Comfort Food Creamy Chicken and Mashed Potatoes

Name: Comfort Food Creamy Chicken and Mashed Potatoes
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 medium onion, chopped; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and quartered; 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 1/2 cup milk; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Hearty Family Meals

I absolutely adore this Comfort Food Creamy Chicken and Mashed Potatoes recipe! It’s the perfect combination of hearty flavors that brings back memories of cozy family dinners. The creamy chicken pairs beautifully with the buttery, fluffy mashed potatoes, creating a dish that is both satisfying and indulgent. Whether I’m serving it on a chilly evening or for a special occasion, this dish never fails to delight my family and friends. I can’t wait for you to try it!

Created by

Arabella Scott

Last updated on 2026-01-26T02:54:34.695Z

Creating this Comfort Food Creamy Chicken and Mashed Potatoes recipe was a delightful journey. I wanted to capture that warm, nostalgic essence of family gatherings while adding my personal touch, and I believe I succeeded. The secret to the creamy texture of the chicken lies in slowly simmering the meat in rich chicken broth before adding cream, which results in deep flavors.

During my test runs, I realized that letting the mashed potatoes rest for a few minutes after mashing enhances their creaminess. This allows the butter and cream to meld seamlessly into the potatoes, making each bite melt in your mouth. Trust me, this little tip elevates the dish to a whole new level!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Creamy, decadent sauce enveloping tender chicken
Buttery, fluffy mashed potatoes that complement the dish perfectly
Comforting flavors that make any meal feel like a hug

      

Mastering the Cream Sauce

The cream sauce in this recipe is the star, providing richness and depth to the dish. When making it, use a good-quality heavy cream for the best results; it should be visibly thicker and richer than regular cream, creating a luxurious texture. As you simmer, take care to consistently scrape the bottom of the skillet to incorporate all those flavorful brown bits—this will enhance the sauce's overall taste and complexity.

To adjust the thickness of the sauce to your liking, you can simmer it longer for a more concentrated flavor or add a splash more chicken broth if it becomes too thick. A tip I swear by is to taste as you go; if it feels flat, a pinch of salt or a squeeze of lemon juice can elevate its flavor profile beautifully.

Perfecting Mashed Potatoes

When it comes to mashed potatoes, russet potatoes are ideal due to their high starch content, which contributes to a lighter, fluffier texture. Ensure that you quarter the potatoes uniformly to promote even cooking. I recommend boiling them in salted water after reaching a rolling boil; this can take about 15 minutes. You're aiming for fork-tender potatoes, so check a few pieces before draining to avoid overcooking.

For the ultimate creamy mash, warm your milk and melt the butter beforehand. This not only helps integrate those ingredients better but also avoids cooling down your potatoes. If you're looking for a lighter mash, consider substituting half of the butter with sour cream or Greek yogurt—this adds tanginess and cuts the richness just right!

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients before starting your cooking adventure:

For the Chicken

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
Salt and pepper to taste
1 teaspoon dried thyme

For the Mashed Potatoes

4 large russet potatoes, peeled and quartered
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup milk
Salt and pepper to taste

Once you have all these ingredients ready, you're all set to start cooking!

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to create your Comfort Food Creamy Chicken and Mashed Potatoes:

Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and dried thyme. Sear the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side until browned.

Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Sauté Onion and Garlic

In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Make the Cream Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Stir in the heavy cream and return the chicken to the skillet. Simmer for 15 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.

Prepare the Mashed Potatoes

Meanwhile, boil the quartered potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, about 15 minutes. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add butter, milk, salt, and pepper.

Mash until smooth and creamy.

Serve

Plate a generous scoop of mashed potatoes and top with the creamy chicken sauce. Enjoy your comforting meal!

Now that you've made this delicious dish, it's time to dig in!

Pro Tips

For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like parsley or chives to the mashed potatoes. They add a touch of freshness that complements the creamy chicken beautifully.

Make-Ahead Tips

This Comfort Food Creamy Chicken and Mashed Potatoes dish is fantastic for meal prepping. You can prepare the chicken and sauce a day in advance; just store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to loosen the sauce if needed.

Mashed potatoes can also be made ahead. After mashing, let them cool, then place them in an airtight container. You can reheat them in the microwave or stove, adding extra milk or butter to regain that luscious creaminess that tends to diminish after refrigeration.

Variations to Try

Feel free to customize the cream sauce by adding additional herbs or veggies. Fresh spinach or sautéed mushrooms make a lovely addition, offering different textures and flavors. If you enjoy a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can also elevate the dish, providing a subtle warmth that contrasts beautifully with the creaminess.

Looking for a lighter version? You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for an even juicier bite. They require slightly longer cooking times, so adjust your simmering time to ensure they are cooked through without drying out.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add even more flavor and tenderness to the dish.

→ How can I make the mashed potatoes lighter?

You can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream or add in some Greek yogurt for a tangy twist.

→ Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?

Yes! Substitute the chicken with sautéed mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time, then reheat and serve over freshly made mashed potatoes.