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 onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and diced; 1/2 cup butter; 1/2 cup milk; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Cozy Plate Creations

I adore this Comfort Food Creamy Chicken and Mashed Potatoes recipe because it embodies the warmth and satisfaction of home-cooked meals. The creamy chicken nestled atop fluffy mashed potatoes provides not just a filling dish but also a nostalgic experience. Every bite reminds me of family gatherings, where laughter and delicious food were always present. With a few simple ingredients and techniques, I can recreate that heartwarming essence anytime, making it a go-to comfort dish on chilly evenings or whenever I crave something soothing.

Created by

Lucinda Price

Last updated on 2026-01-26T05:41:35.042Z

When I first made this dish for my family, I was looking for something comforting and filling. The combination of creamy chicken sauce with buttery mashed potatoes turned out to be the perfect solution. I marinated the chicken in a mixture of herbs and spices before cooking, which truly enhanced the flavor and made it memorable.

To ensure the mashed potatoes were silky smooth, I used a potato ricer, which I’ve found makes all the difference. The resulting dish not only warmed our hearts but also sparked joy-filled conversations around the table long after the last bite was gone.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Creamy chicken and savory sauce that's irresistible
Fluffy mashed potatoes seasoned to perfection
A comforting dish perfect for family gatherings

      

The Key to Creamy Chicken

The star of this dish is the creamy chicken, which benefits from the layering of flavors during cooking. Using high-quality chicken broth enhances the sauce, providing depth that elevates the palate. I recommend using a low-sodium broth to avoid overwhelming the dish with salt. Sautéing the onions and garlic until they are translucent is crucial; this step brings out their natural sweetness and forms a flavorful base. Cooking these aromatics in the same skillet as the chicken also captures the fond, or browned bits, which add richness to the sauce.

As the chicken simmers in the sauce, it absorbs the creamy mixture, creating a luscious texture that’s perfect for spooning over the mashed potatoes. To ensure the chicken stays moist, avoid overcooking; it should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). If you notice the sauce thickening too much, a splash of additional chicken broth or a bit of water can be added to maintain the desired consistency without sacrificing flavor.

Perfecting the Mashed Potatoes

The mashed potatoes serve as a comforting base that holds the creamy chicken beautifully. I find that using starchy potatoes, like Russets or Yukon Golds, gives a fluffy texture that melds nicely with the sauce. For the best results, be sure to cut the potatoes into uniform pieces, about 1-2 inches, to ensure even cooking. After boiling for around 15 minutes, they should be fork-tender and easily fall apart. This guarantees a smooth mash free of lumps.

To achieve that creamy finish, balance the proportions of butter and milk carefully. Starting with 1/2 cup each is a good rule of thumb, but feel free to adjust based on your preference. I like to warm the milk before adding; this keeps the potatoes hot and helps achieve a silkier texture. If you're making this dish ahead of time, you can store the mashed potatoes in the fridge and reheat them gently, adding a little more milk if needed to restore creaminess.

Ingredients

Here’s what you need to make this delightful dish:

Ingredients for Creamy Chicken and Sauce

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

Ingredients for Mashed Potatoes

2 pounds potatoes, peeled and diced
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup milk
Salt and pepper to taste

Gather these ingredients to elevate your comfort food experience!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create the perfect creamy chicken and mashed potatoes:

Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Make the Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet, add diced onion and garlic, sauté until soft. Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits. Stir in heavy cream and thyme, bringing the mixture to a simmer.

Return chicken to the skillet and coat with the sauce, simmer for 10 minutes.

Prepare the Mashed Potatoes

While the chicken is simmering, boil the diced potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and return to the pot. Add butter and milk, mashing until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve and Enjoy

Spoon the creamy chicken over a generous portion of mashed potatoes. Drizzle with additional sauce if desired, and serve hot!

Your dish is ready. Enjoy the warmth that comes with every bite!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, try adding a splash of white wine to the creamy sauce before simmering.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're looking to lighten this dish, consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream. It will reduce richness while still giving you that creamy texture. Additionally, to make it more kid-friendly or to suit different palates, you can experiment with flavoring the sauce by adding a teaspoon of Dijon mustard or a pinch of smoked paprika; these options infuse an interesting twist without overwhelming the dish's essence.

For a dairy-free alternative, you can swap out the butter and heavy cream for plant-based options like coconut milk and vegan butter. This substitution not only caters to dairy sensitivities but also lends a unique flavor profile that complements the chicken well. Just be mindful, as coconut milk has its own sweetness that may slightly alter the final taste.

Make-Ahead and Storage

This dish is not only comforting but also great for meal prep. After cooking, let the creamy chicken and mashed potatoes cool before transferring them into airtight containers. When stored properly in the fridge, they can last for up to three days. For longer storage, consider freezing the chicken and sauce separately from the mashed potatoes to maintain the best texture when reheating. They can be frozen for up to three months without losing their quality.

To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and then use either a microwave or stovetop to warm gently. To ensure the chicken remains juicy and the mashed potatoes don’t dry out, add a splash of water or broth as you reheat. Cover with a lid or wrap to lock in moisture for an optimal reheating experience.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

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

→ What if I don't have heavy cream?

You can substitute with half-and-half or a blend of milk and sour cream for a lighter version.

→ How can I make this dish healthier?

Consider using skinless chicken, low-fat milk, and less butter in the mashed potatoes.

→ Can leftovers be reheated?

Yes, gently reheat the chicken and mashed potatoes on the stove or microwave, adding a bit of cream or broth to maintain creaminess.