Comfort Food Creamy Chicken and Mashed Potatoes

Name: Comfort Food Creamy Chicken and Mashed Potatoes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 boneless chicken breasts; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; Salt and pepper to taste; 4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed; 1/2 cup butter; 1/2 cup milk; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Soulful Flavors

I love indulging in comfort food, and this creamy chicken and mashed potatoes dish warms my heart every time I make it. The tender chicken, smothered in a luscious, velvety sauce, pairs perfectly with the buttery mashed potatoes. Whenever I need a pick-me-up or want to impress guests, this recipe shines through. It’s a delight to see everyone savoring this dish as they take their first bite. Trust me; you'll want this on your table!

Created by

Fiona Carter

Last updated on 2026-01-26T03:45:35.157Z

When I first developed this recipe, I aimed for something that captures the essence of home-cooked comfort. After several tries, I landed on the perfect combination of herbs and cream that brings out the best in chicken. The addition of garlic and onion enhances the flavor profile, making the sauce irresistible. I make sure to let it simmer gently to marry the flavors completely.

One of my favorite tips is to use leftover chicken for this meal. Not only does it save time, but it also enhances the flavors. If I have any herbs on hand, like thyme or rosemary, I toss those in too for an added aromatic touch. That little detail makes a world of difference in these cozy meals!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Creamy sauce that coats every bite of juicy chicken
Comforting mashed potatoes that melt in your mouth
The perfect meal for family gatherings or quiet nights in

Perfecting the Chicken

Achieving perfectly cooked chicken is essential to this recipe. For the best results, ensure your skillet is hot enough before adding the chicken; this helps create that beautiful golden-brown crust. To check if your chicken is cooked through without cutting into it, use an instant-read thermometer—you're looking for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). If your chicken breasts are particularly thick, you might want to pound them to an even thickness before cooking to promote uniform cooking.

After removing the chicken from the skillet, let it rest for at least five minutes before cutting into it. This allows the juices to redistribute, making every bite juicy and tender. If you notice the sauce is too thin after simmering, you can easily thicken it further by mixing a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little cold water, then whisking it into the sauce while it simmers.

Mashed Potatoes Made Easy

For velvety smooth mashed potatoes, use starchy potatoes such as Russets or Yukon Golds. After boiling the cubed potatoes until fork-tender (about 15 minutes), ensure they’re well drained to eliminate excess moisture, which can lead to gummy potatoes. When mashing, I find a potato ricer or a hand-held masher gives the best texture. For extra creaminess, consider warming the milk before adding it to the potatoes; this helps everything blend together more smoothly, creating that luxurious mouthfeel.

Feel free to customize your mashed potatoes. For instance, you can mix in roasted garlic or cream cheese to enhance the flavor profile. Adding fresh herbs like chives or parsley can also elevate the dish. If you prepare the mashed potatoes in advance, keep them warm in a covered pot on the stove on low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

While this creamy chicken and mashed potatoes dish is delightful on its own, consider serving it with a side of steamed green vegetables—like broccoli or green beans—to add a pop of color and nutrients. For a more rustic meal, how about adding roasted carrots or Brussels sprouts that can be easily tossed in with the chicken during the last few minutes of cooking?

If you want to switch things up, try adding different herbs to the creamy sauce or experiment with different protein sources, such as sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian option. A splash of white wine in the sauce can introduce a tangy depth of flavor. This recipe is flexible and can easily adapt to whatever you have on hand or your dietary preferences!

Ingredients

For the Creamy Chicken

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

For the Mashed Potatoes

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

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on both sides until browned. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Make the Sauce

In the same skillet, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add in the cream and dried thyme, stirring to combine. Return the chicken to the skillet, cover, and let simmer for 15 minutes.

Cook the Mashed Potatoes

While the chicken is simmering, boil the cubed potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and return to the pot. Add butter, milk, salt, and pepper. Mash until smooth and creamy.

Combine and Serve

Once the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened, serve it alongside a generous scoop of mashed potatoes. Drizzle some sauce over the chicken and garnish with fresh herbs if available.

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider throwing in some fresh herbs like parsley before serving. A squeeze of lemon can also brighten the dish beautifully!

Storing and Reheating

Leftovers from this creamy chicken and mashed potatoes dish can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, do so gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk to the sauce if it becomes too thick. Stir frequently to ensure even heating and prevent burning, aiming for a consistent temperature throughout.

If you want to freeze the chicken and sauce, it’s best to do this before adding it to the mashed potatoes. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container where it can be stored for up to three months. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. The mashed potatoes can be whipped up fresh or also frozen separately, although they may require additional milk or butter when reheating to regain their creamy consistency.

Troubleshooting Tips

If you find that your sauce is too oily, give it a good whisk over medium heat to help the fat emulsify. For a richer flavor, consider adding a touch of Dijon mustard or Worcestershire sauce to the sauce while it's simmering. If the sauce is overly salty, counteract it with a small amount of sugar, which can help balance the flavors without overpowering the dish.

Should you ever experience clumpy mashed potatoes, the likely culprit is under-mashing or too much moisture. To remedy clumps, try passing them through a ricer or food mill for a smoother texture. Adding more butter or cream can also help make the mixture creamier while overcoming any slurry texture that might have formed.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, but ensure it is fully thawed before cooking to achieve an even texture.

→ How can I make this recipe healthier?

You can substitute half and half for heavy cream and use olive oil instead of butter in the mashed potatoes.

→ What can I serve with this dish?

It pairs well with steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

→ Can leftovers be reheated?

Absolutely! Store them in an airtight container and reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat.