsley.

Enjoy your meal while it's hot for the best experience!

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, add a splash of white wine to the sauce for deeper flavor. Pair this dish with a side of steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Make-Ahead Tips

This Creamy Chicken and Mashed Potatoes dish is perfect for meal prep! You can prepare the creamy chicken up to a day in advance. Just store it in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator, and when ready to serve, gently reheat it on low heat in a skillet, stirring regularly to avoid scorching. Just add a splash of chicken broth to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much during storage.

For the mashed potatoes, consider making them ahead of time but storing them separately from the chicken. They can be made and cooled, then transferred to a dish and covered tightly with plastic wrap. When ready to serve, reheat the mashed potatoes in the microwave or over low heat on the stovetop, adding a bit more milk to achieve buttery creaminess. This helps save time on busy weeknights!

Serving Ideas and Variations

While this dish is comforting as is, it's easy to customize based on what you have at home. Feel free to toss in some steamed vegetables like peas or green beans to the creamy chicken to add color and nutrition. Alternatively, you could serve the chicken on a bed of rice or noodles instead of mashed potatoes for a different twist.

For an added layer of flavor, try incorporating cheese into the mashed potatoes! A half cup of shredded cheddar cheese mixed in right after mashing can add a delightful richness. You can also consider enriching the creamy sauce with a splash of white wine for a sophisticated twist, allowing it to cook down a bit before adding the cream.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs can add a richer flavor and moisture to the dish.

→ How can I make this dish lighter?

You can use low-fat milk instead of heavy cream and reduce the amount of butter in the mashed potatoes.

→ What herbs can I use in the sauce?

Feel free to experiment with herbs like rosemary or oregano for a different flavor profile!

→ Can this recipe be made ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and mash the potatoes ahead of time. Just reheat them before serving.